Out of the past 5/25/02

10 years ago: May 25, 1992

Memorial Day.

About 250 people turn out for annual Memorial Day observance at Cape County North Park under heavy, gray clouds; guest speaker is retired Air Force Lt. Charles Woodford of Cape Girardeau.

Sikeston - Speaking to Memorial Day audience at dedication of veterans' park, Navy Capt. Fred Crecelius says threat of global warfare is at its lowest level in almost 50 years because of sacrifices of American Veterans; during program, Crecelius, 1969 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, is awarded first Board of Regents Alumni Merit Award by Lynn Dempster, member of university Board of Regents.

25 years ago: May 25, 1977

Cape Girardeau's public school system moved closer to selecting carrier of its health insurance package with presentation last night to insurance advisory committee by representatives of New York Life Insurance Co., and Blue Cross/Blue Shield; school board has said it will pay at most $255 per employee for health coverage.

Anna, Ill. - Gov. James R. Thompson announces that Anna Mental Health Center will remain open as hospital and won't be converted to prison as was previously considered; decision ends two weeks of anxiety on part of 620 hospital employees and is greeted with relief by hospital director, Dr. Robert C. Steck.

50 years ago: May 25, 1952

New altar hangings, gift of Friendship Circle to Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church, are presented at morning worship service; Mrs. Kenneth Mehrle, president of circle, makes presentation, and it is accepted by Harry Schoepp, president of Church Council.

Graduation exercises for 46 St. Mary's High School seniors is held in morning, starting with Mass attended by all pupils; seniors are then entertained at breakfast by sophomores at school cafeteria; commencement is held in evening, with the Rev. Francis P. Donovan, pastor of St. Anthony's Church at Glennon, as speaker; diplomas are awarded by the Rev. Marion F. Forst, pastor of St. Mary's, and the Rev. Joseph T. Dyra, C.M., pastor of St. Vincent's Church.

75 years ago: May 25, 1927

Dr. Joseph C. Todd, director of Indiana School of Religion at Bloomington, gives commencement address at graduation exercises held in morning at Teachers College; 139 students receive degrees and certificates, prizes and trophies.

Charleston - Merger of Anniston Bank, which closed its doors yesterday, with Charleston-Mississippi County Bank here appears possible, as state finance department takes charge of institution; reports indicate that Anniston Bank, small institution, had to close primarily because it wasn't making money; its cash reserve had been depleted, and directors hesitated to keep it open under such conditions.

- Sharon K. Sanders