Out of the past 3/20/02

10 years ago: March 20, 1992

For first time since making Cape Girardeau port of call in 1984, neither Delta Queen nor Mississippi Queen are scheduling to make any regular stops at Cape Girardeau this summer; spokesman for Delta Queen Steamboat Co., however, emphasizes that is because of continuing changes in two steamers' itineraries, and that boats will return to Cape Girardeau in future.

Director of Cape Girardeau homeless center says facility is still operating despite concerns from social workers who have been unable to contact center for referrals.

25 years ago: March 20, 1977

Guest speaker for fifth anniversary service at Lutheran Home is the Rev. Eldor Bruss of Festus; he has been active in leadership of circuit and Missouri District of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is presently pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Festus.

Five-year-old Cape Girardeau County boy and his dog are struck and killed by train nearly two and one-half hours after they wandered three miles from their home; victim is Matthew W. McLain, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory McLain, Cape Girardeau Route 1; accident occurred on mainline Frisco Railroad bridge at Mile Marker 125 northeast of Cape Girardeau.

50 years ago: March 20, 1952

First of six consecutive weekends of activity by Southeast Missouri high school pupils will begin Saturday on State College campus with contestants in drama and speech opening annual series of spring contests; other competition will include music, commercial contests, F.F.A. contests, agriculture contests, tennis, scholastic contests and track.

Jerry McNeely's musical comedy, "Wait and See," is presented for first time by Benton and Clio societies at State College in their annual "Follies"; McNeely and his brother, Don McNeely, who directed show, are former Bentons.

75 years ago: March 20, 1927

J.C. "Dad" Evans, 81, veteran of Civil War and for many years a picturesque figure in Cape Girardeau, died yesterday at his home at 621 Themis; he was born in Belleville, Pa., and served in 128th Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers, during war; in 1909 he moved to Cape Girardeau, where he was operated transfer wagon.

Cape Girardeau Fair may be thing of the past; at recent meeting of board of directors, resolution was adopted declaring that it would be unwise to proceed with fair this year because of attitude of city, and unless something unforeseen transpires, directors will meet soon to wind up affairs of association and disband.

- Sharon K. Sanders