Out of the past 5/18/09

25 years ago: May 18, 1984

Exterior tiles over several of the entrances at the county courthouse in Jackson are being inspected after one of the tiles fell about two weeks ago; the tiles hang from ledges directly over entrances to the courthouse.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking to acquire 160 acres of land or more south of Trail of Tears State Park to expand the park; the land is privately owned.

50 years ago: May 18, 1959

The U.S. 61 entrance to Arena Park is converted into a carnival midway, as concession stands and rides are set up on the grass between the main park drive and Marie Louise Lane; it is the first time the city has allowed a carnival at the park entrance; the combination of rain yesterday and heavy trucks cut ruts in to the park grounds.

Cape Girardeau's traffic ordinances, including the last comprehensive bill passed in 1949 and subsequent amendments, are repealed and a new ordinance is passed by the city council, placing everything into a single package; changes in the ordinance have to do with speed limits on certain city streets.

75 years ago: May 18, 1934

Following a series of burglaries in Cape Girardeau, officers recover a squirrel coat valued at $250 and four dresses belonging to Mrs. C.V. Ransom, 319 Good Hope St., and secure further evidence against a man held in the county jail; the items are dug up in a cotton field two miles southeast of Sikeston, Mo.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- George A. Rozier, prosecuting attorney of Perry County, files with the secretary of state at Jefferson City as a candidate for the Republican nomination for state senator from the 26th District.

100 years ago: May 18, 1909

At the Cape Girardeau City Council meeting last night, Charles Hawn was elected first assistant fire chief and Lee Albert was chosen second assistant; these two will have police power and will remain on duty continually; they will be stationed at the new fire headquarters at Independence and Frederick streets.

G.A. Richards is erecting a new electric theater on Broadway between Ellis and Sprigg streets and expects to be open in a few days.

-- Sharon K. Sanders