Out of the past 7/17/07

25 years ago: July 17, 1982

Investors in a unique walnut-producing operation that recently began in Bollinger County are given the opportunity to tour the walnut farm to see first-hand the trees that are expected to produce some healthy profits in years ahead; the 215-acre farm, located between Dongola and Zalma, Mo., is operated by Superior Walnut Plantations Inc.

A new addition to Camp Lewallen has been completed; it is the Earl Jarvis Dining Hall; the 5,850-square-foot facility at the Boy Scout camp seats 250.

50 years ago: July 17, 1957

The new cornerstone for First General Baptist Church is laid at the remodeled church at the corner of Broadway and Spanish Street; the old cornerstone, which was installed by the church's original builders, the First Baptist Church, is removed and presented to the Rev. Laurence W. Cleland, pastor of the First Baptist Church, now at 926 Broadway.

Paul Edwards, manager of Smith-Alsop Paint and Wallpaper Co., in Cape Girardeau, has been elected chairman of the Retail Merchants Association; he succeeds William F. Suedekum Jr.

75 years ago: July 17, 1932

Members of Red Star Baptist Church have again called the Rev. W.E. Hicks as their leader; the minister on Sept. 25 will begin his sixth year of service with the north side congregation.

Those attending the union worship service at Courthouse Park in the evening hear the Rev. Josif Benyamin, a native of Persia, who is connected with the Northern Presbyterian Church; Benyamin speaks on "My Life and Experiences in Persia and Russia."

100 years ago: July 17, 1907

Gamblers, who left Cape Girardeau in a rush after the election of Mayor W.C. Patton, are slowly creeping back into town and setting up games; it is rumored that a gambler has furnished a suite of rooms on Main Street, but police have been unable to make an arrest; Patton declares that those on the police force are either unable to do the work required, or they are under the domination of the gambling interests; in either case, Patton says he will stop gambling in the city.

Edwin Miller, H. Lang, Michael Kerr, D. Palmer and Julius Wahlgamuth go down to Mingo on a fishing trip.

-- Sharon K. Sanders