Out of the past 3/24/09

25 years ago: March 24, 1984

Arson is suspected in an uncontrollable fire that spreads quickly through the Purple Crackle Club in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., destroying the night spot for the second time in as many years.

A Poplar Bluff High School sophomore and a senior from Piedmont, Mo., won the major awards at the Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair; Karen Stoll and Susanne Thompson earned a trip to Columbus, Ohio, where they will compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair in May.

50 years ago: March 24, 1959

Extensive smoke and water damage at Campus Sundries, 1129 Broadway, is caused by a fire that spreads from burning trash to grass, then to a shed and finally to the business property; some smoke damage is also done to the College Grill, the adjoining building.

Construction is to begin in the next few days on a two-story brick building at 608 Broadway to house the district office of the Social Security Administration; the building will be built by Wayne Rust.

75 years ago: March 24, 1934

Location of a government camp for transients, or at least a transient depot, is being considered in Cape Girardeau; Richard Gephardt, state transient relief director, says it is probable a government agent will be sent here to make a survey as to the needs for a camp.

Two formal applications have been received for the coaching post at Central High School; hoping to succeed Olaf E. Robinson are University of Missouri athletes George Stuber and Woodrow Hatfield; the former is the brother of Coach E.R. Stuber of State College.

100 years ago: March 24, 1909

Mayor W.C. Patton has called a special meeting of the Cape Girardeau City Council for Monday to consider taking action on the redemption of Normal School funding bonds.

Several friends of The Daily Republican are upset over the removal of the front of the building in order to install the new Duplex press, fearing the building's appearance will be marred by unseemly patching; however, the front wall will be taken down to the floor and a large plate glass front will be installed, adding to the structure's appearance.

— Sharon K. Sanders