Out of the past 2/26/05

25 years ago: Feb. 26, 1980

Frank X. Hastings, a 32-year-old Bloomsdale, Mo., businessman, will challenge Rep. Bill D. Burlison for his 10th District seat on the Democratic ballot in the August primary.

Bernard A. Walther, 87, president of Cape Girardeau's oldest retail business and a leader in community affairs, dies in the evening; Walther was associated with Walther's Furniture Co. for 68 years; the firm was established here in 1864 by Walther's grandfather, August Walther.

50 years ago: Feb. 26, 1955

VICTORIA, Texas -- Two airmen were killed last night in the crash of their T-33 jet trainer on a ranch about 4 miles northwest of Victoria; one of those killed was Lt. John R. Allard of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

That urbanized deer that has been seen frequently in Cape Girardeau the past several months is in town again today; Jesse Sterling sees the animal on the State College farm property, opposite the Olive-North Sprigg Street intersection.

75 years ago: Feb. 26, 1930

The Eagle Packet Co. of St. Louis will resume its Mississippi River service between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau March 19; the first trip last year was made March 4.

BENTON, Mo. -- A meeting of members of the Scott County Court and property owners along the proposed east and west route of Highway 61 between Benton and Sikeston, Mo., is held for the purpose of deciding on a definite price for the rights of ways for the highway.

100 years ago: Feb. 26, 1905

The Rev. Brown speaks on "Cape Girardeau -- As It Is, and As It Might Be Municipally, Socially, Educationally, and Religiously" at the Presbyterian church in the morning; he takes particular aim at local gamblers.

Revival services are in progress at the English Methodist Church, corner of Themis and Sprigg streets, and will continue for two weeks, with preachers from St. Louis County filling the pulpit.

-- Sharon K. Sanders