Out of the past 7/15/04

10 years ago: July 15, 1994

Talks at improving cooperation among Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City chambers of commerce could lead to establishment of area-wide chamber; but those involved say informal discussion is in its initial stages and outcome remains uncertain.

Local American Red Cross volunteer Darlene MacCubbin leaves for Georgia to help victims of flooding there; she is only local volunteer called to duty in Georgia so far; four others are on stand-by.

25 years ago: July 15, 1979

Recent graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa., has arrived in Cape Girardeau to become pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church; Richard W. Johnson, formerly of Glen Ellyn, Ill., was ordained at last month's convention of Illinois Synod of Lutheran Church in America.

The Rev. Oscar A. Gerken, who served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church from 1964 to 1977, is guest speaker as Trinity congregation celebrates its 125th anniversary homecoming.

50 years ago: July 15, 1954

Cool whiff of air streaming into Cape Girardeau brings welcome relief from blistering temperatures of past few days; weather forecasters for area promise high tomorrow of only about 92 or 93; yesterday's high of 104 degrees set record for this summer.

With more than two-thirds of money collected in campaign to finance nine-hole, grass green golf course, work on Jaycees course has begun; lake is being constructed by Burton Gerhardt Construction Co., which is donating necessary labor; when it is completed, probably next week, R.B. Potashnick Co. will move in to start construction of course.

75 years ago: July 15, 1929

Fire of unknown origin early Saturday night destroyed main building and three warehouses of Whitewater Milling Co., at Whitewater, causing loss estimated in excess of $30,000; about 500 bushels of corn, some wheat and flour and other grain were destroyed in blaze; frame mill, built in 1906, is managed by Linus Hartle; principal stockholders are Mrs. J.A. Withers, Henry Thoma, August Kuehle and S.L. Searcy.

Cape Skelgas Co., new firm in Cape Girardeau, opens for business at 706 Broadway under management of A.L. Suedekum; company will sell gas ranges for home use.

-- Sharon K. Sanders