Out of the past 12/21/09

25 years ago: Dec. 21, 1984

Despite yesterday's gloomy weather, Cape Girardeau Jaycee Toybox Santas spread a little cheer, passing out toys to more than 1,000 children in a joint project of the Southeast Missourian and the local Jaycees.

Hundreds of Christmas food baskets are delivered to needy residents throughout the area as part of the Salvation Army's annual Christmas basket distribution program.

50 years ago: Dec. 21, 1959

County Collector Bill Rose says that tax payments up to Dec. 15 totaled $1,134,806, leaving $776,328.89 yet to be paid.

Gene E. McDowell, a local contractor, and his associates will begin construction after Christmas of a new modern bowling alley on a lot across from City Park on Highway 61 in Jackson; the structure will be copied after a plant in Cleveland.

75 years ago: Dec. 21, 1934

A project for mixing and sacking of feed, including government-owned corn fodder which was locally grown, is being considered in Cape Girardeau County; it is understood this may be consummated within 10 days.

Ernest A. Guill, 85, a retired civil engineer, dies of infirmities of advanced age; Guill was the engineer who surveyed and laid out the street railway system in Cape Girardeau; he also assisted in laying out Fairground Park.

100 years ago: Dec. 21, 1909

The matter of paving Broadway from Middle to Pacific streets was settled last night at the city council meeting, when it was decided to pave that thoroughfare with granite blocks all the way out to Pacific Street; specifications call for creosoted wood blocks between the rails of the street car tracks and for a distance of 18 inches on either side, for wood blocks at the intersecting street crossings, and the rest of the street to be granite pavers.

Edward F. Regenhardt has returned from Washington; he believes early action will be taken on the question of river improvements.

-- Sharon K. Sanders