Out of the past 6/29/05

25 years ago: June 29, 1980

The Montgomery Drive-in Theater at Blomeyer, Mo., south of Cape Girardeau on Highway 25, which has been closed since 1974, reopened last week, giving shows Friday and Saturday evenings; this schedule will continue through the summer, says owner Bernice Montgomery of Chaffee, Mo.

Tenth District congressional candidate Bill Emerson has announced that Cape Girardeau lawyer David Limbaugh will serve as coordinator for his campaign in Cape Girardeau County.

50 years ago: June 29, 1955

A special study committee, appointed by Mayor Narvol A. Randol to determine if a need exists for a change in the form of government in Cape Girardeau, recommends that residents "give consideration to the adoption of a special charter"; the committee's report cites defects in the commission form of government as brought out by its studies.

Salary increases totaling $40,000 a year were approved for all staff members at State College, and authority was given for the addition of 10 faculty members to all teaching departments by the board of regents yesterday; the salary increase will be distributed among all personnel, teaching and nonteaching, employed on the campus.

75 years ago: June 29, 1930

An old-time basket dinner and services are held at McLain's Methodist Chapel near Oriole; the Rev. J.C. Montgomery, presiding elder of the Cape Girardeau District of the Methodist Church, preaches in the morning and afternoon.

L.O. Wilcox, for two years director of the Central High School band and instructor in music at the school, has accepted a position as the director of the Teachers College band and orchestra.

100 years ago: June 29, 1905

Within 60 days, men will be laying gas mains under the streets of Cape Girar-deau; by spring, if the winter isn't too severe, homes and stores will be lighted and housewives will be cooking with gas.

The officials of the Fair Association go to the fairgrounds in the morning and stake off the ground for the new club house; the contract for the building is awarded to A.J. Schmidt; his bid of $5,585 is the lowest of the eight received; he is to have the exterior and enough inside work finished this year to accommodate the fair crowds in October.

-- Sharon K. Sanders