Out of the past 5/9/06

25 years ago: May 9, 1981

A gas "skirmish" has dropped prices at filling stations to $1.07, and Cape Girardeans are doing something they haven't done in a long time -- smile at the gas pumps; the drop in prices is the result of an excess supply of gasoline; Cape Girardeau has some of the lowest prices in the state.

Cape Girardeau gained another service this week, when Overnite Transportation Co., one of the largest over-the-road trucking firms in the country, established a facility here.

50 years ago: May 9, 1956

Introduction of kindergartens and skyrocketing enrollments will be the twin forces taking Cape Girardeau voters to the polls Tuesday to decide whether the school district should indebt itself for $425,000 to build a new elementary school and to care for numerous miscellaneous needs in other schools; of the sum sought in the district's bonds, $360,000 is earmarked to purchase a school site and construct and equip a modern school building.

Walter H. Ford, appointed Cape Girardeau mayor by the four city commissioners, will take office on June 1 to serve the remainder of a the four-year term left vacant by the resignation of Narvol A. Randol.

75 years ago: May 9, 1931

The first crate of Cape Girardeau County-grown strawberries this season sells on the local market for $7.50; this price is received by J.C. Hopper, grower who resides on the Bend Road north of Cape Girardeau.

Isiah H. Poe, 87, native and lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau, died yesterday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J.F. Masterson, in Cape Girardeau; Poe, the son of William Poe, served in the U.S. militia during the Civil War and was a charter member of New McKendree Methodist Church in Jackson.

100 years ago: May 9, 1906

The first buildings of the great Southern Metal and Manufacturing plant were practically completed Saturday, and what is to be one of the largest lead-manufacturing plants in the United States is rapidly taking shape just south of Cape Girardeau.

Cape Girardeau County Court yesterday ordered the offices of recorder of deeds and circuit clerk separated; heretofore, the circuit clerk had performed the duties of the recorder, but the business in each department has grown so large that one man can no longer give them the proper attention.

-- Sharon K. Sanders