Out of the past 2/28/09

25 years ago: Feb. 28, 1984

The worst winter storm since the 1979 blizzard continues its assault on the area with heavy drifting of snow that by morning shuts off many rural roads and puts another glaze of ice and snow on traveled routes; progress made by highway and street crews by dusk yesterday is wiped away by the wild winds and another inch or two of fresh snow.

Jackson lawyer Kevin Phillips confirms he is considering running for the 158th District seat in the state House of Representatives now held by Marvin Proffer.

50 years ago: Feb. 28, 1959

It is announced that the objective of $75,000 in stock subscriptions for the establishment of a factory in Cape Girardeau to make a new type of stroller for babies has been attained; W.E. Cayse of Children's Products Inc. says additional subscriptions will be accepted until tonight's deadline.

Next week will mark the first anniversary of the formation of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary; there were about 75 women at the formal organization meeting, but that number has grown to 200.

75 years ago: Feb. 28, 1934

Fifty men are put to work at noon by the city of Cape Girardeau, replacing 30 others who since Monday have been shoveling snow and ice into trucks and hauling it off business streets; currently, workers are clearing Broadway and Good Hope Street, as well as chipping the ice from the steps and walks at Courthouse Park.

CAIRO, Ill. -- Believed to have started in dressing rooms of the Gem Theater yesterday, fire ruined the building at a loss of nearly $100,000; The Cairo Evening Citizen and the Lampert buildings, on either side of the theater, were threatened for a time.

100 years ago: Feb. 28, 1909

Capt. W.H. Leyhe of the steamer Grey Eagle is in Cape Girardeau visiting his wife; he then continues on to Paducah, Ky., to bring out his steamer from winter quarters; it will likely pass Cape Girar­deau on Wednesday headed to St. Louis.

Mrs. M. Naeter, who spent the winter in Cape Girardeau, leaves in the afternoon for St. Louis on a short visit; she'll then continue to Shelbina, Mo., for a month before returning to this city.

-- Sharon K. Sanders