Out of the past 9/13/06

25 years ago: Sept. 13, 1981

The 48th annual service commemorating the 197th year of the organization of the United Methodist Church in America and the 172nd year since the organization of Old McKendree Chapel is held in the afternoon on the grounds of Old McKendree near Jackson; this year's service is dedicated to the memory of Frank C. Turner Sr.

Westminster Presbyterian Church will dedicate its new organ with a concert tomorrow by Diane Bish, artist-in-residence at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; the new organ is a Rogers three manual, installed by Bybee Church Organ Co. of Kansas City.

50 years ago: Sept. 13, 1956

School is out and most business is suspended in the afternoon, a combination that leads to the greatest crowd of the 1956 SEMO District Fair; it is Cape Girardeau Day on the grounds; in front of the grandstand in the evening is the Jimmie Downey variety show.

Ozark Air Lines carried 448 passengers in and out of Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport during August, a new record for any month since beginning service here.

75 years ago: Sept. 13, 1931

New hymnals have been purchased by First Presbyterian Church, and they are used for the first time at worship services today; pastor of the church is Dr. C.H. Morton.

Death claims Jefferson P. Lightner, known as the "Father of Illmo"; Lightner, who was known to every person of Illmo for his helpful spirit and generous giving, was 67 years old; in keeping with his request, only a short funeral service will be held Monday at the grave, in the cemetery he laid out and owned and which is named for him.

100 years ago: Sept. 13, 1906

The Wallace Circus has come and gone, and at least 50 men will remember the event as long as they live; the show is recognized as more of a gambling outfit than a circus, and it sustained its reputation in Cape Girardeau; it is said that one man in the show manipulated the three-shell game with much success to himself and in the main tent after the performance other grafters roped in unsuspecting locals for a big sum.

Joe Albert, chairman of the city's centennial celebration, has secured William Jennings Bryan to speak in Cape Girardeau during the centennial observance.

-- Sharon K. Sanders