Out of the past 4/27/08

25 years ago: April 27, 1983

Despite some lingering uncertainty as to the willingness of the state of Missouri to participate in the project, Cape Girardeau's multipurpose building committee has decided to solicit architectural proposals for the design of a new civic arena.

Cape Girardeau is well represented at an awards luncheon in St. Louis, which closes the two-day 87th annual convention of the GFWC Missouri Federation of Women's Clubs; Joyce L. Miller is named Outstanding Junior Clubwoman of Missouri, and Anne Hutson is second runner-up.

50 years ago: April 27, 1958

A pontifical Mass, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bishop Charles H. Helmsing's ordination to the priesthood, is held in the afternoon at St. Mary's Cathedral; about 40 priests from this area attend; later, Helmsing is presented a new automobile from the parishes in Southern Missouri and a crozier and mitre from the priests.

Five months to the day from the time he fell into the Mississippi River near the foot of Themis Street, the body of Charles Richard, 27, is found near the Missouri Dry Docks.

75 years ago: April 27, 1933

A proposed school election May 10, at which a 25-cent levy on the $100 valuation for "repairing and furnishing" purposes was to have been submitted to Cape Girardeau voters, will not be held; a measure voted at Morehouse, Mo., for similar purposes was held unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court.

A night shift of seven people is added at the Roth Tobacco Co. plant, 102 S. Frederick St., to meet increased production demands in the smoking tobacco department.

100 years ago: April 27, 1908

The Rev. F.X. Feely, president of St. Vincent's College, returns to Cape Girardeau and goes immediately to the college, where for two years he has been directing the rejuvenation of the once famous institution; Feely was recently compelled to suspend his duties and go to St. Louis for treatment of some complaint.

For the last two months, nothing much has been seen of Al Huhn; he has been hidden away in the old Huhn building on Main Street constructing a handsome, 18-foot power boat.

— Sharon K. Sanders