Out of the past 5/30/07

25 years ago: May 30, 1982

The Rev. Martin J. Culligan, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a special afternoon Mass and reception.

Gary M. Carr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Carr of Crestwood, Mo., is ordained to the deaconate by Bishop Bernard F. Law at St. Mary's Cathedral in the afternoon.

50 years ago: May 30, 1957

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled War Veterans, together with their auxiliaries, unite to observe Memorial Day; the service includes the marking of graves of veterans in each of Cape Girardeau's five cemeteries, a Knights of Columbus ceremony on the riverfront and a ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The second annual horse show in Jackson is a success, drawing more than 1,800 people to the high school stadium; the show is sponsored by the Retail Merchants Association and the Friend of the Horse Club.

75 years ago: May 30, 1932

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Col. Willard D. Vandiver, 78, former member of Congress and president of the Southeast Missouri State Teachers College at Cape Girardeau, from 1893 to 1897, dies here; Vandiver is credited with originating the expression, "I'm from Missouri; you've got to show me."

A new awning is installed on the front of the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. store, 420 Broadway in Cape Girardeau; the green-and-gold-striped awning covers the sidewalk along the entire frontage of the building.

100 years ago: May 30, 1907

Decoration Day is celebrated quietly in Cape Girardeau. In the afternoon, the GAR, Sons of Veterans and the women's organizations connected with these orders, observe the day with appropriate exercises; they, along with Civil War veterans, school children and the public, assemble at Common Pleas Courthouse Park and parade to Lorimier Cemetery; there they decorate graves and listen to stirring talks by attorney Charles H. Daues, Harry Bridges and Capt. F.L. Withaup.

The excursion on the steamer J.S. is largely attended; an estimated 750 persons make the trip to Cairo, Ill.

-- Sharon K. Sanders