Out of the past 3/13/12

25 years ago: March 13, 1987

The stop signs on Good Hope Street at Ellis Street were removed yesterday and stop signs were instead placed on Ellis Street at Good Hope Street, as they were prior to December 1985; the change comes as the result of a vote by the city council to change the signs in an effort to reduce the high number of traffic accidents at the intersection that have plagued it since the signs were changed.

Several thousand teachers are gathering at Houck Field House for the 111th annual Southeast Missouri District Teachers meeting; yesterday's convention highlight was a speech by Missouri state Sen. David Doctorian.

50 years ago: March 13, 1962

A concerned board, while approving the basic plans of the new junior high school, voices disappointment that the planning stage of the project is lagging; a representative of the architectural firm has said that after board approval of the plans, three months will be required for preparation of plans and specifications, putting the awarding of the contract back to July.

Vandals damaged 45 mailboxes last night along a 20-mile stretch of the Egypt Mills, Oriole, Greensferry, Perryville and Bend roads.

75 years ago: March 13, 1937

The Perryville, Mo., High School debate team wins the championship of the Ozark High School Conference in a tournament conducted at the Teachers College; Perryville defeats Fruitland in the final match by a decision of 3 to 0.

A contract to construct a large steel pontoon barge has been given to Eddie Erlbacher, local boat builder, by K.A. "Kenny" Head, local commission agent for the Sinclair Refining Co.; the barge will be anchored in the rear of the Sinclair tank station, 300 N. Main St., and serve as a free dock for all Mississippi River boats.

100 years ago: March 13, 1912

During a well-attended meeting last night of the Commercial Club, the Rev. James Murtaugh, treasurer of St. Vincent's College, announced that the college is preparing to sell its local farms and college site, intending to build a new school outside the city limits.

The steamer Cape Girardeau made its first trip north for the season, being greeted by a large crowd on the wharf here in the afternoon.

-- Sharon K. Sanders