Out of the past 7/27/04

10 years ago: July 27, 1994

Cape Girardeau firefighters yesterday rescued 36-year-old man from apartment fire at 105 S. Spanish St.; firefighers believe unidentified victim was overcome by toxic smoke and gasses while attempting to flee.

THEBES, Ill. -- Coast Guard plans to resume salvage operations as early as next week to raise three sunken barges from Mississippi River; two barges are just south of Thebes railroad bridge; third has yet to be found.

25 years ago: July 27, 1979

Leading figure in Missouri law enforcement for more than 30 years, Percy R. Little, died last night at Southeast Missouri Hospital at age 78; Little joined then-fledgling Missouri Highway Patrol in 1932, remained for 25 years with that organization and later became Cape Girardeau chief of police.

Group of Main Street merchants has engaged attorneys and is preparing to file petition of intervention to halt proposed removal of home office of First National Bank to site adjacent to new West Park Mall.

50 years ago: July 27, 1954

Cape Girardeau and Jackson school boards took second look at segregation last night in joint session and voted to go all the way in abolishing separate schools for blacks and white pupils; earlier, boards had decided to go halfway in ending segregation, but left door open for last night's action.

Gifts totaling $148,925, all contributed in advance of general public campaign, are announced to more than 300 people, supporters of Southeast Missouri Hospital, as it places underway its appeal for $350,000 as area's share of $700,000 addition to institution.

75 years ago: July 27, 1929

Although government engineers have expressed some concern over rapidly falling stage of Mississippi River, no immediate difficulty for packet boat lines is anticipated; Capt. George Street, pilot of steamer Cape Girardeau, which arrives in morning from St. Louis, doesn't see any problems with falling stage of river, since packet draws only about four feet of water.

Fire of undetermined origin guts interior of building at 8 N. Sprigg St., occupied by Mississippi Valley Printing Co., causing considerable damage to building and equipment; blaze is discovered by C.W. Stehr, who operates grocery store next door.

-- Sharon K. Sanders