Out of the past 3/24/07

25 years ago: March 24, 1982

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau stands at 34.2 feet, headed for a 35.5-foot crest on Saturday, but there is no expectation of flooding; 32 feet is considered flood stage on the Cape Girardeau gauge.

Since a state law allowing bingo to be played by certain organizations went into effect Sept. 28, three Cape Girardeau organizations have been licensed to conduct the game: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838, its women's auxiliary and the Knights of Columbus Council 1111.

50 years ago: March 24, 1957

The Cape Girardeau Curia of the Legion of Mary assembles at St. Mary's Cathedral in the afternoon for its annual convocation; Bishop Charles H. Helmsing addresses the group; Annabelle Gilder of Cape Girardeau is president of the Curia and is in charge of the program.

The Rev. Rusby Slinkard is the new pastor of Third Street Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau; he fills a vacancy created when the Rev. Frank Black was appointed pastor of the Advance Methodist Church.

75 years ago: March 24, 1932

More than 100 active and associate members of the Southeast Missouri Retail Lumber Dealers Association are back in Cape Girardeau for their annual convention; the meeting, confined to one day this year instead of two, is larger from the standpoint of attendance this year than last.

In a districtwide meeting in the evening at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, 11 Lions Clubs are represented to hear Earlie W. Hodges of New York City, immediate past president of Lions International, bring one of his inspirational messages.

100 years ago: March 24, 1907

Solemn services for Holy Week begin in the morning at St. Vincent's Catholic Church; the blessing of palms is followed by the singing of the "Passion of Christ"; celebrant is the Rev. William Schultz, assisted by the Revs. F.J. Walsh and J.S. Woods.

Cape Girardeau's veterinarian, Dr. Whittaker, makes a trip out to Gordonville to doctor an ailing mule belonging to Mr. Tisdale.

-- Sharon K. Sanders