Out of the past 12/7/04

25 years ago: Dec. 7, 1979

A former dean of Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. David A. Strand, reports that his name has been placed in nomination for the presidency of Southeast; meanwhile, interim president, Dr. Bill Stacy, reports he, too, is among the nominees for the permanent presidency.

GRAYS POINT, Mo. -- Test core drilling is completed on the 200-acre industrial tract leased earlier this year by the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority; the testing is necessary to determine the nature of the substructure of the land prior to the start of any actual industrial construction at the site, and before the port authority can receive any federal grants.

50 years ago: Dec. 7, 1954

Those circulating petitions asking the federal government to return ownership of Common Pleas Courthouse Park to the city of Cape Girardeau say they are finding overwhelming sentiment in favor of the proposal.

The councilwide Boy Scout fund campaign is lagging badly, says Lyle Holm, Southeast Missouri Council executive; about 67 percent of the area's goal has been raised; Cape Girardeau District, where all the funds are being collected through the United Fund campaign, has 85 percent of the Scout quota.

75 years ago: Dec. 7, 1929

The steamer Cape Girardeau is scheduled to pull away from the wharf at St. Louis this afternoon on its last trip of the 1929 season down the river; it should be at Cape Girardeau tomorrow, and from here will go to Paducah, Ky., to tie up for the winter.

The forerunner of a Canadian blizzard reportedly roaring southward takes the form of a driving rain that sweeps over Cape Girardeau, bringing to an end the spring-like weather of the past two days.

100 years ago: Dec. 7, 1904

Beginning today, patrons of the telephone should see better service; new switchboards have been installed in the office; transferring wires from the old board to the new caused deplorable service the last few days, but the work has been completed.

A new gauge for the river is being established in front of Albert's grocery house; it is of the sloping variety, running down to the water from the Frisco tracks.

-- Sharon K. Sanders