Out of the past 7/8/06

25 years ago: July 8, 1981

The remains of two infants were unearthed earlier this week in a field just east of the Florsheim Shoe Co. in Cape Girardeau; the babies died and were buried more than 700 years ago during the "prehistoric" era of Cape Girardeau and are two of 10 human bodies discovered in past years by Southeast Missouri State University archaeology students.

The Rev. Ralph A. Zimmer of St. Louis, a Cape Girardeau native, dies at his home at age 73; Zimmer, the son of Robert and Mary Zimmer, was the first ordained priest from St. Mary's Cathedral Parish.

50 years ago: July 8, 1956

A ferry towboat employee loses his life when the Cape Zephyr and the ferry operating across the Mississippi River at Tiptonville, Tenn., collide in midstream; Faye R. "Pete" Petty, 30, of Tiptonville, is trapped in the pilothouse of the ferry and is unable to escape as it heels over under the weight of the barges in 22 feet of water.

Dr. H.R. Bolen, head of the science department at State College, has returned from a tour through western states, during which he attended a clinic and seminar and inspected science buildings on a number of college and university campuses.

75 years ago: July 8, 1931

There is a threat that five county officials upon whom big reductions in salaries have resulted from an order of the county court Monday will take their fight to the courts for final settlement; the county court, in its order, provided that those officials whose salary is based on population should be paid according to numbers determined by the census; for the past seven years, the population has been figured on the basis of the vote in the last election.

A modern front is being installed on the Womack Drug Store, 630 Good Hope St.; the contractor is A.H. Gerhardt & Son; the front is being made deeper, and a combination of black and white tile will be employed to make it highly attractive.

100 years ago: July 8, 1906

The plans for the new Methodist church to be built in Cape Girardeau are ready for inspection by contractors who wish to bid on the work.

Joe Wilson holds the record for speed between Cape Girardeau and Jackson; in his new Maxwell runabout, which he received yesterday, he makes the trip over to Jackson and on the return trip easily breaks the record set some time ago by his brother, Mercer D. Wilson; Joe Wilson covers the 10 miles in 22 minutes.

-- Sharon K. Sanders