Out of the past 8/19/07

25 years ago: Aug. 19, 1982

Ending a tradition that began in 1907, R.E.L. Lamkin Jr., president of Buckner-Ragsdale Co., announces the retail clothing outlet at Main Street and Broadway will be closing its doors.

More than 100 people turn out to listen to Army Corps of Engineers officials outline a multi-million dollar proposal designed to prevent floods which for decades have plagued residents and businesses in the Cape LaCroix Creek and Walker Creek areas; they are told the project would reduce flood damage in the area by 93 percent.

50 years ago: Aug. 19, 1957

A solution to the $1,990 safe robbery of Ward's Big Star store in May could be at hand, police say, in the apprehension at Hot Springs, Ark., of a well-known yeggman who is wanted by the FBI and police in at least two states.

Burned once on a planning grant proposition, the Cape Girardeau City Council decides to take a cautious look before it becomes involved in an urban renewal survey proposed by the Chamber of Commerce; several years ago, the city was burdened with a grant of almost $13,000 for swimming pool plans which were never used, but which still remain as an obligation to the municipality.

75 years ago: Aug. 19, 1932

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- What is believed to be the earliest cotton in Mississippi County for many years was brought here yesterday by J.D. Rynearson, owner of a large plantation in the Wolf Island district; the cotton was purchased by E.A. Story of the People's Market.

Cape Girardeans enjoy a touch of autumn weather, as the temperature early in the morning drops to 62 degrees, the lowest point of the summer season.

100 years ago: Aug. 19, 1907

One of the newest industries to reach this part of the country is that which requires spokes for automobile factories of the North and East; there is a demand in Southeast Missouri for more than 2,000,000 hickory spokes; farmers and woodsmen who have any hickory on their property are able to dispose of their lumber to a great advantage.

O. Bowman and Co. have purchased the Frederick Street grocery store and will take possession tomorrow morning.

-- Sharon K. Sanders