Out of the past 7/9/09

25 years ago: July 9, 1984

A statewide crackdown on speeders, prompted by a federal threat to cut off $8 million in highway and transportation funds, is being concentrated at Cape Girardeau along Interstate 55; the Statewide Traffic Enforcement Program is an effort to curb the percentage of travelers exceeding the 55 mph speed limit.

Ten men from the Seabees Navy Reserve Unit are donating their manpower to assemble a new playground at Hawthorn School on Hopper Road; the school purchased $2,000 in outdoor toys with money raised from the student council can drive and PTA play day.

50 years ago: July 9, 1959

Developers Inc. is preparing to start construction of a supermarket at the intersection of U.S. 61 and Old Cape Road, on a parcel of the former Cramer farm.

Some 10,000 fingerling bass being brought to Cape Girardeau County are lost in a traffic spill between Salem and Fredericktown; 68 pond owners, waiting at the Arena Park for the fish, are disappointed; every fish is lost.

75 years ago: July 9, 1934

Representing a cross section of opinion, the straw vote on the proposed abandonment of Cape Girardeau's street car system showed a slight majority of those who favor junking the trams; 72 voted for abandonment, while 64 voted against it.

The first of three candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator to speak in Southeast Missouri during the campaign, Rep. Jacob L. Milligan of Richmond, Mo., will be in Cape Girardeau tomorrow night for an address at Courthouse Park.

100 years ago: July 9, 1909

Frederick B. Wieners, an expert photographer and designer in all kinds of illustrated publicity, is in Cape Girardeau in conference with the management of The Daily Republican over several matters looking toward further publicity for Cape Girardeau; as a result of his visit, it may be that the city will be furnished with a new map, showing all its physical and artificial lines.

Harry Alexander bought a big touring car while in St. Louis yesterday; it will arrive here on the steamer Cape Girardeau tomorrow.

-- Sharon K. Sanders