Out of the past 5/6/03

10 years ago: May 6, 1993

For those living along Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, this week must seem like deja vu; 20 years ago, on May 1, 1973, river at Cape Girardeau crested at all-time high of 45.6 feet, causing widespread flooding and property damage along both sides of river; 10 years later, river stood at 45.1 feet, and now, river is expected to crest Saturday at 38.5 feet; it will be fourth crest since March.

Chaffee -- Scott County News has been purchased by Concord Publishing House, Inc.; purchase includes equipment and building at 113 N. Main in Chaffee; current staff -- Ron Eifert, Jeaneal Vandeven, John Topping, Harriett Duncan and K.C. Martin -- has been retained.

25 years ago: May 6, 1978

Sheriff's deputies for first time enforce new 10 p.m. curfew in county parks, breaking up gathering of about 300 young people in County Farm Park between Cape Girardeau and Jackson; four deputies, assisted by two Cape Girardeau police officers, dispersed crowd without incident about 11:30 p.m.

Plans have been distributed to contractors and bids will be received later this month on new building to house St. Mary's Parish Activities Center; structure will be built just south and adjacent to St. Mary's School in 200 block of South Sprigg; structure was designed by Anton Sebek, Cape Girardeau architect.

50 years ago: May 6, 1953

Dr. G. B. Schulz, 603 Broadway, has sold his 235-acre orchard and farm on Highway 61 and 17 parcels of real estate in Cape Girardeau to W.D. Deevers, 307 N. Pacific; orchard and farm has two houses and was formerly known as Elladora Orchard.

Chaffee -- Fred Thornton, executive cashier of Bank of Chaffee, was elected mayor Tuesday in balloting to fill unexpired term of W.A. Waldron, who died; Thornton defeated Harold Schoen, Frisco employee, 212 to 63.

75 years ago: May 6, 1928

The Rev. George S. Ellyson, new pastor of First Baptist Church, arrived in town yesterday and assumes his duties today; he comes here from Denver, Colo.; although he is but 33 years old, he has held pastorates in many large churches in East and West.

The Rev. J.E. Bertrand, pastor of Maple Avenue Methodist Church, has practically recovered from operation he underwent a few weeks ago; he preaches at both morning and evening services at church.

-- Sharon K. Sanders