Out of the past 2/18/05

25 years ago: Feb. 18, 1980

For years, students at Southeast Missouri State University have been spared the expense of purchasing textbooks and instead have "borrowed" most of the texts they need from the school's textbook service; however, because of inflation, over-orders and normal wear and tear, some undergraduate students may soon be required to purchase upper-level textbooks.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen, on the recommendation of the city attorney, has decided to seek a declaratory judgment from the county circuit court concerning the legality of a city ordinance that would allow Jackson city officials to invest city money in savings and loan institutions as well as banks.

50 years ago: Feb. 18, 1955

BELL CITY, Mo. -- Burglars made their way through three doors, broke into a steel filing cabinet and ripped the combination off the safe to take a total of $61 from the office of school superintendent Homer C. Kinder last night or early today; an additional $45 may have been taken from the safe, but it will be impossible to tell until a locksmith can open it.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Narvol A. Randol, city attorney Gerald B. Rowan and Commissioner J.W. McBride, call upon President Dwight Eisenhower at the White House; Randol describes the meeting as "a brief social call."

75 years ago: Feb. 18, 1930

Contract for construction of the new Missouri Pacific freight depot and concrete drives in the terminal yards of the railroad company have been awarded to J.J. Wueliner Co. of Alton, Ill.

J.W. Gerhardt of the Gerhardt Construction Co. is in a position to dispose of the unfinished plant of the Mid-Continent Dairy Products Co., in Cape Girardeau as a result of proceedings Saturday in bankruptcy court at Fort Smith, Ark.

100 years ago: Feb. 18, 1905

MALDEN, Mo. -- A disastrous fire begins at 6 a.m. in the heart of Malden's business district; three large business houses and two private residences are consumed.

The home of Ben Adams in Haarig was destroyed by fire last night, and only the parlor carpet and the piano were saved; the house contained 10 rooms completely furnished.

-- Sharon K. Sanders