Out of the past 8/16/10

25 years ago: Aug. 16, 1985

A group of Cape Girardeau-area young musicians returned here yesterday, completing a 72-mile canoe trip which began Sunday at Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; the canoeists performed at Jour de Fete, as well as Kaskaskia Island and Trail of Tears State Park during their journey.

Assistant city attorney Gary Earlywine will leave his position with the city of Cape Girardeau next month; he has accepted a similar position in the city of St. Charles, Mo.

50 years ago: Aug. 16, 1960

Three grain barges, breaking loose from a nine-unit train when the head of the tow goes aground, crash into a bank protection project in the Mississippi River, four miles downstream from Cape Girardeau at 2 a.m.; heavy damage is done to the wooden mat and to barges and pontoons supporting it, and several pieces of floating equipment are cut loose; all are recovered except one pontoon barge, which is presumed to have sunk.

Dedication of the Nell Holcomb School has been set for Aug. 28, the day before the new school opens its doors to pupils for the first time.

75 years ago: Aug. 16, 1935

Under expected administration of the postal law signed yesterday by President Roosevelt, making the postal employee working week 40 hours, an additional clerk and an added city carrier will be needed for the staff in Cape Girardeau.

Two apartments are being constructed and a storeroom being provided in a building at 718 Broadway, owned by Chris Bauer, which is being remodeled; the second floor is being given over to the apartments and the first floor to the storeroom.

100 years ago: Aug. 16, 1910

The request of the Women's Relief Corps for water service connections for a beautiful memorial fountain to be installed by them in Courthouse Park receives the unanimous approval of the city council; the city engineer is instructed to make arrangements for the water connections at any time the ladies are ready to begin their work.

The barber shops in the H.-H. Building and the Idan-ha Hotel have been consolidated, with G.W. Tallent as proprietor; three first-class barbers are offering hair cuts for 25 cents, shaves for 10 cents and baths for 25 cents.

Featured in "Men of Affairs" is E.A. Johnston.

-- Sharon K. Sanders