Out of the past 2/4/13

1988

A financial statement shows the Show Me Center was operating in black ink at the end of 1987, midway through its first 12-month budgetary period; the facility experienced a net profit of $21,846.92 during the first six months ending Dec. 31.

A section of Independence Street may be widened to five lanes instead of four as a result of a recommendation by state highway officials; the move could add $8,000 to the estimated cost of $471,000 for the widening of Independence Street from Kingshighway to East Rodney Drive.

1963

A major redecoration effort is brightening the interior of the Arena Building, which will have new paint, new gold drapes, a cleaned ceiling and a generally reworked south end; the work is being carried out by the Arena mprovement committee and the city parks department.

Sammy A. Tucker, who was scheduled to die Wednesday in Missouri's gas chamber for his part in the slaying of Cape Girardeau policeman Donald H. Crittendon, is again granted a reprieve, pending a hearing in Federal Court.

1938

A move designed ultimately to make the Mississippi River traffic bridge at Cairo, Ill., free of tolls has been launched with the introduction of a bill in Congress to secure authority for the purchase of the span by a semipublic commission; the movement apparently started after an effort was made by the Cape Girardeau County Court to purchase the bridge here.

Hoping to prevent another tragedy, it has been proposed that some sort of barrier be erected along the Mississippi River wharf to stop automobiles from plunging into the stream.

1913

William Vedder and John Atkinson, proprietors of the Excelsior Music store on Broadway, are ready to dedicate their new place of business tomorrow; they have moved into new quarters one door west of the old stand.

The new Princess Theater, the former Lyric Theater, opened for business last night with a large crowd attending. The house was rebuilt, the old stage having been removed and the posts eliminated, and comfortable seats were installed. Al Kimmick is in charge.

-- Sharon K. Sanders