Out of the past 7/8/14

1989

A pot left unattended on a stove in a second-floor apartment triggered a three-alarm blaze that gutted the Broadway Park Apartments in downtown Cape Girardeau last night; the aging, five-story apartment building at 115 N. Fountain St., was once part of the historic Idan-ha Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 1968.

A new military program has formed at the Naval Reserve Center here; 15 local youths dressed in Navy uniforms prepare for a trip to boot camp at the Great Lakes training center as part of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

1964

Continuing a downward trend, the revenue received from parking meters in Cape Girardeau declined again in the fiscal year that ended June 30; $33,611 was paid into the 900 meters lining the city's business streets and parking lots during the year just ended.

Preparation for the installation of eight safety rescue poles around the Capaha Park lagoon began yesterday; a committee of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the park department, is installing the poles.

1939

At a conference yesterday with citizens, Mayor Edward L. Drum revealed he had taken preliminary steps looking toward acquisition by the city of the Cape Girardeau traffic bridge, with the view of ultimately making it toll-free; every person present at the conference approved the general proposal to have the city acquire the river bridge.

Dr. W.A. Fingal, a black physician, has located in Cape Girardeau temporarily with his office being at 17 N. Sprigg St.; he was brought here by the Negro Progressive Civic Club; Fingal's home is in Boston.

1914

In his annual message to the city council last night, Mayor F.A. Kage said it was unlikely the city will have a chance to purchase the fairgrounds for a park; he suggests that the council look around and find a suitable tract for purchase, so the public may have a park to enjoy.

At last the "white way" poles have arrived; the first car load of lamp posts came yesterday, and workers have begun installing them; the posts are of steel and will take the place of the trolley poles and most of the big light poles on Broadway, Main Street and Good Hope Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders