Out of the past 2/28/12

25 years ago: Feb. 28, 1987

Attired in his new Oak Ridge Elementary School sweatshirt, Gov. John Ashcroft spoke to pupils at the school yesterday, part of his series of school visits that began in November.

Both the Indians and the Otahkians of Southeast Missouri State University advance into the NCAA basketball tournament; the Indians withstand a late three-point shooting flurry to post a 77-74 win over the Lincoln Blue Tigers, thereby advancing into the NCAA Division II South Central Regional; the Otahkians trounce Central Missouri State 78-55 to advance.

50 years ago: Feb. 28, 1962

An explosion caused by what police believe was a homemade bomb shattered glass in the back porch door of the Edwin H. Boren residence, 545 Asher St., at about 10:15 last night; the Borens reported a similar explosion Friday night.

Trees and utility lines in Cape Girardeau glisten in jackets of ice, but little trouble is encountered in falling limbs and utility service interruptions; yesterday's sleet, freezing rain and threatened turbulence changes today to subfreezing temperatures, dry streets and roads, and lighter skies.

75 years ago: Feb. 28, 1937

Dr. S.A. Kruse of Teachers College conducts the morning worship service at Grace Methodist Church in the absence of the pastor, the Rev. William H. Hackman; the latter is in Sheldon, Mo., with his son, who is ill.

A large force of men and women have been busy in the former Montgomery Ward building, 424 Broadway, preparing to reopen the Bartels store in that location Monday; the entire stock of the store, which was destroyed in a fire three weeks ago, has been replaced.

100 years ago: Feb. 28, 1912

After an active life of nearly 78 years, Capt. Edmond Gray, pioneer river captain, died Monday night at his home at Gray's Point, Mo.; he was born in Ohio but came to St. Louis as a boy and entered river service under his father and older brothers as a cub pilot; until 1898, he served continuously as a pilot or captain of the Anchor Line packets.

The ornamental coping on the Frisco retaining wall along the river is being finished today; when finished, it will add greatly to the appearance of the city's riverfront.

-- Sharon K. Sanders