Out of the past 5/19/11

25 years ago: May 19, 1986

A family dream to restore the 162-year-old mill at Old Appleton was washed away Friday morning by rain-swollen Apple Creek; the stone foundation of the three-story timber structure is all that remains.

Emergency relief is continuing for hundreds of Southeast Missouri families left homeless or in need of help by tornadoes and flash flooding last week; about 830 homes or mobile homes were damaged or destroyed; hardest hit was Scott County.

50 years ago: May 19, 1961

Mud, trash, residue and an almost-unbearable stench are taking over much of the Smelterville area as the Mississippi River moves back into its banks; outhouses overflowed into the streets and through dwellings; tin cans, bottles, rubbish of all kinds and even pieces of furniture are deposited here and there; mud and waste matter lie thick on the floors in dwellings.

A new parking regulation that forbids students with fewer than 45 semester hours to operate an automobile on campus will go into effect at State College this fall.

75 years ago: May 19, 1936

The Cape Girardeau City Council has approved the expenditure of $2,500 for various municipal improvements; among items financed will be the purchase of two new motor trucks for the garbage disposal department and purchase of summer uniforms for all members of the police force; an appropriation of $100 will go to the Optimist Club to assist in the construction of a children's wading pool in Fairground Park.

Inspired by a favorable turnout of fans and players, a committee sponsoring the organization of a semi-pro baseball team for Sunday ball in Cape Girardeau starts out to find financial backing for the club.

100 years ago: May 19, 1911

Two trolley cars collided last night near the fairgrounds; Mrs. Frank Lawler, a passenger, and motorman Gilbert M. Drum were seriously injured; motorman Ben Hinkley was only slightly hurt.

The entire population of Cape Girardeau County will be invited to a conference Thursday afternoon to discuss the best plan for building a fine highway through the county, the best route through the county and the best way to go about doing the work.

-- Sharon K. Sanders