Out of the past 7/4/04

10 years ago: July 4, 1994

KELSO, Mo. -- Members of St. Augustine Catholic Parish dedicate peace pole on church grounds during morning service; Monsignor John Westhues presides at dedication service by leading parish in prayer of peace; Sister Dorothy Reinhold, who saw similar pole dedicated at Newman Center in Cape Girardeau, believed her parish needed good will inspired by such a symbol.

Laura St. Anne Keller celebrates her 100th birthday; she was born in Redding Ridge, Conn.; her family moved to Malden, Mo., when she was 6 years old, and then to Cape Girardeau in 1918.

25 years ago: July 4, 1979

More than 3,000 country-western music fans fill Arena Building to capacity in evening for Nashville on the Road Show, featured attraction at Cape Girardeau Jaycees' Summer Doin's; uncooperative weather forces show indoors.

Threat of gasoline explosion as result of shooting of fireworks prompted Jackson police to order removal of 55-gallon container of gasoline stored behind resident's home.

50 years ago: July 4, 1954

American Legion officials say more than 20,000 people, majority of them on grounds today, attended Louis K. Juden Post's annual Fourth of July picnic at Arena Park.

Louis W. Wittmor, 88, former city commissioner and resident of Cape Girardeau most of his life, dies at local hospital.

75 years ago: July 4, 1929

Rebecca Blattner, 11, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Blattner of Sunny Hill Farm west of Cape Girardeau, drowns in Castor River west of Lutesville when she is caught by strong undercurrent while swimming.

Approximately 5,000 people attend Fourth of July picnic and celebration at Fairground Park, according to estimates by officials of St. Vincent's Catholic Church, whose congregation sponsored event.

-- Sharon K. Sanders