Out of the past 2/12/09

25 years ago: Feb. 12, 1984

Horkey's Gun Shop, 779 Enterprise St., has been purchased by Phegley Enterprises Inc.; brothers James V. and Rodney Phegley bought the business from Craig Horkey, who will remain with the outlet as a gunsmith.

The eighth annual Town and Gown Ball was held last night at the Holiday Inn with about 300 faculty and guests in attendance for a candlelight dinner and dance; the event was sponsored by the Southeast Missouri State University Faculty Dames.

50 years ago: Feb. 12, 1959

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau rose 6 feet overnight, with another 9 feet to come by the end of the week; river observer Lee L. Albert says today's stage is 17.9 feet, as compared to 11.9 feet Wednesday.

The Jackson Jaycees voted to purchase a new scoreboard for the high school gymnasium, replacing one that has been in use since 1944; the scoreboard, which will hang from the center of the gym, will cost $735, plus wiring expenses.

75 years ago: Feb. 12, 1934

Purchase of the Cape Laundry Co. equipment and real estate at 45 S. West End Blvd. by the New Rigdon Laundry, 22 N. Sprigg St., is announced by J.A. Rigdon; the deal involved cash and real estate, including five houses, in addition to the equipment and real estate.

Appointment within the next few days of Nat M. Snider as postmaster for Cape Girardeau is forecast in political circles; one political leader has said the nomination of Snider will be sent to the Senate by President Roosevelt before the end of the week, with confirmation probable before March 1.

100 years ago: Feb. 12, 1909

Pupils of Cape Girardeau's public schools assemble in the morning at Lorimier School's chapel and take part in an exercise recalling the life of Abraham Lincoln; two drummer boys with colonial hats furnish the rhythm with perfect beat when the first-floor pupils of Jefferson School sing.

Joe Schmuke returned from St. Louis yesterday with his new bride; a large number of his friends gathered last evening and held a charivari to make him remember the date.

— Sharon K. Sanders