Out of the past 8/10/09

25 years ago: Aug. 10, 1984

Workers are trying to raise a stolen vehicle which slipped into the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau yesterday morning; Missouri Dry Dock Co. of Cape Girardeau attempts to raise the vehicle with a treble grappling hook and crane from a barge, but is unsuccessful after two hours of trying; the hook does grab the frame of a 1929 to 1934 model Chevrolet just outside the Themis Street floodgate.

The towboat Peggy Mays, which caught fire mid-stream in the Mississippi River shortly after midnight, has been pulled ashore at Neelys Landing; the fire is being allowed to burn itself out.

50 years ago: Aug. 10, 1959

The first barge of grain for Mississippi River shipment from the Cape River Grain Co., Inc., on LaCruz Street is loaded from the firm's big train elevator; the barge load contains 45,000 bushels of wheat, which will be shipped to New Orleans.

The city of Cape Girardeau will oppose an application of the Missouri Utilities Co. for an increase in its electric rates to consumers here and elsewhere over the district; the City Council asks City Attorney Raymond H. Vogel to file the city's formal protest with the Public Service Commission.

75 years ago: Aug. 10, 1934

Already 550 head of cattle are ready to be sold from Cape Girardeau County under the government drought relief program, but shipping from Jackson has been delayed pending arrival of a state inspector.

Sidewalks are being constructed along the Main Street side of a new motor service unit erected by the Airline Oil Co. at the southeast corner of Main and Independence streets; the building is nearing completion.

100 years ago: Aug. 10, 1909

Cape Girardeau has the youngest boss barber in the state in the person of Harold Tallent, who owns and operates a shop under the Hotel Idan-ha; Tallent is 15 years old.

According to the latest arrangements for his trip down the Mississippi River, President William H. Taft will reach Cape Girardeau at about 6 the morning of Oct. 26, and will spend about an hour here; the Miller Brothers' "Ranch 101" cowboy circus will also be in town that day.

-- Sharon K. Sanders