Out of the past 2/20/09

25 years ago: Feb. 20, 1984

Burton J. Gerhardt, a longtime Cape Girardeau contractor who was instrumental in the development of the Town Plaza shopping center and in several other commercial and residential projects in the area, dies at age 73.

A five-year city beautification plan for Main Street and the Main Street parking lot is unanimously approved by the Scott City Council; the plan, drafted by parks director Pat Kinder, calls for planting a variety of trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers along the street.

50 years ago: Feb. 20, 1959

Southwestern Bell's municipal tax in Cape Girardeau is advanced from $13,000 to $15,000 annually, with the first payment due July 20, in an ordinance adopted by the city council; Mayor Walter H. Ford says the amount was agreed upon to compensate the city for additional telephones and company property.

A petition of 200 signatures is expected to be submitted to the County Court Monday, asking the court to call an election for the residents of Jackson to vote on having the public library become a part of the Riverside Regional Library.

75 years ago: Feb. 20, 1934

Mrs. Mary Lilly, a native of Cape Girardeau and a member of the pioneer Albert family, died last night at age 72; she was the widow of Edward S. Lilly, who operated a hardware store in Cape Girardeau many years.

Boy Scout executives are considering securing a permanent campground; in the past, the Scouts have used Camp Rotary on Castor River for summer camp; however, the owner of the land is asking for $100 rental for its use this year, which the Scout board has rejected.

100 years ago: Feb. 20, 1909

D.A. Dyer has moved to Chaffee, Mo., where he has accepted a position in a drugstore; his place as prescription druggist at the St. Charles Pharmacy has been taken by R.M. Brockwood of Webb City, Mo.

The death of James W. Ross, formerly of Commerce, Mo., was recently verified; Ross, 32, left Commerce 12 years ago, ending up in Africa to work in the mines; he was killed when a dam gave way, carrying away a small town where he was living.

— Sharon K. Sanders