Out of the past 9/16/03

10 years ago: Sept. 16, 1993

Jefferson City, Mo. -- Legislative package proposed by Gov. Mel Carnahan for members of General Assembly to consider in trying to deal with flood damages across Missouri has been well received by area legislators; some of controversial proposals floated several weeks ago by Carnahan and some legislators aren't part of package because state share of flood damage costs will be less than once thought.

Chilly weather and sloppy ground didn't keep people from 138th annual SEMO District Fair last night, nor did it hamper Big Bull Chute-Out event scheduled for grandstand; almost two inches of rain deluged fairgrounds Tuesday night, forcing organizers to call off all events for evening; water rose on northwest end of park, forcing some livestock exhibitors to take their animals home.

25 years ago: Sept. 16, 1978

They had predicted record 70,000 people would attend this year's SEMO District Fair, and they were close; if today's estimates are correct, between 20,000 and 23,000 people attend final day, bringing total fair attendance to between 61,370 and 64,379; attendance compares with 51,667 in 1977, significant increase in attendance and all-time record.

First visiting scholar to be brought to Southeast Missouri State University under new Visiting Scholar Program will be Leland B. Jacobs, professor emeritus of education at Teachers College, Columbus University; his week-long visit, sponsored by College of Education, will begin Sept. 25.

50 years ago: Sept. 16, 1953

SEMO District Fair, passing its midway point, will have its largest showing of week tomorrow, when thousands mark Cape Girardeau Day; as has been true for many years, Cape Girardeau Day and Jackson Day on Friday will vie with each other for major attendance mark of week; harness racing will get under way tomorrow afternoon.

Lehman Finch has been elected member of board of directors of First National Bank, succeeding his father, late Judge James A. Finch; his father was member of board of 10 years, until his death July 23; Lehman Finch is member of law firm of Finch & Finch.

75 years ago: Sept. 16, 1928

Fifteen race horses, to participate in racing events at Cape Fair this week, arrive on express train, coming from Ashland, Wis.; this is first time, at least in recent years, that horses have been shipped here by express.

More than 1,200 people cross traffic bridge, records of Cape Girardeau Bridge Co. show; there are total of 1,282 transactions; of this number, 143 are cars which make one-way trips, and 221 that make round trips; there are 338 one-way passengers and 516 round-trip passengers; 54 people walk across bridge.

-- Sharon K. Sanders