Out of the past 2/14/08

25 years ago: Feb. 14, 1983

Mr. and Mrs. O.W. Hartner of Cape Girardeau receive flowers and candy from Bill Hammett, manager of Schnucks-Walgreens here, during a celebration honoring couples who have been married 50 years or more; the Hartners will mark their 74th anniversary April 12.

The third consecutive county grand jury ends its term after issuing indictments Saturday against two men accused of burglarizing the Pizza King, 1000 N. Sprigg St.; Presiding Circuit Judge Stanley A. Grimm says he will meet with Circuit Judge A.J. Seier and Prosecuting Attorney Larry Ferrell to discuss whether to empanel another grand jury.

50 years ago: Feb. 14, 1958

Frank James, 38, who is employed by Ace Excavating Service of Anderson, Ind., laying sewers in Fornfelt, was painfully injured yesterday when he had gone down into a 13-foot opening to fasten some joints of tile when a cave-in occurred, covering him completely. He was quickly unearthed, but suffered a fractured ankle and ribs, as well as facial lacerations.

Dr. R.G. Boutin, a dentist for 47 years before his retirment in 1952, died last night at a Cape Girardeau hospital; he was 77 years old.

75 years ago: Feb. 14, 1933

Dr. Samuel A. Kruse, head of the department of education of State Teachers College, will be at Washington University in St. Louis for the summer term, stepping in for Dr. Frank L. Wright, head of the department of education of that institution, who will be on a leave of absence. Kruse has been at the Cape Girardeau school since 1914 and has been head of his department since 1925.

The second floor of a brick building at 709 Broadway, owned by Frank M. Finney, druggist, is being redecorated; it will be used for physicians' offices.

100 years ago: Feb. 14, 1908

Unusual rains, amounting to 2 1/2 inches, inundated Cape Girardeau and the vicinity last night and this morning. The hard rain swept away bridges and made roads impassable; mail carriers have had to abandon their routes in some instances.

The electric lights were turned on in Jackson for the first time last night. Several of the stores and residences have already been equipped with fixtures, and others will rapidly follow.

-- Sharon K. Sanders