Out of the past 12/22/01

10 years ago: Dec. 22, 1991

Winter's debut is on warm and wet side; that's better than bitter cold temperatures that heralded arrival of winter solstices in 1989 and 1990; National Weather Service says chances of white Christmas this year are even less than normal.

Hundreds of shoppers flock to Cape Girardeau retail stores, conscious that time to shop for last-minute Christmas gifts will soon run out; Kim Pettit, who manages Everything's $1 in West Park mall, says, "It's bumper to bumper people."

25 years ago: Dec. 22, 1976

State of Missouri has capitulated; after dragging its feet for four months in deciding whether to fully conform with city fire code on state building being constructed here, city has been notified that all code conditions will be met.

Mississippi River isn't living up to its nickname of "Father of Waters"; lingering drought and cutback of discharge from upstream reservoirs on Missouri River, has reduced Mississippi to its lowest levels in 10 years; long-range predictions show river falling to 4.5 feet here.

50 years ago: Dec. 22, 1951

Firemen battle flames for almost three hours, but two-story frame house at rear 513 S. Frederick is destroyed by fire just before daylight; dwelling was occupied by Henry Johnson and his family; all furniture was destroyed and inside of house was complete loss; building was owned by Ray Givens.

Community Christmas tree, with Santa Claus smiling from its upper branches, has been placed on Lorimier street side of Courthouse Park; living evergreen tree is lighted with numerous strands of colored lights.

75 years ago: Dec. 22, 1926

C.E. Collins, former superintendent of schools at Fornfelt, has been selected to head public school system at Desloge; Collins, who has been superintendent of schools at Cardwell in Dunklin County, has submitted his resignation to Board of Education there, and it has been accepted.

Winners in Cape Girardeau Public Schools of prizes offered for sale of Cape Girardeau County tuberculosis seals, in contest ending Dec. 18, are announced; Lorimier School wins prize for room selling most seals, the room taught by Louise Gross being the winner; intermediate department of College Training School wins $3 award for greatest percentage of sales according to enrollment.- Sharon K. Sanders