Out of the past 5/30/02

10 years ago: May 30, 1992

Area supporters of Ross Perot's efforts to get on presidential ballot in Missouri have vowed to start all over collecting signatures, after conflict at state level of Perot organization led to decision not to file petitions that had already been collected; Gil Degenhardt is new 8th District coordinator of Perot campaign.

Metropolis, Ill. - David Fishman, vice chairman of Players International, was in Metropolis yesterday to officially break ground for development of riverfront facilities that will service Players Riverboat Casino, scheduled to begin operation in April 1993; about 100 community members attended announcement, along with about 10 protesters.

25 years ago: May 30, 1977

Memorial Day.

Nearly 500 people attend Memorial Day services in Cape Girardeau and Jackson; in Cape Girardeau participants hear former State Sen. Albert M. Spradling Jr., speak on history of Memorial Day; at Jackson service the Rev. Lloyd Bollinger talks about day as an "inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere."

Winds accompanying thunderstorm strike here and over wide area in evening, causing major damage in some places; reports of damage range from roof being blown off barn to host of reports of downed tree limbs; car owned by Marcia Lewis, 223 S. Lorimier, is destroyed by tree which is blown over by winds.

50 years ago: May 30, 1952

Memorial Day.

Recently built steps leading to south entrance of Old Lorimier Cemetery are formally dedicated in afternoon; steps were installed by Thomas Sanford Chapter, Daughters of American Colonists; gathering of at least 40 people attend dedication as Mrs. W.F. Oehler, regent of chapter, presents steps and they are accepted by Jack O. Knehans in behalf of city.

Frantic efforts are being made by Mr. and Mrs. Roland G. Busch of Cape Girardeau to untangle web of confusion that surrounds fate of their son, Ensign Roland G. Busch Jr., 24; Navy reported Busch was killed May 27 in crash of his plane against Korean mountainside; but earlier flier had notified his parents he would be flying no more combat missions.

75 years ago: May 30, 1927

Benton - Birthday celebration turned into tragedy near here yesterday, when two young boys drowned in pond while swimming, one in unsuccessful effort to save the other; dead are Otto Uhrhahn, whose 15th birthday boys were celebrating, and John Felter, 14, who drowned despite efforts of other to save him.

Memorial Day is observed in Cape Girardeau with appropriate ceremonies by women's auxiliary of Sons of Veterans and by closing of municipal and federal offices, post office, banks and some other business institutions; assembling in Courthouse Park, auxiliary, accompanied by many war veterans and led by Central High School band, march to Lorimier Cemetery, where exercises are held; flowers are strewn on graves of war veterans.- Sharon K. Sanders