Out of the past 9/23/02

10 years ago: Sept. 23, 1992

Jefferson City -- Former Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. is formally sworn in as justice on Missouri Supreme Court in special ceremonies; Limbaugh's father, U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Sr., administers oath to his son.

Recent sale of principal retail unit of Hartmarx Corp. -- Hartmarx Specialty Stores Inc. -- to HSSA Group Ltd., company affiliated with Maurice L. Rothschild & Co. of Chicago, could have far-reaching effects on Thorngate Ltd. operations in Cape Girardeau and Chaffee.

25 years ago: Sept. 23, 1977

Warren E. Hearnes is convinced that federal investigation into his personal finances and political life that finally was terminated yesterday was result of blatant political harassment; Charleston lawyer and former two-term Missouri governor comments on nearly five-year inquiry that carried Hearnes and several political allies before federal grand jury, but didn't result in any major indictments or convictions for wrongdoing.

Another election for office of secretary-treasurer and business representative of Laborers Local 282 will be held Oct. 15, pitting same two men who faced each other in June election; at special meeting, rank and file members nominate Curtis D. "Skip" Kelley Jr. and Bobby Jackman, who defeated Kelly in June balloting.

50 years ago: Sept. 23, 1952

City council yesterday was urged by engineers planning Main Street levee to make decision soon whether it will order long-contemplated No. 1 (downtown) storm sewer constructed; three civil engineers out of St. Louis district office, Corps of Engineers, went over details of proposed levee; preparations of detailed plans is at point where engineers must know city's intent so they will know how to proceed.

In effort to ascertain public sentiment on question of rent control, city council has suggested to The Missourian that it conduct poll on whether controls should be allowed to expire on Sept. 30; in line with this suggest, straw ballot appears in today's edition.

75 years ago: Sept. 23, 1927

Purchase of Ideal Telephone Co., which operates exchange at Illmo serving patrons in that and number of adjoining towns, by Charles W. Boutin and A.B. Berry of Cape Girardeau Bell Telephone Co., is formally announced; pair, reported to have paid $10,000 for property, will operate it in future.

Fire, originating in second story of M. Samuels building at 46 N. Main early last night gutted upstairs section of building and heavily damaged Samuels stock of merchandise on first floor; damage to building and merchandise, partially covered by insurance, was estimated in excess of $15,000.

-- Sharon K. Sanders