Out of the past 7/8/12

25 years ago: July 8, 1987

After 131 years, the SEMO District Fair has decided to change its name to SEMO District Fair/Expo; a new logo that incorporates the change has also been developed for the annual event.

Developer Jim Drury says he believes the city of Jackson can provide utilities sooner than Cape Girardeau to a 70-acre site east of Interstate 55; the speed with which utilities could be provided to the tract, on the northeast quadrant of the I-55 and U.S. 61 intersection, was the main reason for his asking Jackson to provide the electricity, sewers and water to the area.

50 years ago: July 8, 1962

The Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, who was installed last week as bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese, makes his first official visit here, offering Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in the morning; a reception is held in the evening at Notre Dame High School to allow the public to meet the new bishop.

The Rev. J. Ray Trotter, his wife and their three children are guests of honor at a reception for the new pastor in the lower auditorium of Centenary Methodist Church.

75 years ago: July 8, 1937

Peepers who prowl at night and those who would drink liquor on the street or in public gatherings are to come under the ban of new ordinances adopted by Jackson city officials; the "peeping Tom" ordinance was enacted after many complaints had been received.

Construction has begun on a two-mile electric power line running from the Outer Drive north along the Perryville Road into the Hanover Church community; the county court has granted a permit to the Missouri Utilities Co. to construct the line.

100 years ago: July 8, 1912

First Lt. Wilson C. Bain is preparing to take Company K to the state National Guard encampment at Nevada, Mo., next Saturday; Capt. M.A. Grissom having resigned and 2nd Lt. Allen Oliver being in Europe, Bain is the only commissioned officer here at present; he will take about 35 men to Nevada.

Ed Craighead, star football player of Tulane University at New Orleans and son of the university's president, is in Cape Girardeau visiting his uncle, professor B.F. Johnson of the Normal School.

-- Sharon K. Sanders