Out of the past 9/14/03

10 years ago: Sept. 14, 1993

Memphis-based gaming company has decided not to locate riverboat at Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority facility near Scott City; Promus, which operates Harrah's Casino Hotels along with Embassy Suites, Hampton Inns and Homewood Suites, had been discussing $30 million project with port officials.

New attraction at this year's SEMO District Fair lets thrill-seeking patrons plummet from elevated perch 125 feet off ground, secured only by reinforced rubber band; St. Louis Bungy Jump Inc. entertained dozens of jumpers and hundreds of spectators Monday, second day of exposition.

25 years ago: Sept. 14, 1978

Appreciation for dedicated service was expressed last night by board of Cape Girardeau Civic Center as it received resignation of Bertie Cleino, who had been member of board since center's founding in 1959; Cleino, retired placement director of Southeast Missouri State University, this week moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to make her home.

Picture-perfect weather and just enough breeze to waft tantalizing aroma of cotton candy, hamburgers and all those other sticky-but-good things to eat over grounds of SEMO District Fair have officials smiling and fairgoers flocking to annual exposition; after raining start Tuesday and Wednesday, signs today point to successful outcome for remainder of fair; 1,936 people attend demolition derby in front of grandstand in evening.

50 years ago: Sept. 14, 1953

Against background of calliope music, cry of barkers and sounds and smells that blend and excite, SEMO District Fair gets off to grand start; big position shows to free gate, and influx of visitors in afternoon, expected to swell during evening hours, indicates possible first-day attendance record.

Nearly 1,500 people gathered beneath big oaks at Old McKendree Chapel yesterday afternoon, to pay tribute to pioneer founders of church and to hear Bishop Ivan Lee Holt speak on "The Survival of Spiritual in the Clash of Civilization"; seats for 800 had been prepared, double number usually attending reunions at old chapel; but scores of extra people arrived, finding comfortable seats against trees or in pews carried from old church.

75 years ago: Sept. 14, 1928

After all-night search, body of William C. Loos, 76, a farmer, is found in clump of bushes in pasture near his rural Jackson home at 5 a.m.; Dr. E.R. Schoen, county coroner, says Loos apparently died from heart attack; Loos was born in Hubble Township and lived in that community his entire life; he was married four times and is survived by his fourth wife, former Elizabeth Schlueter; other survivors are three sons, a daughter, a sister and a brother.

Ferry A.C. Jaynes will discontinue service on Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau tomorrow, says Capt. A.C. Jaynes, owner of boat; most of Jaynes' business now uses new traffic bridge; Jaynes has been in ferry business here for 21 years.

-- Sharon K. Sanders