Out of the past 4/8/07

25 years ago: April 8, 1982

Operations at Marquette Mfg. Co., South Sprigg Street Road in Cape Girardeau, have been suspended until the end of the week as the result of an explosion Tuesday, which damaged the plant's cooling tower; the extent of the damage is still being evaluated; however, the plant is expected to be operating again by Saturday.

A 28-year-old former Fenton, Mo., police officer has been named chief of police in Scott City; Vernon Wilson, most recently watch commander for the Fenton Police Department, begins his duties today; Wilson replaces Ralph Hayes.

50 years ago: April 8, 1957

Rain came back to the district last night after a pretty pleasant day; the downpour was heavy in some spots, with Fornfelt having an overnight total of 2.5 inches.

Selection of Saint Francis Hospital as the location of the cerebral palsy center is announced; Dr. C.T. Herbert will be medical director and chairman of the board for the center; the center will open later this month.

75 years ago: April 8, 1932

Finishing work on the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Masters on West Broadway is being delayed because the contractor, T.E. Statler, is ill with influenza; the Masters home is a brick residence of six rooms and a bath.

Fox Broadway Theater is hosting a four-act vaudeville show that is gathering praise; Marian Sullivan's singing is called especially good, and Earl Layman and the trio of "Indigo" girls are pleasing with their harmony; Fred Wilson, banjo artist, completes the well-rounded program.

100 years ago: April 8, 1907

The U.S. District Court convenes in Cape Girardeau in the morning, with Judge D.F. Dyer on the bench; Dyer was sworn in as a federal judge just a week ago, having served a number of years as district attorney.

W. Howard Quarles, who was recently married, has purchased the Clark Music Store on Broadway in Cape Girardeau and will conduct the business in the future; Clark has several stores in Southeast Missouri that he will devote his time to.

-- Sharon K. Sanders