Out of the past 2/4/09

25 years ago: Feb. 4, 1984

A five-year, $25 million-plus capital improvement program that city manager Gary Eide describes as "an investment in the future of our community" was presented to members of the city council Friday; the plan includes improvements at the Municipal Golf Course, two new fire trucks, a disaster warning system, various sanitary sewer projects and street and airport items.

A number of Cape Girardeau's service stations are indulging in a "gas war"; the price for regular fuel dips as low as 89.9 cents per gallon, while the price for unleaded averages around 99.9 cents.

50 years ago: Feb. 4, 1959

Bids for construction of the first sections of the Federal Interstate Highway System in Southeast Missouri will be taken Feb. 20 by the State Highway Commission; the first project will be on Interstate 57 in Scott and Mississippi counties.

Dedicatory services for the new organ recently installed on the stage of the Arena Building will be held Sunday afternoon, featuring selections played by organist Jim Current of Cincinnati; the organ will be dedicated to the memory of Weir M. Barcus.

75 years ago: Feb. 4, 1934

The citywide census being conducted by the Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance will be completed this week; between 40 and 60 workers from various churches in the city have visited homes during the past week to secure data.

A family of 10, including seven children who are ill with measles, are homeless as the result of a fire that destroyed every building on their farm near Advance, Mo., last night; all members of the Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Seyer family are at the home of a brother, Joe Seyer, in south Cape Girardeau.

100 years ago: Feb. 4, 1909

Postmaster E.W. Flentge receives a communication from the Post Office Department authorizing him to establish substation No. 2 at 47 N. Main St. for the transaction of money order, registered mail and postal supplies sales; this substation at the St. Charles Pharmacy should be a great convenience to the businessmen and residents of Main Street.

The younger set of the Elks Lodge gives a delightful dance at its hall in the evening; music is furnished by John Wittmor, Charles Armgardt and Mrs. Sherwood.

-- Sharon K. Sanders