Out of the past

25 years ago: March 16, 1983

Work is expected to continue for about a week on part of the Old Appleton bridge, which is being cut into sections and removed from a gravel bar in Apple Creek; the bridge has rested there since the creek tore it from its foundation during flooding last December.

Flapjacks are hot off the griddle at the 45th annual Lions Club Pancake Day at the Arena Building; proceeds will fund the club's various community events.

50 years ago: March 16, 1958

Graves of three deceased Methodist ministers at the Zion Methodist Church cemetery, three miles west of Gordonville, are marked at a service in the afternoon; the Rev. Frank Tucker, district superintendent, conducts the service, placing crosses on the graves of the Revs. Frederick Stoffregen, William F. Brennecke and Charles A. Neumeyer.

Plans are being completed for the 22nd annual Easter sunrise service atop Bald Knob Mountain at Alto Pass, Ill.; the speaker will be the Rev. Vernon MacNeill, executive director of the Illinois Church Council in Springfield.

75 years ago: March 16, 1933

The capacity of the lagoon at Fairgrounds Park has been doubled by the excavation work done since the deepening project began last September; the average depth of the lagoon will be about 6 1/2 feet, with the graduating depth ranging from a few inches to 10 feet, the deepest part being at the east side.

Cape Special Road District workers are clearing the right of way on section three of the Outer Drive, just west of Sprigg Street, and are grading a sector of Perryville Road near the August Weis farm; on Perryville Road at that point, a new wide culvert has just been finished.

100 years ago: March 16, 1908

The Anti-Saloon League met in Jackson last week and decided to hold a local option election as soon as the petitions can be prepared to present to the county court; it will probably occur about June 1.

Fire destroys the interior of the Gill Bros.' Saloon on Main Street near Independence Street early in the morning; Ned Blanchard, the night watchman, and policeman Will Stevens discovered the blaze, which was burning in three places.

-- Sharon K. Sanders