Out of the past 8/23/11

25 years ago: Aug. 23, 1986

Farmers in Missouri and Illinois will be harvesting a record amount of soybeans this fall, according to agricultural statisticians in both states; however, this year's corn crop will be slightly lower because fewer acres were planted, and in this area, due to flash flooding in May and several weeks of drought in July and early August.

The 16th annual Car Show, sponsored by the Greater Downtown Merchants Association and the Capaha Antique Car Club, is held in downtown Cape Girardeau; about 60 cars are entered into competition, but another 30 to 40 cars are parked along Main Street just for display.

50 years ago: Aug. 23, 1961

Retail business houses in Cape Girardeau County sold $36,569,421 worth of merchandise during the fiscal year ending June 30 -- almost $2 million more than the previous fiscal year.

The Jackson City Council last night ordered an ordinance drafted prohibiting organizations not affiliated with the Community Chest from making fund-raising drives in the city unless approval is given by the Chamber of Commerce and a permit is issued by the city council.

75 years ago: Aug. 23, 1936

Adjutant Malcolm C. Keene, corps officer of the Salvation Army, is guest speaker at the regular union service in the evening sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance.

Progress is reported on the drive for funds to pay off the bonded indebtedness on the Centenary Methodist Church property; thus far, about 50 percent of the required $60,000 has been raised.

100 years ago: Aug. 23, 1911

The Mutual Wheel Co. of Moline, Ill., has bought the Vogelsang plant in south Cape Girardeau, where it will install a factory for making hickory spokes; the company is connected with the Moline Wagon Works, one of the largest in the country.

A number of the young boys of Jackson met yesterday and organized a band of Boy Scouts; Robert Russell was selected patrol leader and A. Holley assistant; they hope to become part of the U.S. Boy Scouts.

-- Sharon K. Sanders