Out of the past 5/16/11

25 years ago: May 16, 1986

Businesses in Cape Girardeau's west end are a weary brigade of buckets and mops as tedious cleanup begins on what longtime merchants say is the worst flooding ever in that area; Gov. John Ashcroft arrives in the city before noon to survey the damage firsthand; many merchants are angry over lack of flood control in the area, saying that talk has gone on long enough and the time has come for action.

Two Cape Girardeau residents who died in the wake of Thursday's flooding were apparently just feet away from safety when rushing water pulled them down the street to their deaths; the two were discovered near the intersection of South Henderson and College streets.

50 years ago: May 16, 1961

Businesses along U.S. 61 interested in the straightening of Cape LaCroix Creek as a means of alleviating flooding were asked by the City Council last night to present a concrete proposal to the city; the proposed plan would eliminate several sharp twists and turns where water tends to accumulate and push back upstream in heavy rains.

Richard C. Ray of Salina, Kan., has been selected to serve as the executive of the Southeast Missouri Area Council of Boy Scouts effective June 1; he will succeed Hal Cory, who is to become a deputy executive at Cleveland.

75 years ago: May 16, 1936

Louis J. Schultz goes to Sikeston, Mo., to investigate the possibility of getting a Works Progress Administration project that would provide supervision for playground activity in Cape Girardeau during the summer months.

Two hundred-ninety used auto tires are collected at the Maier Auto Supply Co., 718 Broadway, when the store offers a free Fox Broadway Theater ticket to each boy and girl who turns in an old tire.

100 years ago: May 16, 1911

The Cape Girardeau City Council has authorized the purchase of 11 acres from Mrs. Elizabeth Hitt and Martin Krueger for cemetery purposes; the new property adjoins the present cemetery, which is entirely full.

Dr. Effie A. Close, a graduate of the Still School of Osteopathy, arrived in Cape Girardeau yesterday and is preparing to open the offices formerly occupied by Dr. Kilgore; she recently has been practicing in Bismarck, N.D.

-- Sharon K. Sanders