Out of the past 5/5/09

25 years ago: May 5, 1984

As the M.G. Lorberg Jr. Speech and Hearing Center is dedicated, ceremonies stress the long-term, ongoing influence of the late chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's department of speech communication and theater.

A historic survey of downtown Cape Girardeau is scheduled to begin within about a month; the survey, which will be conducted by Southeast Missouri State University for the city, is viewed as the first phase of a project to preserve and restore historic downtown structures during the next few years.

50 years ago: May 5, 1959

Judge W.O. Statler presides over his first session in the Cape Girardeau Court of Common Pleas in the afternoon after being administered the oath of office by County Clerk Rusby Crites at Jackson in the morning; Statler takes the bench vacated by Judge Robert G. Brady.

Southeast Missouri's representatives to the National Science Fair -- Corena Jansen of Cape Catholic High School and James Singleton of Central High School -- accompanied by teachers and staff members of sponsoring organizations, depart by Cape Central Airways chartered plane for Hartford, Conn.

75 years ago: May 5, 1934

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A bolting horse briefly interrupted the annual Chaffee High School parade yesterday; several children riding on a float drawn by the animal were thrown to the pavement; two of them, Nancy J. Heyman and Anna M. Merrill, were slightly injured.

This morning's heavy rain forces Capahas' manager William Sullivan to call off the opening game of the baseball season at the new ball field on U.S. 61; instead, Sullivan will take his team to Charleston, Mo., for the game.

100 years ago: May 5, 1909

The Cape Girardeau City Council met again last night, having continued its meeting from the night before, which was interrupted by a fire on Water Street; an ordinance was passed for the reorganization of the fire department, with Barney Kraft being made chief.

The Presbyterian Church opens a reading room for the general public in the basement of the church; it will be open each evening except Sundays.

-- Sharon K. Sanders