Out of the past 3/3/12

25 years ago: March 3, 1987

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has removed the final stumbling block for the Cape LaCroix-Walker Creek flood-control project, and permits authorizing construction to widen and straighten Cape LaCroix Creek are expected by mid-March.

According to Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Bone, 90 to 95 percent of Cape Girardeau's playground equipment is old, unsafe and should be replaced; he estimates it would cost about $40,000 to replace all the old playground equipment in city parks; currently, the city is allocating $18,999 a year for new playground equipment.

50 years ago: March 3, 1962

Cape Girardeau and State College are making preparations to welcome 3,500 area educators expected to gather here March 15-16 for the 86th annual meeting of the Southeast Missouri Teachers' Association.

The 61 Club, a tavern and dance hall located on Highway 61 near Scott City, is reduced to rubble in the afternoon by a fire believed started by defective electrical wiring.

75 years ago: March 3, 1937

John G. Putz, veteran justice of the peace and Missourian correspondent at Jackson, this week performed his 1,800th wedding ceremony; the long string of marriages extends back 24 years to Jan. 29, 1913.

Materials have been requisitioned for the new gymnasium building to be constructed by the WPA and the Board of Education at John S. Cobb School; also awaiting materials to begin construction is the new park west of town.

100 years ago: March 3, 1912

The Rev. J.W. Lawson of Warren, Ark., preaches at both morning and evening services at First Presbyterian Church.

During the snow storm last evening, a frame cottage on Hanover Street, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith, was destroyed by fire; they were downtown doing their Saturday night shopping when the blaze occurred; everything they had was lost.

-- Sharon K. Sanders