Out of the past 12/23/12

1987

Southeast Missouri State University enrollments fell 11.21 percent over the past six years compared to an average 7.23 percent decline during the same period at all Missouri public, four-year colleges and universities; according to Southeast president Dr. Bill Stacy, tougher academic programs, fewer area high school graduates and controversy surrounding a multi-use arena contributed to the decline.

The Show Me Center announces that country greats Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty will appear together at the center Jan. 29.

1962

"Merry Christmas!" will ring out in scores of Cape Girardeau homes because of the generosity of local residents; Capt. Lee Hickam, corps commander for the Salvation Army, says the annual Tree of Lights campaign has gone over the top, collecting $6,077; the money will be used to provide Christmas food and toys for unfortunate families.

Christmas is celebrated early at a number of churches in Cape Girardeau; a candle-lighting service accompanied by carols is held at First Presbyterian Church in the evening; a cantata and drama are presented by the First Assembly of God Church.

1937

Work on a stadium and athletic field for the high school at Jackson will be started next week by the Works Progress Administration; Elmer Miles, head of the WPA office for the county, received authority last night from the finance department of the district WPA office to begin the work.

The Rev. W.J. Higgins, who has been pastor of the Assembly of God Church, 1200 S. Sprigg St., for 2 1/2 years, announces his resignation, effective Jan. 9; he will go into evangelical work; his successor will be the Rev. Paul Gaston of Sacramento, Calif.

1912

The small folks who feared Christmas would be robbed of one of its principal joys are truly delighted when snow begins to fall in the morning; before the sidewalks are fairly covered, many sleds can be seen in use.

So many Christmas gifts have been sent through the Cape Girardeau Post Office this year that Postmaster E.W. Flentge has been forced to engage a special delivery wagon and horses and place a substitute carrier at work delivering packages.

-- Sharon K. Sanders