Out of the past 6/16/06

25 years ago: June 16, 1981

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport, threatened in recent weeks by a proposed closure of its control tower by the federal government, is facing a more immediate threat to air traffic control -- a pending nationwide strike by air traffic controllers set to begin Monday morning if a new contract isn't worked out before then.

An agreement in principle has been reached between Interstate Brands Inc., and Lewis Brothers Baking Co. of Anna, Ill., for purchase of the Hart's Bakery at Sikeston, Mo.; the purchasers assumed control of the Hart's interests yesterday.

50 years ago: June 16, 1956

Dr. Mark F. Scully, president-elect of State College, his wife and their two sons, John M. and Robert A. Scully, arrive in Cape Girardeau in the afternoon from Dearborn, Mich.; the family will spend the weekend with relatives in Charleston, Mo., before returning here Monday.

A new Hammond organ has been presented the Baptist Student Center by Mrs. Charles F. Fluhrer of Cape Girardeau; in 1948, in memory of her late husband and son, Carl, Mrs. Fluhrer built and endowed Memorial Chapel, which she then turned over to the Baptist Center.

75 years ago: June 16, 1931

Forty automobiles will be needed Friday morning, when the steamer Cape Girardeau arrives to transport the 130 or so members of the Illinois Art Extension Group from the riverfront to the Teachers College campus; anyone who can supply transportation is asked to contact the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce or the Teachers College.

A force of workers is employed in beginning the laying of the intake piping from the Mississippi River to the new Missouri Utilities Co. water plant at Cape Rock.

100 years ago: June 16, 1906

The Cape Girardeau & Chester Railroad is building a side track at Three Mile Creek by the gravel beds, and next week a work train will begin hauling gravel to improve the railroad terminals in Cape Girardeau.

In the afternoon a crowd of about 500 people blocks the streets around the Caldwell Bros. store to grab for bundles of goods thrown from the roof; as each bundle of goods is thrown to the crowd, a scramble takes place that is something terrible to behold; a half-dozen people make grabs for each package, and before one person can secure it, it is often torn to pieces.

-- Sharon K. Sanders