Out of the past 2/18/07

25 years ago: Feb. 18, 1982

CAIRO, Ill. -- Southern Illinois counties and farm groups, unhappy with the new Illinois farmland assessment law, take their case to the state capital; Alexander County has stepped out in front in the controversy, refusing to obey Illinois Department of Revenue instructions to apply the new law to 1982 tax bills.

About 500 production workers at the Florsheim Shoe Co. plant at Highway 74 and South Boulevard in Cape Girardeau begin a temporary layoff that will continue through March 1; the company offers no explanation for the closing.

50 years ago: Feb. 18, 1957

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Operating brotherhoods, whose members would be the first to feel effects of the move, are expected to oppose an application of the Frisco Railroad to discontinue its two daytime trains on the St. Louis-Memphis run; business interest here are particularly concerned with Frisco's request, since it will mean the elimination of several train crews and the loss of considerable community income.

The Cape Girardeau Rotary Club adopts a motion protesting the action of the Frisco Railroad in asking discontinuance of its daytime passenger service through Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Feb. 18, 1932

The steamer Cape Girardeau, returning from its annual mid-winter cruise to the Mardi Gras at New Orleans, docks at Cape Girardeau for an hour before going on to St. Louis; along with 55 passengers, the boat carries 5,000 sacks of sugar for delivery at St. Louis.

Formal opening for the new fire department annex, when Girardeans will be given an opportunity to inspect the new quarters, the new truck and other equipment and also the improved police headquarters, will be held Saturday and Sunday.

100 years ago: Feb. 18, 1907

A terrific clamor is made in the morning, when two barns in the south end of Cape Girardeau, owned by Frank Unnerstall and the estate of John Goines, are discovered on fire; they burn rapidly and cause the sky to light up for miles.

J.F. Schwepker, pioneer grocer of Cape Girardeau, dies in the morning after an illness of nearly a year; he was born in Cape Girardeau Oct. 7, 1856; he opened his first store in 1880, operating it until just a few weeks ago.

-- Sharon K. Sanders