Out of the past 4/2/08

25 years ago: April 2, 1983

Both representatives from Cape Girardeau County — Marvin E. Proffer and Mary Kasten — are optimistic for prospects of state bond funds for a multipurpose building in Cape Girardeau, if a $5 million local bond issue is approved by voters Tuesday.

The Town Plaza Cinema Five-Plex held a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday to mark the opening of three new theaters at the location.

50 years ago: April 2, 1958

Continuation of a 25-cent school levy for another four-year period, receipts to be applied to the teachers fund, was given a 12-to-1 endorsement by Cape Girardeau voters in balloting yesterday; in addition, two directors were elected to the board of education: Keith R. Tolliver and Oliver A. Hope.

BENTON, Mo. — The farming season has opened in this district after a break in the winter weather, and plowing is generally underway; nearly all March work was ruled out by the harsh weather conditions.

75 years ago: April 2, 1933

Clarence Bergmann left Cape Girardeau yesterday by motor bus for Springfield, Mo., where he will report at the farm camp of the St. Louis Cardinals for a baseball trial; Bergmann has secured a leave of absence from his duties at Hayti, Mo., where he teaches in the high school.

On April 2, 1898, the Rev. W.G. Langenhennig preached his first sermon as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson; he has been the pastor continuously since then; today he preaches a sermon upon the same text that was the foundation of his sermon 35 years ago.

100 years ago: April 2, 1908

F.F. Lincoln sells his transfer business to E.C. Gyles, who will conduct it in the future; Lincoln will take a rest for some time.

A small crowd gathers at the county courthouse in Jackson for the purpose of drawing up a "Dry" ticket for the coming municipal election; those present are F.A. McGuire, Charles Mackey, Dr. G.W. Vinyard, M.G. LaPierre, D.F. Lusk, Lafe Spradling, Dr. Linn Jenkins and C.P. Browning; such a small crowd being present, someone suggests they go home, and the group disperses accordingly.

— Sharon K. Sanders