Out of the past 5/5/11

25 years ago: May 5, 1986

The Town Pump, 120 N. Main St., has been sold to Baron and Kathy Broussard, who plan to introduce a full line of authentic Cajun and seafood foods at the eatery; the restaurant was purchased from Anita Newcomer.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- TG (USA) Corp., a large international automotive parts manufacturer, breaks ground in the Perryville Industrial Park for a 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will provide 20 jobs to Perry County residents.

50 years ago: May 5, 1961

A program of modernization was completed this week that has made Common Pleas Courthouse stronger than it was on the day it was completed; steel and concrete have replaced wood and stone used in years past; new ceilings and lighting have been added, and the exterior has been sandblasted and tuck-pointed.

A sports recreation center, the Windmill Funland, featuring children's rides, go-cart track and cart rentals, and a miniature golf course, will have its grand opening Sunday; the center is just north of the Cape Girardeau city limits on U.S. 61.

75 years ago: May 5, 1936

The special committee of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees that is trying to work out a plan for the restoration of the Cape County Fair is holding regular meetings; within the next 10 days, members expect to have a concrete proposal; options have been secured on a tract of 53 acres north and west of the Simpson Tavern, with a wide entrance on U.S. 61 near the Serena Tourist Homes and filling station.

The baseball situation in Cape Girardeau this summer is uncertain; with no support last year, there will be no Municipal League playing twilight games; Bill Sullivan gave up the reins of the Capahas, and no one knows whether that club will field a team.

100 years ago: May 5, 1911

Rehearsals are being staged nightly at the Elks Club for the big production of "The Lemon Pickers," which the young singers and actors of Cape Girardeau will give May 15 and 16 at the Grand Theater in Haarig.

Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Hammonds of St. Louis, who have been here this week visiting relatives, will return home on the steamer Cape Girardeau tonight; Mrs. Hammonds is the former Helen Meyer.

-- Sharon K. Sanders