Out of the past 7/14/07

25 years ago: July 14, 1982

One hundred and nine Southeast Missouri State University students will receive degrees Friday at summer commencement; Dr. Arthur Mallory, commission of education in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will be the keynote speaker.

Cape Girardeau's redevelopment drive survives its first major hurdle as the city's Planning and Zoning Commission votes without dissent that the city council should approve a preliminary redevelopment plan for an eastern section of the city.

50 years ago: July 14, 1957

Ninety-four Boy Scouts from six troops depart for Camp Lewallen for a week's encampment; the boys are from two troops at Dexter, Mo., and one each from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Bernie and Advance, Mo.

Fire of an undetermined origin destroys the two-story brick and frame building at 2110 S. Sprigg St., occupied by the Texas Trading Post, a new and used furniture and appliance store, and the living quarters of the store and building owner, Jim Hughes.

75 years ago: July 14, 1932

An unrelenting heat wave continues to hold Cape Girardeau securely in its grip; yesterday was the hottest day of the year with the mercury going to 98 degrees; today, a similar reading is reached by noon.

Fire shortly before noon destroys an airplane belonging to Ben Funk of Cape Girardeau, while it was in a field 1 1/2 miles south of the Frisco Railroad viaduct alongside Highway 74; the ship, a Curtiss Junior pusher type monoplane, is valued at $1,500.

100 years ago: July 14, 1907

A grand rally jubilee is being held at the Methodist church; the Rev. E.T. Adams, pastor, and Joseph W. Powell of Buffalo, N.Y., are going among the people and awakening their church spirit; an all-day jubilee is held at the new Methodist church, marking the 25th anniversary of the existence of the congregation.

Bishop A. Grant, the great preacher of the Missouri AME Church, will arrive in Cape Girardeau Tuesday from Charleston, Mo., to preach that evening at St. James AME Church.

-- Sharon K. Sanders