Out of the past 2/7/03

10 years ago: Feb. 7, 1993

The Rev. George Orvick preaches at morning service at Scriptural Lutheran Church, County Road 635; Orvick, president of Evangelical Lutheran Synod, speaks informally to congregation after service and answers questions.

Following family tradition, 16-year-old John H. Cochran IV was one of 57 Boy Scouts honored at Southeast Missouri Council's annual Eagle Scout Court of Honor yesterday; both Cochran's father, John H. Cochran III, and grandfather, John H. Cochran Jr., were Eagle Scouts.

25 years ago: Feb. 7, 1978

Southeast Missouri State University is negotiating to bring 30 to 40 Japanese students to campus next summer for year of intensive study designed to enhance their chances of being admitted to American universities; all students would be graduates of Japanese high schools, but they wouldn't be regular students at Southeast.

Incumbent Paul W. Stehr and John M. Isbell are chosen by Cape Girardeau voters in city primary to face each other in April general election; Stehr, who has six years of experience on city council, leads field of four candidates with 626 votes; Isbell tallies 233 votes; Novella Noland, 168 votes, and John T. Green, 93 votes.

50 years ago: Feb. 7, 1953

More than 80 percent of 2,300 farms in county will share in $112,000 in federal funds allocated through Production and Marketing Administration for conservation practices in 1953; 1,843 farmers have applied for federal allotment and have been approved by their community committees.

Oran -- Recent dry spell has presented Oran with its most serious water shortage in 10 years, says mayor Abe Hirschowitz; water level in city's two municipal wells is dropping, and pumps are running almost 20 hours a day to keep 70,000-gallon reservoir filled.

75 years ago: Feb. 7, 1928

Joseph Barenkamp, 81, longtime proprietor of shoe store on Broadway, dies of infirmities of advanced age at his home; he was actively associated with his son, Joseph Barenkamp II, in management of store until few years ago; he was born in Bocum, Germany, Dec. 8, 1846, where learned shoe-making trade; he came to America when he was 20, first living in Chicago; he came to Cape Girardeau in 1869, buying small repair shop at 705 Broadway; this business operated for 50 years, expanding into retail concern; he is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Girardeans -- 216 of them -- travel by special Frisco passenger train to St. Louis to pay their respects to evangelist Billy Sunday at his revival meeting.

-- Sharon K. Sanders