Out of the past 4/14/05

25 years ago: April 14, 1980

The Cape Girardeau County Court has hired L. Robert Kimball and Associates, a Kansas City, Mo., engineering and appraisal firm, to assist County Assessor Jerry L. Reynolds in drawing up a county reassessment plan to submit to the state tax commission by June 2.

An ordinance providing for the election of a city marshal for the reorganized city of Scott City is adopted by the town's board of aldermen; the board also acts on the recommendation of the fire chief and purchases a new fire truck.

50 years ago: April 14, 1955

An excellent growing season, fed by ample spring rains for the first time since 1951, is predicted for Cape Girardeau County and district farmers, who -- except for fruit growers -- survived the March 26 freeze without great amounts of damage.

Representatives of 45 organizations vote to spearhead a campaign for a community-wide celebration on the occasion of Cape Girardeau's 150th birthday next year; those gathered also authorize the incorporation of an association to handle the celebration.

75 years ago: April 14, 1930

Dr. William Mayo, world famous surgeon of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., his wife and a party of friends spend three hours in Cape Girardeau, while gasoline and other supplies are taken aboard the North Star, a private yacht, on which the group is making a return trip from New Orleans.

Fire of undetermined origin guts the second floor and a portion of the first floor of the building at 116 N. Main, occupied by Clark Music Co., and causing damage estimated at $5,000.

100 years ago: April 14, 1905

While driving along South Sprigg Street en route to his home in New Hamburg, Mo., Nick Scherer's horse becomes frightened by a bicycle and kicks him square in the face; his nose is mashed and his whole face badly disfigured.

The new firm of candy makers Dowling & Mathews receives a setback in their rushing business; about $150 worth of candy ingredients and finished stock is destroyed by the bursting of a water pipe in the hotel above.

-- Sharon K. Sanders