Out of the past 6/22/09

25 years ago: June 22, 1984

Twenty-four Cherokee Indians are retracing the infamous "Trail of Tears" journey in which about 4,000 American Indians died in 1838 and 1839 en route from North Carolina to Oklahoma; the group is pedaling bicycles instead of walking the trail; they camped overnight at East Cape Girardeau, Ill.

Old McKendree Chapel near Jackson and the Oliver House in Jackson are among 35 historic sites to be considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places at a June 28 meeting of the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Jefferson City.

50 years ago: June 22, 1959

Cape Girardeau's general revenue fund, usually in a somewhat emaciated condition at this time of the year, showed a fat balance of $118,734.14 on hand at the end of May; it is the largest amount of money the city ever has had in its general fund so late in a fiscal year.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to pull up stakes soon in Cape Girardeau, leaving unfinished the Mississippi River floodwall; according to the Corps, no money has been asked of Congress to finish the wall north from Bellevue Street, and none will be sought due to failure to acquire the necessary right of way.

75 years ago: June 22, 1934

Hot, dry winds hold Cape Girardeau and vicinity in their grip, and no promise of rain is given to bring relief from the heat and drought; the temperature at Cape Girardeau yesterday reached the official high mark of the season, 98.5 degrees being recorded at State College.

Bids for constructing an oil mat surface on 22.6 miles of highways 25 and 55 in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties will be received July 6 by the State Highway Commission; the combined projects will cost between $45,000 and $60,000.

100 years ago: June 22, 1909

White Star Realty Co. has been formed in Cape Girardeau; incorporators for the new firm are Rodney G. Whitelaw, David A. Glenn and L.S. Joseph.

Plans are underway for a Fourth of July in Cape Girardeau; the Normal School band and the Normal Athletic Association will provide entertainment on the Normal campus.

-- Sharon K. Sanders