Out of the past 4/29/03

10 years ago: April 29, 1993

Thieves stole $600 to $800 from copy and change machines at Southeast Missouri State University over two-day span last week; back-to-back burglaries, described by library director James Zink as worst in 15 years, have prompted university to take steps to improve security there.

D. Mitch Robinson, Kentucky economic development veteran, is named executive director of Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association; his appointment is announced by Cape Girardeau Mayor Gene Rhodes, chairman of seven-member association board.

25 years ago: April 29, 1978

Adhering to philosophy that public health should be pegged on prevention of potential problems, Cape Girardeau County Nursing Service has put another program under its ever-broadening umbrella; beginning May 17, service will have Family Planning Clinic.

Efforts to patch leaking room at University Center on campus of Southeast Missouri State University soon will be completed; building is 2 1/2 years old; board of regents has been told that it is believed roof now will be sound; it has leaked consistently since constructed; earlier efforts to patch it have failed.

50 years ago: April 29, 1953

Century-old Ellis-Wathen-Ranney house, historic Mississippi River landmark on North Main, has been exchanged in real estate transaction involving St. Louis property; old residence, built of native sandstone quarried behind house by slave labor, was transferred by Maude I. Berger to Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Deutsch; three other local parcels of property were transferred in exchange.

Date for election at which proposal to consolidate Oak Ridge, Apple Creek Valley, Horrell, Liberty No. 1 and Buckeye school districts will be held May 15 instead of May 12 as first set, it is announced by County Superintendant Edwin W. Sander; delay is occasioned by fact it was necessary to get permission from County Supt. Ora Guth of Perry County, because small section of Apple Creek Valley district lies in that county.

75 years ago: April 29, 1928

I. Ben Miller yesterday opened his new drugstore and confectionery at 431 Broadway, section of town which was "West End" of Cape Girardeau when he began his business career on Main street 47 years ago; moving to modern building, equipped with specially designed fixtures, Miller left Main street building he had occupied continuously since he started business for himself.

Closing one of most successful meets in history of annual event, Charleston won first place in Southeast Missourian high school track and field meet at Fairground Park Saturday, but attained margin of less than one point over two other schools; following close behind were Bonne Terre and Jackson.

-- Sharon K. Sanders