Out of the past 5/2/10

25 years ago: May 2, 1985

A delegation of Japanese bankers and industrial representatives, participating in a weeklong trade mission aimed at finding new business investments in Missouri, is in Cape Girardeau to see what the area has to offer; the group tours the Japanese-owned BioKyowa plant in the Nash Road industrial complex, as well as other sites in the city.

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents approves entering into a contract with the J.S. Alberici Construction Co. Inc. of St. Louis for construction management of the multipurpose building project.

50 years ago: May 2, 1960

Cape Girardeau's 1960 population count, still considered a preliminary estimate, includes approximately 728 more students from State College and St. Vincent's College than were enumerated in the 1950 census.

Two sets of sealed orders, both to be opened tomorrow afternoon, will set forth Cape Girardeau's part in the nationwide "Operation Alert," a Civil Defense exercise that will test the nation's ability to organize for defense in case of attack.

75 years ago: May 2, 1935

The Cape County Milling Co. of Jackson has started construction of a wheat elevator at Ancell; concrete for the foundation is being placed, and work should be completed within a month.

Government engineers have made a survey in Southeast Missouri counties looking to possible locations of Civilian Conservation Corps camps in this part of the state; the CCC has decided to use its members in connection with drainage reclamation work, which hasn't yet been done.

100 years ago: May 2, 1910

Construction of a big platform on the Normal School campus for the children's fete in May has been started; soon rehearsals will be in full swing.

Ott Cook is now manning a chair in the Commercial Barber Shop, ready to give smooth shaves and artistic haircuts.

-- Sharon K. Sanders