Out of the past 8/27/08

25 years ago: Aug. 27, 1983

A broken fuse mount at a Missouri Utilities substation in Cape Girardeau is blamed for a power failure and brownout for several hours Thursday night that dimmed lights to about 300 business and residential customers along Mount Auburn Road and just west of the city, including West Park Mall.

A $16 million-plus capital improvements list that has been amended to include more than $100,000 for removal of asbestos found recently in a number of Southeast Missouri State University buildings was among a number of items considered yesterday by the school's board of regents.

50 years ago: Aug. 27, 1958

Dr. D.E. Crites is observing the 50th anniversary of his veterinary career in Jackson; Crites, the son of the late John H. and Julia Crites of Daisy, began his practice there in August 1908.

A railroad will come to the SEMO District Fair; fair officials announce that the Pine Hill Railroad, a complete steam railway with locomotive, tender and three passenger cars, will be in the grove across from the Arena Building; the railroad, which will provide rides for children and adults, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Jefferies of Piedmont, Mo.

75 years ago: Aug. 27, 1933

The Rev. H.F. Gerecke, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in St. Louis, speaks at the mission festival being held at the Lutheran church in Jackson; he is in Cape Girardeau visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gerecke, 135 S. Pacific St.

Joe Weatherford goes bee hunting on Indian Creek but comes home with 22 snakes; with the aid of neighbors, he captures a mother rattler and 10 little rattlers and a mother copperhead and 10 offspring he finds in a hollow log.

100 years ago: Aug. 27, 1908

Work will begin tomorrow on the Thebes Bridge Terminal Railroad, beginning at a point near the Cotton Belt and will continue until the grading for the entire line to Cape Girardeau is finished; Louis Houck expects to have connections with the Cotton Belt tracks near the Thebes bridge by the first of November.

The old house on Broadway next to Haman & Wichterlich's Drug Store has been purchased by Dr. L.F. Popp, who will move it over on North Ellis Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders