Out of the past 12/30/08

25 years ago: Dec. 30, 1983

Sheri Whitledge, a Jackson High School student, was the winner of the American Legion County Oratorical Contest held recently at the American Legion Hall in Jackson; her oration title was "Our Flexible Living Constitution."

Chester, Ill. — A bill to allow city official here to float a $1 million bond issue for repairs to the bridge connecting Randolph County, Ill., and Perry County, Mo., will be introduced by Southern Illinois Rep. Paul Simon, D-Makanda, in the upcoming legislative session.

50 years ago: Dec. 30, 1958

The Cape Girardeau City Council was urged yesterday to make overtures to Missouri's two senators and Rep. Paul C. Jones asking that an appropriation be made to implement a study for small-boat harbor needs in the city.

Joseph J. Selle of Cape Girardeau, plant operator for Standard Oil Co., and his family were guests at a retirement party given in his honor last night; 80 people, including family, friends and co-workers and their families joined in the celebration at Centenary Methodist Church; Selle retired after 41 years with Standard.

75 years ago: Dec. 30, 1933

Mary L. Himmelberger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Himmelberger, and Rush H. Limbaugh Jr. were hurt yesterday when they fell from a horse both were riding at the country estate of Mrs. Louis Houck and were then run over by an automobile, which was being driven along the road behind the horse.

Houck Field Stadium, a community center for Cape Girardeau and the district, as well as an athletic plant for the State Teachers College, is paid for two years and two months after the stadium was dedicated.

100 years ago: Dec. 30, 1908

The annual Christmas dance and reception given last evening at the Elks' hall by the United Daughters of the Confederacy was the most enjoyable event of the season, with a large crowd in attendance; among the out-of-town guests present were Mr. and Mrs. George Houck of Bloomfield, Mo., Maud and Zoe Rozier of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., and Harry English of Jackson.

Word is received that Professor B.G. Shackelford of the Cape Girardeau Normal School has been nominated for the presidency of the State Teachers' Association.

— Sharon K. Sanders