Out of the past 4/5/07

25 years ago: April 5, 1982

Temperatures are expected to drop to around 30 degrees overnight in Southeast Missouri, threatening young vegetables and flower plants; tomatoes, peppers, egg plants, potatoes and flower bulbs will be particularly vulnerable.

A Scott City police officer presents a petition to the city council requesting that police chief Ralph Hayes be retained as chief; however, Mayor William Dickey is expected to make an appointment replacing Hayes Wednesday night.

50 years ago: April 5, 1957

Frank C. Ruh, owner of Ruh's Super Market at 605 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau, observes his 50th anniversary as part of the city's retail business life; he and G.H. Gross opened a partnership business in 1907 at Good Hope and Frederick streets.

The Cape Girardeau Junior High School band, 80 strong, goes to Caruthersville, Mo., to participate in a parade marking the formal opening of that town's centennial celebration.

75 years ago: April 5, 1932

A "satisfactory" rating, the highest that can be obtained, was given to Service Company of the 140th Infantry, Missouri National Guard, at the annual federal inspection last night by Lt. Braxton D. Butler, regular army instructor; Butler remarked that the company had made considerable progress during the past year, especially in the ranks of the non-commissioned officers.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Fire of unknown origin gutted the interior of the two-story IOOF Lodge hall here last night, causing damage estimated at nearly $20,000.

100 years ago: April 5, 1907

Gus Viernow, secretary of Southern Metal and Manufacturing Co., sent out notices to bond and stock holders to meet with him at the Cape Girardeau Commercial Club last night, but owning to the bad weather few attended; Viernow has asked the holders to take stock in the concern in payment for the interest that is now due on the bonds, and also for the coming year's interest.

Despite the recent death of James A. Matteson, his paint mill will continue to operate in Cape Girardeau; at a reorganization meeting, his widow is elected president of the company and his son, Robert Matteson, manager.

-- Sharon K. Sanders