Out of the past 12/24/01

10 years ago: Dec. 24, 1991

Patton - Fire alarm switch had been turned off prior to Dec. 17 fire at Patton home for mentally handicapped people that claimed life of one of its residents; fire officials are still looking into why alarm at Mary's Ranch, privately-run facility, didn't function.

Time capsule buried in Cape Girardeau holds key to planning city's 200th birthday celebration; committee appointed to plan 200th anniversary of establishment of trading post in what is now Cape Girardeau will use documents inside capsule to plan event.

25 years ago: Dec. 24, 1976

Many Christian families leave decorated trees and celebrations in evening to take part in Midnight Masses and candlelight services at Cape Girardeau churches; Masses are held at St. Mary's Cathedral and at St. Vincent's Catholic Church, first such celebration to be held at new edifice.

Officers to head Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce in 1977 have been elected, with S. David Patterson chosen as president for coming year; Patterson, president of Colonial Savings & Loan Association, succeeds Paul Ebaugh.

50 years ago: Dec. 24, 1951

Relatives in Cape Girardeau are still awaiting details of tragic fire early yesterday at Crystal Lake Ill., which took lives of four of five motherless children of James G. O'Howell, 38, son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. O'Howell of Cape Girardeau.

One of men killed in tragic mine explosion at West Frankfort, Ill., recently was Fay Austin, 52, native of Zalma community in Bollinger County; he was brother of Harold Austin and Mrs. Floyd Niswonger, both of Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Dec. 24, 1926

More than 100 baskets, well stocked with food for Christmas dinner, are distributed in afternoon by Salvation Army to poor of city; most of food was donated by Girardeans.

James S. Semonds, 42, mechanic employed by Leming Motor Co., is seriously injured in morning when he trips and falls backwards over battery box, striking his head on concrete floor; he is unconscious for nearly three hours and is in semi-conscious condition in afternoon.

- Sharon K. Sanders