Out of the past 7/31/11

25 years ago: July 31, 1986

Local labor unions could hold the key to obtaining National Guard assistance in cleaning out Cape Lacroix and Walker creeks; approval of labor organizations, representing the various construction trades that would be used in such a project, is required before the Guard can embark upon any "domestic action" project.

BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County Commission agrees to support Scott City in its efforts to obtain a second route in and out of the city; the action follows Sunday's gasoline tanker accident, which sealed off Scott City for nearly six hours.

50 years ago: July 31, 1961

Three carloads of Senior Girl Scouts departed Saturday for a weeklong trip to Florida, accompanied by Mrs. Hugh Ashley Jr., Mrs. Gordon McBride and Mrs. L.S. Bunch; the girls will look at the state's industries, resort facilities and may even try some deep-sea fishing.

A new contract, embodying a wage increase each year and other benefits, has been signed by Local 164, United Cement, Lime and Gypsum Workers (AFL-CIO) and the Marquette Cement Mfg. Co.; the contract provides a six-cent wage increase the first year, retroactive to June 1, and an eight-cent increase the second year.

75 years ago: July 31, 1936

Authority to begin construction work on the downtown storm-water sewer project in Cape Girardeau is contained in a letter from the WPA to City Commissioner Harry L. Coffman; the date for the work to start is Aug. 15.

E.L. Markham of Cape Girardeau is awarded a contract for improving about 4 1/2 blocks in Jackson by the city council; the improvement consists of a covering of amiesite on First North Street west from Court Street to Third West Street, and on First West Street from West Main to Cherry.

100 years ago: July 31, 1911

Charley Whitener almost gets a free trip to St. Louis; while he and some other youths are selling watermelons to passengers aboard the steamer Savannah, he finds himself on the boat when it leaves the wharf; the boat's captain puts him ashore around Cape Rock, and he hoofs it back to the wharf.

The workforce at the Roberts, Johnson and Rand shoe factory has been increased greatly in the last three months, jumping from 350 to 503 employees.

-- Sharon K. Sanders