Out of the past 7/3/06

25 years ago: July 3, 1981

Another phase in the development of a master plan for Cape Girardeau's west side was entered this week with the purchase by Drury Development Co. of the 133-acre Siemers farms at the southwest corner of the Interstate 55 and Route K intersection; a company spokesman said the farm will be incorporated into the overall master plan for continued west end growth.

A man who devoted much of his life to the ministry and the recording of the history of the Methodist Church, Dr. Frank C. Tucker of Cape Girardeau, died yesterday at age 88.

50 years ago: July 3, 1956

The Cape Girardeau Jaycees, in an intensive two-hour campaign last night, added 743 names to petitions requesting the city council call a special election on a $140,000 bond issue to build a municipal swimming pool; the total number who have signed the petition is now 1,093.

Dr. W.W. Parker, for 23 years president of State College until his retirement Sunday, has been presented an honorary membership in the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club; he was honored Monday during a program dedicated to his work in the club, community and district.

75 years ago: July 3, 1931

Eighteen dairies furnishing milk to the Cape Girardeau market have complied with requirements of the standard milk ordinance as laid down by the city health department; city health officer W.D. Black says he inspected 58 dairies in this community, and he reports excellent progress is being made by dairymen in meeting the requirements of the ordinance.

Lightning struck a barn on the farm of William Neumeyer, near Gordonville, late yesterday afternoon, and it was destroyed by the resulting fire; the contents of the barn included this season's hay crop, five head of calves, an automobile and farm machinery, including a grain binder, all of which were destroyed.

100 years ago: July 3, 1906

The L.E. Lines Music House, the largest dealers in pianos west of the Mississippi River, has opened a Cape Girardeau branch in a building just opposite the Houck railroad depot; manager of the store is H.M. Wood.

The Cape Girardeau City Council last night accepted the bid of Hill-Gaynord Co. of East St. Louis, Ill., to install a sewer system for the town's main district; the successful bidder will receive $59,804.53 when the work is completed.

-- Sharon K. Sanders