Out of the past 2/26/03

10 years ago: Feb. 26, 1993

Last week, Cape Girardeau area was clobbered by surprised 12-inch snowstorm, heaviest in 14 years; this week, it was Central Missouri's turn to feel wrath of Mother Nature; only 6 inches of snow fell in Cape Girardeau yesterday, anniversary of 1979 storm that buried Cape Girardeau and surrounding counties under 24 inches of snow.

Illinois has committed its share of design money for new Mississippi River bridge at Cape Girardeau, action that should enable project to stay ahead of schedule; written agreement is being finalized between highway departments of both states.

25 years ago: Feb. 26, 1978

The Rev. Robert D. Lucas, C.M., has been appointed by Provincial of Vincentian Midwest Province, the Rev. Cecil Parres, C.M., as assistant pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau; Lucas, native of Palos Park, Ill., was ordained June 8, 1974; he succeeds the Rev. Oscar Lukefahr, who is serving as pastor of Denver, Colo., parish.

Gymnasium at Trinity Lutheran School has been pressed into service as place of worship for Trinity Lutheran Church congregation, while deliberation continues about future of historic church; decision reached by structural engineer about one month ago, concerning unsafe condition of edifice, prompted Voters' Assembly to evacuate building.

50 years ago: Feb. 26, 1953

Dr. William A. Schoen, 81, physician for 55 years, of which 39 years were spent in Cape Girardeau, died last night at his home on North Boulevard; born at Pocahontas on Feb. 24, 1872, he graduated from medical school at Washington University in 1898; he married Bertha Ludwig in 1899, and she died in 1952.

Purchase of Cape Broadway Cab Co. from Travelers Oil Co. is announced by Nick Carter Jr., who also owns Carter Cab Co.; Carter says two companies will operate separately for time being; both will charge same fares, and no increase in fares is contemplated.

75 years ago: Feb. 26, 1928

The Rev. Roy T. Foster, pastor of Assembly of God Church of Puxico, speaks at morning and evening services at Cape Girardeau Assembly of God Church; Foster has been pastor at Puxico during past six months, coming there from Mammoth Springs, Ark.; he has been in ministry for five years.

The Rev. W.C. Hart, pastor of First Baptist Church of Cairo, Ill., preaches at morning and evening worship services at First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau; has been pastor of Cairo church during past two years, First Church being one of largest of Baptist churches in that town; he comes at invitation of pulpit committee, which is inviting ministers to preach here with purpose of selecting pastor.

-- Sharon K. Sanders