Out of the past 8/26/10

25 years ago: Aug. 26, 1985

Hundreds of Southeast Missouri State University commuter students wait in long lines on this opening day of classes in hopes of buying one of a limited number of university commuter parking permits; because the commuter permits arrived late, they couldn't be purchased until today.

The county commission approves closure of the new Cape County Park South; this will allow park personnel to complete construction of foot bridges, picnic tables and playground areas.

50 years ago: Aug. 26, 1960

James C. Baker, the president of the Cape Girardeau firefighters local, says firemen will begin circulating petitions Tuesday morning asking an initiative election if the city council on Monday takes no action to pass a length-of-service pay ordinance presented at this week's council meeting.

A trampoline center, bringing the latest sports development to Cape Girardeau, is set to open at Independence Street and Sheridan Drive for the labor Day weekend; 10 trampolines will be placed in parallel rows facing Independence; they will be ground level over pits 36 inches deep.

75 years ago: Aug. 26, 1935

Highway 25 from Jackson to Appleton can't be built this year says Scott Wilson, chairman of the State Highway Commission; while there are reports of much federal money for road work, it isn't easy to meet federal requirements.

Merchants have exhausted the first shipment of sales tax receipts sent to Cape Girardeau's two banks as they prepare to start collection of the new levy, which goes into effect on practically all retail sales tomorrow; one major item in the city will be exempt from the new sale tax: Gasoline.

100 years ago: Aug. 26, 1910

Attendance at Jackson Homecomers is double yesterday's showing, some 10,000 visitors participating in the festivities; among those coming the farthest to their old hometown is R.H. Giboney of Kaleda, British Columbia, and Mrs. F.H. Bartley of Pedro Miguel, Panama.

The new post office receives two large burglar-proof safes and a record safe; the two large safes weigh about 8,000 pounds and cost the government $875.

-- Sharon K. Sanders