Out of the past 8/26/06

25 years ago: Aug. 26, 1981

Enrollment early into Cape Girardeau Public Schools' new year is down -- and predictably so in view of a continuing trend of declining pupil numbers; yesterday, there was a total of 4,180 pupils in the district's nine schools; that compares with 4,300 at the same time last year.

Agreement for Security Bank of Sikeston (Mo.) to affiliate with Mercantile Bank Corporation Inc. is announced by Donald E. Lasater, chairman and chief executive of the St. Louis-based multi-bank corporation; terms of the agreement aren't disclosed, and completion of the transaction is subject to approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.

50 years ago: Aug. 26, 1956

W. Ralph Nance, the minister of the Church of Christ, preaches his final sermon at the local church; he has resigned his place here to accept a position in the department of history of David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tenn.

The festivities are over and only the bunting -- soon to be removed -- remains as a last reminder of the week-long celebration of Cape Girardeau's 150th birthday, an event that was a success both artistically and financially.

75 years ago: Aug. 26, 1931

Henry Haman Jr., 411 Themis St., is appointed city health officer by City Commissioner Phillip Steck to succeed health officer W.D. Black, who resigned to take up the management of the Rose Cliff Hotel at Van Buren, Mo.; Haman was an applicant for the job at the same time Black applied; the two men flipped a coin to decide who would get the position.

The Cape Girardeau City Council is considering a proposition by a St. Louis company to operate a bus service in Cape Girardeau; the plan is to run three 20-passenger motor buses within the city limits.

100 years ago: Aug. 26, 1906

After a lapse of one Sunday, the union service is held again in the evening on the Common Pleas Courthouse lawn; the Rev. E.T. Adams preaches on "A Dream of City Streets, or the City As You Find It"; the usual good music is provided by the Methodist church choir.

J.H. Himmelberger and W.H. Harrison let the contract yesterday in St. Louis for the construction of the big office building which will be built at the northwest corner of Broadway and Fountain Street; by terms of the contract with Taylor Construction Co. of Jackson, the five-story building will be completed by Aug. 1, 1907.

-- Sharon K. Sanders