Out of the past 3/4/08

25 years ago: March 4, 1983

Construction of a multipurpose building at Sprigg and Bertling streets would create no greater traffic problems than would be the case if the Westborough Mall site were chosen, Mayor Howard C. Tooke tells the audience at the First Friday Coffee.

With Jewell Crawford hitting a couple of key baskets and the Southeast Missouri State Indians putting down some clutch free throws, the Tribe sank the Rivermen of Missouri-St. Louis 84-72 last night in the first round of the MIAA postseason tournament.

50 years ago: March 4, 1958

While the school board didn't discuss the matter at last night's meeting, superintendent Louis J. Schultz reminded the body of the urgent need for a new Cape Girardeau elementary school to serve the expanding northwest section of the city; he said the issue of a new school should be brought before the people through a bond issue election.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Formal approval of a proposed slum-elimination program for Sikeston is given in a message from Sen. Stuart Symington in Washington, D.C., to Mayor Charles Butler; the low-rent building program was instituted in Sikeston last November with the appointment of a city housing commission.

75 years ago: March 4, 1933

JEFFERSON CITY -- A two-day banking holiday is declared by Gov. Guy B. Park; all banking institutions in the state are urged to close today and Monday; the holiday is being observed almost nationwide; the New York Stock Exchange and the Cotton Exchange are also closed for the period of the holiday.

Plans are being made for the rebuilding of Old McKendree Chapel; a new foundation will be built, iron rods will be run through the chapel to brace it securely, and a new floor, ceiling, windows and door will be put in.

100 years ago: March 4, 1908

Captains Crozier and Ledger were in Cape Girardeau last Friday interviewing merchants on the subject of placing a packet in the local Cape Girardeau and Cairo, Ill.; the city would be expected to put up about $150 a month for the first three months as a help to the boat to get started in the trade.

J.B. Miller has purchased the abstract business of the Vandervort brothers at Jackson for $15,000.

-- Sharon K. Sanders