Out of the past 12/26/11

25 years ago: Dec. 26, 1986

Tourism, convention and other special events brought in an estimated $2.27 million to the Cape Girardeau economy in 1986, much of it a result of efforts by the local Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Notre Dame High opens the University's Christmas Tournament with a bang, dispatching Oak Ridge 78-38 in the morning at Houck Field House; the Bulldogs will next face the winner of the Kelly-Advance game.

50 years ago: Dec. 26, 1961

C.W. Boutin of Cape Girardeau is presented a lapel button by St. Mark's Lodge, A.F. & A.M., in recognition of 50 years of membership; Boutin became a member of St. Mark's Lodge in 1911.

Southeast Missouri State College Indians, the host team, will open play in the eight-team Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association Holiday Tournament in Houck Field House tomorrow night, taking on Missouri School of Mines of Rolla.

75 years ago: Dec. 26, 1936

Money moved freely to make Christmas business in Cape Girardeau an estimated 15 to 50 percent better than last year; more people were buying, they bought more and better articles, and were in a better humor about it, say merchants.

One of the more interesting cases on the January Circuit Court docket is an application for an order to incorporate a village at the west edge of Cape Girardeau; the County Court recently turned down the petition to incorporate; the case has been appealed to the Circuit Court.

100 years ago: Dec. 26, 1911

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A bunch of small boys and a bunch of firecrackers make trouble in Chaffee, as the home of druggist R.W. Finley is set ablaze; with minutes, the flames are carried to the adjoining houses; Finley's home, the Tiddle home and two real estate office buildings are destroyed.

Capt. G.E. Alt is preparing to leave tomorrow for England, where he will visit his home folks for a month or six weeks; the captain hasn't been to his old home for several years; his immediate family will remain in Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders