Out of the past 3/24/11

25 years ago: March 24, 1986

The Esquire Theater, 824 Broadway, has been reacquired by its former owners, Dubinsky Brothers Theaters of Lincoln, Neb.; the building had been owned and operated for a time by Ed Fairbanks of McClure, Ill., who closed it several weeks ago.

Missouri State Auditor Margaret Kelly, at a news conference at the municipal airport, announces she is a candidate for a second term as state auditor.

50 years ago: March 24, 1961

Converging on the State College campus for their annual contests, pupils from high schools throughout Southeast Missouri will be judged for musical ability.

Leonard R. Thomas, business representative of Carpenters Local 1770, becomes the fourth resident to file for a spot on the Cape Girardeau School Board; other candidates are incumbent Oliver A. Hope, Mary Kasten and Bill Burlison.

75 years ago: March 24, 1936

Dust from the plains of the West and Southwest reach Cape Girardeau, leaving a gray film over the city; a light wind from the west carries in the dust storm, much as it did during the "black blizzard" of last year, and wire reports say it is penetrating farther to the east.

The dignity of Common Pleas Court is disturbed briefly in the morning when the chair upon which Judge Lee L. Bowman is seated gives way; by some agile maneuvers, Bowman keeps from landing on the floor, but a ripple of laughter sweeps the courtroom, with the judge joining in; repairs are ordered.

100 years ago: March 24, 1911

Dr. G.B. Schulz, a member of the Cape Girardeau School Board, spoke last night to members of the Commercial Club, explaining the need for a new schoolhouse in the northeast corner of the city.

Emil Wolters is making plans to open a cigar factory upstairs at 114 Main St.; for years, Wolters was the manager of the Bierwirth stand and is an expert cigar maker.

-- Sharon K. Sanders