Out of the past 12/22/09

25 years ago: Dec. 22, 1984

Cape Girardeau youths will have a chance to learn to play water polo next month when the Central High School pool begins a water polo group, led by Mike McGinnis.

The law firm of Richey, Price, Spaeth and Heisserer has moved into its new office on the fourth floor of the new First Exchange Bank Building, which is nearing completion at the intersection of Route K and Broadview Street.

50 years ago: Dec. 22, 1959

Appraisers for the State Highway Commission are at work assessing damages which will occur to rural property along the projected route of Interstate 55.

A three-way shift is underway in the 700 block of Broadway that will transfer Michael's Drug Store, Broadway Prescription Shop and the Blue Note Cafe to different locations; the store is moving to the Bauer building at the northwest corner of Broadway and Sprigg Street; the Blue Note will move to the Michael property at 731 Broadway; and Homer George will move Broadway Prescription to the Blue Note's current spot.

75 years ago: Dec. 22, 1934

The dining room of the historic St. Charles Hotel on Main Street, where in 1862 the elite of the community gathered at a ball to honor Gen. U.S. Grant, is destined for change; Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Gramling, owners, plan to convert the second-floor space into apartments and rooms.

A final drive is being made by the Salvation Army to obtain food, clothing and toys to fill Christmas baskets for distribution among the needy in the city; distribution of the baskets will begin Monday afternoon.

100 years ago: Dec. 22, 1909

After occupying several days in Common Pleas Court, the case of H. Clay Phelps against the Cape Girardeau Water and Light Co., was decided in Clay's favor; Phelps, proprietor of the Terminal Hotel building, has a 10-year contract with the water company to supply service to the Water Street building at $200 annually; he filed suit when the company notified him it could no longer supply service at that rate.

Contractors hope to have the south side granite-block paving of Broadway finished by the end of the week.

-- Sharon K. Sanders