Out of the past 5/16/09

25 years ago: May 16, 1984

About 100 people turned out last night at a public meeting to voice support for a west end site for the Cape Girardeau multipurpose building, the merits of which were spelled out by local businessmen and area residents; many of those attending were residents of the Bertling-Sprigg street area, who said they don't want a civic arena built in their neighborhood.

Work is expected to begin soon on the resurfacing of Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau by Girardeau Contractors Inc., which has been awarded a $646,805.82 contract to do the work.

50 years ago: May 16, 1959

A handsome English Springer Spaniel, Ch. Salilyn's Mac Duff, took Best Dog in the Show at the sixth annual All-Breed Dog Show of the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club Inc., held at the Arena Building; the dog is owned by William L. and Elaine P. Randall of Chicago.

Nighttime temperatures nip a few cotton plants just peeping through the ground, but in the broad picture, cotton and all other crops in Southeast Missouri are in excellent condition; the low last night was 39 degrees.

75 years ago: May 16, 1934

A new grocery, to be known as the Bud Evans' IGA Market, will open soon at 40 N. Main St., owned by William Day; the Day Furniture Co., which occupied the front of the structure, has been moved to the rear.

Oscar Hirsch is elected president of the Lions Club to serve during the ensuing year; Forrest Rose is elected first vice president; R.E.L. Lamkin Jr., second vice president; and James A. Finch Jr. and Elmer Strom are named directors for three-year terms.

100 years ago: May 16, 1909

The Rev. A.M. Ross, pastor of First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, being away attending the convention at Louisville, Ky., his pulpit is filled by Dr. J.C. Maple.

The baseball game between the visiting Festus, Mo., team and the Capahas is a mighty good exhibition of ball playing; the home team finally takes the contest 1-0; the game little pitcher for the Capahas strikes out eight men and lets only one walk to first.

-- Sharon K. Sanders