Out of the past 12/24/06

25 years ago: Dec. 24, 1981

The oldest catalog sales store in Cape Girardeau closes its doors, marking the end of 53 years of operation; Montgomery Ward & Co., 18 N. Main, began catalog and retail sales in Cape Girardeau Dec. 29, 1928.

BENTON, Mo. -- The local economy of this community will be boosted in the coming months by the opening of a new shoe component factory by the Brown Shoe Factory; sale of the recently completed facility and 20 acres of land surrounding it was completed yesterday between the Brown Group, and the owner of the property, Ronald L. Garms.

50 years ago: Dec. 24, 1956

More than 100 toys, reconditioned by members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, plus two apples and two oranges for each child and from one to three pounds of candy per family, are distributed by firemen to 328 needy children in the city.

Any mistaken opinions that Christmas shopping was done early this year are rudely dispelled by a surge of last-minute customers to Cape Girardeau's retail stores; merchants report they have never seen a day-before-Christmas to equal it.

75 years ago: Dec. 24, 1931

Pre-Christmas burglaries and thefts are keeping Cape Girardeau police on their toes; thieves, taking advantage of the season, are entering homes and prowling around automobiles parked by shoppers in the downtown shopping district.

Coming as a Christmas present to Cape Girardeau, the U.S. Treasury Department advises Postmaster H.H. Haas that bids will soon be received afor construction of an addition to the Federal Building, which houses the post offices and federal offices.

100 years ago: Dec. 24, 1906

Chief of Police Willis Martin reminds Girardeans that the shooting of firearms and fireworks on Christmas and New Year's Day is forbidden by city ordinance.

After a pleasant social and banquet, members of Justi Post, G.A.R., elect new officers: Col. G.C. Thilenius, post commander; Capt. H.A. Astholz, senior vice commander; Fred Bruning, junior vice commander; Jacob Rueble, quartermaster; Alex Ross, chaplain; Phillip Maag, order of the day; C. Klages, order of the guard; and John Kassel, adjutant.

-- Sharon K. Sanders