Out of the past 8/12/07

25 years ago: Aug. 12, 1982

Saying "we are in unusual times," Presiding Circuit Judge A.J. Seier summons a second county grand jury, just four days after the previous jury adjourned.

More than 380,000 gallons of water per month -- enough to supply 71 homes -- have been flowing through the memorial fountain in Common Pleas Courthouse, says Francis R. Lengefeld, president of Missouri Utilities Co.; but the company was unaware of the water usage because it understood a recirculating pump was being used; Missouri Utilities and its predecessors had never charged for the water.

50 years ago: Aug. 12, 1957

Establishment of a detention home for juveniles and employment of a probation officer to assist them in their problems is under critical study by the county and court officials in the three counties of the 28th Judicial Circuit.

A crowd of more than 1,000 attended the annual worship service at Old McKendree Chapel yesterday to hear a 50-voice volunteer chorus and Dr. Roy L. Smith, a Methodist leader of world renown; $350 was collected, which will help fund the construction of a canopy over the old chapel.

75 years ago: Aug. 12, 1932

The heaviest rain in five months, amounting to 1.73 inches, swept Cape Girardeau and the immediate area last night, accompanied by a spectacular lightning display that partially crippled telephone and light service within the city for a time.

William Deevers, 50, is critically injured in the morning when he falls from a third-story window of the Education Building at the Teachers College; he was washing windows at the time; he sustains a broken back and fractures of both legs.

100 years ago: Aug. 12, 1907

The substantial, two-story residence occupied by Sam McClatchey and family on Perryville Road at the west end of the fairgrounds, burned yesterday; nothing but the chimney and the brick foundation were left standing; the house was owned by Herman Pape.

The interest of H.A. Biedy in the Dreamland Theater is sold to Herman Bock, the laundryman and theatrical promoter; Bock and H.N. LaCroix will hereafter conduct the show house.

-- Sharon K. Sanders