Out of the past 5/31/03

10 years ago: May 31, 1993

Several hundred people brave biting, blustery chill at Memorial Day ceremonies in Cape Girardeau and Jackson to honor nation's more than 1.1 million war dead; about 200 people turn out for 11 a.m. service at Cape Girardeau County Park North; earlier in day, about 125 attended ceremony at entrance to Jackson's Russell Heights Cemetery.

Nash Road is closed to traffic for short time following chemical spill at BioKyowa manufacturing plant that is blamed on faulty valve of tanker truck; incident occurs as driver of truck is attempting to attach hose to begin process of unloading hydrochloric acid.

25 years ago: May 31, 1978

Generous support by various organizations, coupled with ongoing campaign to raise about $2,500 in additional funds, has assured area residents of three-day waterfront musical and artistic extravaganza in mid-July; Dr. Dan B. Cotner is working with Southeast Missouri Council for the Arts to bring American Wind Symphony of Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cape Girardeau.

Mrs. Arthur Thilenius of Cape Girardeau was one of two people in nation to receive 1977 award from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge in general category for heritage activities Saturday at St. Louis Women's Club; her nomination for award was made through Cape Girardeau Historical Society.

50 years ago: May 31, 1953

Asger Grarup, native of Denmark and director of youth work for Danish Baptists, is guest speaker at evening worship service at First Baptist Church; he will remain in city several days to hold conferences with students at State College campus.

Hobbs Methodist Chapel holds its annual homecoming and basket dinner; delivering special messages at morning and afternoon services are pastor, the Rev. Boytt B. Willis, and district superintendent, the Rev. John L. Taylor; day's program also brings dedication of chapel's new walnut pulpit to Mrs. Ophelia McLeary Satterfield of Orlando, Fla., and Norwalk, Conn., former member of Hobbs Chapel.

75 years ago: May 31, 1928

Seventeenth annual commencement exercises of Central High School are held in evening at Teachers College auditorium; there are 84 graduates in class which finishes this month and 51 who finished in middle of year, making total of 135 to graduate from school this year.

Workers have begun construction of scaffolding at Catholic church in Jackson, preparatory to renovating of building; outer walls will be given coat of stucco; this is one of oldest church building in city and was built 75 years ago.

-- Sharon K. Sanders