Out of the past 8/27/03

10 years ago: Aug. 27, 1993

Project started last year by Union Electric Co. to replace all its cast-iron natural gas main distribution system in Cape Girardeau with more durable plastic mains is continuing this summer; work is now going on in south part of city, in alley between South Sprigg and South Ellis, from Good Hope to Hackberry; because of work, east-west streets between Ellis and Sprigg have been closed for one or two days as main is installed southward toward Hackberry.

Despite high temperatures and early close, first day of school in Cape Girardeau went smoothly yesterday; first-day attendance across district totaled 4,314, down 25 students from last year; classes dismiss early again today because of heat and oppressive humidity.

25 years ago: Aug. 27, 1978

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson installs new principal for Christian Day School during morning worship services; John C. Johnston comes to Jackson from Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School of Dearborn, Mich., where he served since 1971; previous to that, he taught in Jonesville, Ind.

Cheerleaders, Indians and pioneers lead Centennial Parade at Kelso in morning, as members of St. Augustine's Catholic Church celebrate 100th anniversary of founding of church; St. Augustine had its start as branch or three congregations: St. Lawrence in New Hamburg and St. Mary's and St. Vincent's in Cape Girardeau.

50 years ago: Aug. 27, 1953

Preliminary plan for development of County Farm into recreation center which envisions two large lakes, extensive camping areas and substantial playground facilities has been submitted to county committee by Missouri Division of Resources and Development after two-day survey of property; A.C. Brase, chairman of 21-member county committee which is developing farm, says similar survey will be made in fall by technicians of Missouri Conservation Commission.

Free bookmobile service of Missouri State Library for Cape Girardeau, Scott and Perry counties awaits only completion of detailed plans; service, offered in three-county regions on one-year demonstration basis, was requested by citizens' groups in each of local counties recently.

75 years ago: Aug. 27, 1928

American Legion's queen coronation ball, to be held next Monday evening, promises to be one of most attractive entertainments ever staged in Cape Girardeau; building has been gaily decorated and best costumes used in St. Louis Municipal Opera will be used by queen and her court; Gov. Sam A. Baker and his staff and national American Legion officers will be in attendance.

Approximately 400 people attended dedication of new Catholic church at Dutchtown yesterday; the Rev. E. Pruente, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Cape Girardeau and dean of southeastern district of archdiocese, gave the church blessing; church replaces edifice which was destroyed by fire in January.

-- Sharon K. Sanders