Out of the past 4/24/06

25 years ago: April 24, 1981

Plans for the creation of a pediatric intensive care unit and construction of a three-story addition at Southeast Missouri Hospital were announced last night at the annual hospital association dinner; to help meet the cost of creating the pediatric unit, estimated at $50,000, the association has launched a fund-raising drive.

Following vandalism to a bridge southwest of Oak Ridge earlier this week, the county court offers a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone found guilty of intentional destruction or vandalism of any county bridge or bridge railing.

50 years ago: April 24, 1956

Installation of a new sewer on Broadway from the river to Lorimier Street as part of the flood-control project is underway by workers of the Victory Construction Co. of St. Louis; the 42-inch reinforced concrete sewer pipe will be laid down the center of the street.

A parking lot in the vicinity of Broadway and Pacific Street won the approval of the city council last night, when it authorized the mayor to enter into a lease with Masonic bodies for use of the lot located on Pacific; nine business firms in the area have agreed to underwrite the $600 per year cost of the lease; the city will level the property and gravel it for use as a parking lot.

75 years ago: April 24, 1931

Three hours after it files formal acceptance of terms set down by the Cape Girardeau City Council in an ordinance approved Monday, the Missouri Utilities Co. begins preliminary construction on its new water plant here, improvements which will cost $250,000; materials and engineering buildings are erected, and crews are busy staking off the grounds for the new plant.

Capt. Charles Schweer of the Cape Girardeau Police Department says he has secured numerous endorsements from all sections of Southeast Missouri for his appointment as captain of the new highway patrol force created in Missouri.

100 years ago: April 24, 1906

The Normal School baseball team yesterday played the opening home game of the season, losing to St. Louis University, 10-4; the defeat was more the result of a severe attack of stage fright than of their lack of ability.

Artisans are putting the finishing touches on I. Ben Miller's new ice cream parlor; the room has been greatly enlarged, the walls and ceilings have been handsomely decorated.

Electric fans are being installed, and it is now the prettiest dining room in Cape Girardeau.

- Sharon K. Sanders