Out of the past 9/18/08

25 years ago: Sept. 18, 1983

The Rev. Norma Crader of Lutesville, Mo., is the guest speaker for the Annual Vesper Service of Old Apple Creek Church near Pocahontas; the historic church was founded in 1821.

SEMO District Fair officials were pleased both with attendance and weather late yesterday afternoon as the 128th annual exposition drew to a close; the total attendance for the weeklong event was estimated at around 100,000.

50 years ago: Sept. 18, 1958

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The valuable cotton crop in Southeast Missouri will likely be picked by hand this season; the mechanical pickers will be side-lined, hobbled by the fact that most of the cotton has lush plants this year, making it difficult to use machines; seasoned, capable hand-pickers are in demand.

The coming demolition of the L.B. Houck residence on College Hill reminds Girardeans of its history; the home was designed by Jerome B. Legg of St. Louis, one of Missouri's most prominent architects, who also drew the plans for Academic Hall; it was completed in 1906.

75 years ago: Sept. 18, 1933

A reward is being offered for the vandal who mutilated the marker that was placed on Cape Rock a few days ago; Highway engineer Dennis Scivally last week moved a large boulder from the old Wilson property on North Main Street to the spot; it is planned to mount a bronze plate on the old stone showing that Ensign Girardot established a trading post there.

City Commissioner E.P. Ellis brings to the attention of the Cape Girardeau City Council a request made to him by Marvin McLain for a sanitary sewer in the Red Star suburb; this section near the shoe factory has no storm and sanitary sewer system.

100 years ago: Sept. 18, 1908

It is learned that the fine residence of Col. and Mrs. Arthur L. Oliver burned to the ground two nights ago at Caruthersville, Mo.; the contents of the house were partially destroyed; the house is one of the finest in Caruthersville; it was formerly owned and occupied by J.F. Gordon.

The Madden sisters — Ellen and Emma — return from St. Louis, where for many days they delved into all the possible shades and styles of headgear suitable for sale at their millinery shop.

— Sharon K. Sanders