Out of the past 9/12/03

10 years ago: Sept. 12, 1993

After receiving notification that it would no longer be agent for Missouri Department of revenue license fee office in Jackson, Chamber of Commerce board has held several meetings to discuss how to make up loss of revenue; members of Jackson chamber are concerned that loss of between $15,000 and $20,000 in annual revenue fee office provided could force it to close its office and eliminate a full-time staff position.

The Rev. Dale A. Meyer of St. Louis is guest preacher at Fall Missionary Festival of St. Paul Lutheran Church; it is held at Jackson City Park Band Shell.

25 years ago: Sept. 12, 1978

Pleasant temperatures and overcast skies salute official opening of SEMO District Fair, now in its 123rd year; fair officials are hoping for record-breaking attendance in 1978 exhibition; Gene Huckstep, fair board president, says they're shooting for "100,000 mark"; last year's attendance was 65,000.

Campaign to raise $500,000, mostly for improvements to Camp Lewallen, is announced by Southeast Missouri Boy Scout Council; fund drive will be launched next month and will continue through end of year; specific projects planned for camp include new dining hall and ranger's home, new vehicles, new water lines and several new campsites.

50 years ago: Sept. 12, 1953

First apportionment of state funds has been made to public schools of county and in each instance amount is far larger than that of original allotment last year; but school official warns this increased payment shouldn't be taken as indication the year's entire apportionment will be larger; in fact, due to veto by Gov. Forrest C. Donnelly of $9,250,000 of funds appropriated by legislature for schools, it will be much less than year ago.

That sure sign of autumn, SEMO District Fair, state's third largest and focal point of agricultural interest over large area, nears threshold of its 1953 showing; tents are up, some livestock is expected on grounds today, and fairgrounds have well-groomed look; fair kicks off Monday.

75 years ago: Sept. 12, 1928

Cape Girardeau bridge across Mississippi River, dedicated nine days ago, opens to traffic at 6 a.m., and during the day steady stream of vehicles crosses giant span; although it had been announced that bridge would open tomorrow, last-minute efforts resulted in opening of span 24 hours earlier than scheduled; H.O. Kerstner, one of three tollkeepers, is in his booth when bridge opens.

Officials of Cape Girardeau Hotel Co., owners of new Marquette, announce that tentative arrangements have been made for construction of garage to serve patrons of hotel and public; it is proposed to locate garage at rear of hotel on Fountain street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders