Out of the past

25 years ago: April 13, 1983

With the floodwaters of the Mississippi River slowly receding at Cape Girardeau, attention is shifting from the east side of town to the West End, where forecasted heavy rains have local officials concerned over the threat of flash flooding; heavy rains, coupled with the high river, could result in flooding along Cape LaCroix Creek and Walker Branch.

A loaded .357-magnum revolver is taken from a 15-year-old student at Cape Girardeau Central High School; the revolver was stolen during a burglary last October at the residence of Cape Girardeau reserve police officer; the boy has been turned over to juvenile authorities.

50 years ago: April 13, 1958

The Rev. Thomas D. Hill observes his first anniversary as pastor of Red Star Baptist Church; during his tenure, 86 additions have been made to the church membership, and Sunday School and Training Union enrollments have increased considerably.

Police are called to the traffic bridge early in the morning, when a river tow is reported to have rammed one of the bridge piers; it stops briefly downstream to inspect damage, and then continues on.

75 years ago: April 13, 1933

Pouring of concrete for the piers of the new Montgomery Ward & Co. department store building on Main Street resumes following a brief halt because of rain.

A movement has been started for purchase of a large portrait of the late Col. Robert Sturdivant and a small iron safe, first used by the Sturdivant Bank, which are to be disposed of as well as other property of the institution; those interested want to have the articles preserved by the Teachers College, the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society, or some other organization.

100 years ago: April 13, 1908

SCHNURBUSCH, Mo. -- Work on the foundation for the new parochial school house at Schnurbusch, in Perry County, has commenced under the supervision of Theo. A. Wittenmeyer and Fritz Metzner and his son, Harry.

Owing to the extension of residential districts of Cape Girardeau, indicating the growth of the city, the post office department will be asked to provide an additional mail carrier; there are now five carriers supplying the city.

-- Sharon K. Sanders