Out of the past 5/11/05

25 years ago: May 11, 1980

Scaffolding went up last week and repairs began on the roof and tower of Old St. Vincent's Church; John Schneider, chairman of the congregation, says restoration on the initial repairs suggested by architect Lennie Whitworth of Sikeston, Mo., will include the roof tower and windows.

Offering a challenge to approximately 800 Southeast Missouri State University graduates and their guests, Gov. Joseph P. Teasdale says there is a need for "more compassion and leadership" in government.

50 years ago: May 11, 1955

Assessment books on Cape Girardeau County real estate, to be turned over to the county court on June 1, will carry assessments on the same basis as before and won't reflect the 30 percent figure assigned by the State Tax Commission, says County Assessor John L. Wescoat.

Cape Girardeau County's poliomyelitis vaccination program, which would have been resumed next week with the second shot in the series of three, has been delayed by the nationwide embargo of the serum; those in charge of the local program say it will be resumed as soon as the U.S. Public Health Service, which has inspectors checking vaccine in the factories, releases it for use.

75 years ago: May 11, 1930

William R. Mayhew, 48, a traveling salesman of Cape Girardeau, dies in a local hospital of a bullet wound sustained last week when he was held up and robbed by bandits; since he was found in his Chevrolet automobile on U.S. 61, five miles northwest of Cape Girardeau, Mayhew had been unable to provide details of his attack.

Approximately 800 people spend the day visiting the two hospitals here in observance of Hospital Day; visitors are shown through both St. Francis Hospital and Southeast Missouri Hospital from the basement to the top floor.

100 years ago: May 11, 1905

The new home for the School Sisters of Notre Dame is completed and is being occupied this week; it is situated in front of the school of St. Mary's Catholic Church; the sisters had been occupying a house across the street from the school; when that house is vacated, Dr. R.P. Dalton will move in.

A large number of the members of the Commercial Club gather to discuss the rumors that the Frisco Railroad intends to remove its shops from Cape Girardeau; some insist the road has purchased land near Oran, Mo.; an investigation will be launched into the matter.

-- Sharon K. Sanders