Out of the past 8/20/06

25 years ago: Aug. 20, 1981

Concerns ranging from litter to increased risks of cancer of the colon were expressed by residents of the Dutchtown area opposed to Cape Girardeau's plan to locate a sanitary landfill near them; but despite their concerns, the city council last night voted to finalize purchase of the landfill site.

Minutes after they cast votes last night to abandon a proposed public transit system in Cape Girardeau, city councilmen Robert K. Herbst and Gail D. "Woody" Woodfin were proposing that the city subsidize a taxi service for the elderly and handicapped, and that a half-cent sales tax be adopted to help finance a more extensive bus system than the one proposed.

50 years ago: Aug. 20, 1956

First National Bank observes without fanfare the 65th anniversary of its founding; the bank was established on Aug. 20, 1891, in a small building on Main Street; it later moved to an imposing brick and stone structure across the street, and this spring took up residence at its new home at Main and Broadway.

The big Cape Girardeau Sesquicentennial parade marches down Broadway, viewed by large crowds that line the 18-block route; police estimate 35,000 people view the 111-unit parade, but others put the number at closer to 50,000.

75 years ago: Aug. 20, 1931

The Cape Girardeau City Council orders the removal of a small building being used as a gasoline filling station from 1006 S. Sprigg St.; the building, owned by J.A. Adams, formerly occupied a site at 440 Broadway; the council holds that moving of the building to its present location was a violation of the city plan ordinance, and it is also pointed out the building was moved without a permit.

Neighbors in the 700 block of North Henderson have joined together to can surplus peaches for the poor; the women will give the fruits of their labor to the Salvation Army, for distribution to the poor next winter.

100 years ago: Aug. 20, 1906

D.A. Glenn and family returned Saturday from a trip through the Northwest and report the greatest times of their lives; the trip through Yellowstone Park was the main feature; it takes five and a half days to make a tour through the Uncle Sam's recreation grounds.

The Wallace Circus -- not the largest traveling entertainment, but one of the best on the road -- will be in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 12; the bills will be put up this week.

-- Sharon K. Sanders