Out of the past 8/4/09

25 years ago: Aug. 4, 1984

A visit by the paddle wheeler Delta Queen brings a throng of curious onlookers and pleased admirers to the Cape Girardeau riverfront during its brief stay; it was the 58-year-old Queen's first regular stop here in five years.

Dr. Michael Bennett, who has dental offices at 1854 Broadway, has purchased the old Cape Bible Chapel building, 1200 Cape Rock Drive, and following its renovation, will occupy the new location Aug. 13.

50 years ago: Aug. 4, 1959

Unless the Federal Aviation Agency can be persuaded to change its stand, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport may be without sewage and water facilities when the present $590,000 construction program is completed sometime in mid-winter; Rush H. Limbaugh Jr., secretary of the airport board, says the F.A.A. has denied use of a portion of the $30,000 grant for construction of sewage and water facilities.

Homer George of Cape Girardeau, who has led a campaign to establish poison control centers throughout the nation, will appear on the Dave Garraway television show Aug. 13.

75 years ago: Aug. 4, 1934

Negotiations have been completed whereby F.W. Woolworth & Co. has signed a new lease on its location at 1 N. Main St., and larger store accommodations are to be provided; the present location will be remodeled, and more room will be provided through the construction of additional second-floor space.

Consideration is being given to constructing grass greens on the Cape Girardeau Country Club golf course; the present greens are of sand and, although they are well kept, they don't find favor with many golfers.

100 years ago: Aug. 4, 1909

With a shortage of circus hands, the boys of Cape Girardeau spend several hours helping John Robinson's big circus set up at the show grounds; the delighted youths pull the rolls of canvas about and open them; they are shown how to lace the different parts together and put the side poles up to support the tent.

Peter Maul let the contract for repairing the building at 105 Independence St., which was burned out in the Planter's Mill fire, to L.W. Bender.

-- Sharon K. Sanders