Out of the past 7/9/08

25 years ago: July 9, 1983

A change in personal plans means James V. Parker will return Aug. 1 to Southeast Missouri State University as director of the University Museum, a post he held from 1976 until May of this year; Parker had planned to move back to Arizona.

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents this week approved the establishment of an archive to preserve items of historic importance to the school; development of the archive will be supervised by Terry Shoptauh.

50 years ago: July 9, 1958

Motorists paying to park on Cape Girardeau streets fed meters a record-breaking sum in the fiscal year that ended last week; a total of $40,595.20 was paid in nickels and pennies and a dimes, which gave no time, but went into the city's coffers nonetheless.

An Army plan to trim the size of the National Guard to shape it to the new pentamic concept of warfare will have a direct effect on the 35th Division and its Southeast Missouri component, the 140th Infantry Regiment; the 35th Division is slated for reduction under the new plan.

75 years ago: July 9, 1933

Capt. Ernest Orchard, officer in charge of the local Salvation Army corps, speaks at the evening union service in Courthouse Park; W.J. McBride of Grace Methodist Church has charge of the music.

Rain, the first of consequence for Cape Girardeau and the district since May, gives new life to withering crops and vegetation and makes possible considerable belated garden and field planting; the total for the day, including a heavy shower at 10:30 p.m., is 2.72 inches.

100 years ago: July 9, 1908

Daniel Tuschhoff, a prominent farmer in the northwest corner of Cape Girardeau County, met nearly instant death beneath a sickle yesterday; he was cutting grass in the field near his house, when he somehow fell in front of the machine.

Plans are proceeding for the big Homecomers celebration which will be held Sept. 24 through 6 at Jackson; the city government agrees to run the wires and furnish all the light necessary to illuminate the grounds and streets during the festivities.

-- Sharon K. Sanders