Out of the past 8/8/06

25 years ago: Aug. 8, 1981

One of the nation's major seaport renovations is being tackled by a Cape Girardeau firm; R.B. Potashnick Construction Inc. is the prime contractor for a project that will deepen the entrance channels and turning basins in the Los Angeles harbor.

House of Brides, a new shop catering to the wedding business, has been established at 885A N. Kingshighway by Mary Hennemann; the shop sells wedding gowns and accessories and rents out brass arches, silver flowers, chandeliers, silver plates, punch bowls, etc.

50 years ago: Aug. 8, 1956

A new swimming pool for Cape Girardeau in Capaha Park was assured yesterday in balloting that gave a margin of better than two to one to a proposition to issue $149,000 in city bonds to finance construction; it was the fourth time Girardeans balloted on the issue; this time, however, the campaign to pass the measure was spearheaded by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

A surprisingly strong turnout of voters -- the greatest for a presidential year primary election in 20 years -- came out of Cape Girardeau County yesterday to nominate candidates for what shapes up as one of the most stimulating general election contests in years.

75 years ago: Aug. 8, 1931

Billy Sunday, famous evangelist who held a great meeting in Cape Girardeau in 1926, has written The Southeast Missourian that he will come here for a two-week meeting this coming fall, if it is possible for him to arrange his schedule.

Word is received that John A. Ferguson, the U.S. Commissioner in Cape Girardeau and deputy clerk of the federal court here, successfully passed the bar exams.

100 years ago: Aug. 8, 1906

The Rev. E. Pruente, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, entertained a number of distinguished visitors Monday and Tuesday; they included the Revs. Charles Van Towrenstrout of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., A. Schaefer of Riviere Aux Vases, Mo., F. Klein of Kelso, Mo., and Clement Moenig of New Hamburg, Mo.; Moenig was here to see some stone masons about a double tower that will be built on the new church now in course of construction.

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education elects C.T. Goodale of Scotland County in Missouri as superintendent of schools.

-- Sharon K. Sanders