Out of the past 4/26/03

10 years ago: April 26, 1993

Jamie Filer comes to school board meeting to ask why one of her favorite teachers -- Michael Josue -- isn't being rehired for next school year; by time she and about 20 classmates and parents leave, meeting is in uproar and one of board members has threatened to move for adjournment; liveliness ensues when board President John Campbell and member Lyle Davis attempt to cut off discussion of issue.

Robert Novack, 35-year veteran journalist and conservative commentator, offers his views of Bill Clinton, George Bush and Ross Perot before audience of more than 100 people at Show Me Center.

25 years ago: April 26, 1978

There were pair of last-minute filings yesterday for August primary; chief deputy in Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, Zane C. Hulcy, became Democratic candidate for county clerk; Cape Girardeau teacher W.F. "Pat" McKee Jr. filed as Democratic candidate for Congress from 10th District.

In night of awards, S. David Patterson, retiring president, yesterday received plaque for his year of service at Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner meeting; companion with chamber dinner was announcement of Evening Exchange Club's annual Golden Deeds Award winner for outstanding service to community; award went to Maurice T. Dunklin, Cape Girardeau insurance agency owner.

50 years ago: April 26, 1953

Dr. Harvey L. Cunningham, practicing physician in Cape Girardeau for half-century and member of profession 58 until his retirement in 1947, dies of infirmities of advanced age at his home at 1315 Jefferson; Cunningham was born on farm near Farmington in 1866; he graduated from Washington University's medical school in 1889, after which he practiced in Bonne Terre; he moved to Cape Girardeau in 1897; he married Fannie Smith in 1890, and she died in 1940; he is survived by daughter and four grandchildren.

Eleanor Switzer of Charleston, 14-year-old winner of The Missourian's District Spelling Bee, took first place in state semifinal competition yesterday in St. Louis; she's qualified to participate in finals next Saturday in St. Louis.

75 years ago: April 26, 1928

Construction of double railroad tracks on Cotton Belt railway lines from Rockview to Dexter Junction, distance of about 35 miles, should begin soon, according to announcement made at Illmo subdivision of Northern Division of Cotton Belt Railway Co.

About 100 pupils and parents are present at closing exercises of Randol School on Perryville Road; three pupils finishing their eight-grade work are Elmer Heuer, Hildreth Heuer and Martin Heider; Dora Mabrey of Cape Girardeau has been re-employed as teacher for coming year.

-- Sharon K. Sanders