Out of the past 5/31/07

25 years ago: May 31, 1982

Area residents kick off the summer season with soggy picnics and other recreational activities, while at the same time giving pause to remember the nation's war dead; Memorial Day ceremonies are held at cemeteries throughout the area.

Severe thunderstorms, high winds and reported funnel clouds over the three-day holiday weekend inflicted damage in parts of Cape Girardeau County.

50 years ago: May 31, 1957

The question of restoration of the Niswonger Church on Highway 70, west of Millersville, will be discussed at a meeting Sunday at the church of present and former residents of the community; the roof of the building was torn off by winds two weeks ago and the structure otherwise damaged; for about 80 years, the church as served as a community center.

A survey of high water conditions and the damage resulting to farm lands is underway in Southeast Missouri; when the survey will be made in Cape Girardeau County isn't known; the worst damage in this county was in the vicinity of Delta.

75 years ago: May 31, 1932

State game wardens are investigating the reported sudden death of several thousand fish in Apple Creek near Old Appleton; some believe the fish may have been killed by the explosion of dynamite, but no reports of dynamiting have been received; last week, nearly 6,000 gallons of beer were dumped into the creek after a raid on a brewery there; what effect the beer would have on the fish isn't known.

Ed Randol expects to be ready by the end of the week to open his shoe repair shop in the Hartung building, Broadway and Frederick street in Cape Girardeau; Randol was employed at the shoe factory for 23 years.

100 years ago: May 31, 1907

G.E. Lennington is the new lessee of the Terminal Hotel in Cape Girardeau; Lennington formerly conducted a hotel here and gave general satisfaction to the public.

Clem Hoeller, who has been looking all over Cape Girardeau for an available butcher shop, has succeeded in purchasing one; Hirsch & Nenninger will give possession of their shop in Haarig to Hoeller Monday.

-- Sharon K. Sanders