Out of the past 9/30/14

1989

Residents of Mid-America Teen Challenge will complete the task of harvesting apples at financially-strapped Pioneer Orchard regardless of whether Teen Challenge is paid for all the work; the orchard is in the midst of Chapter 12 federal bankruptcy.

In its first five years of operation, the Cape Girardeau Convention/Tourism Bureau has spent $696,069.05 in its efforts to boost tourism and convention business here; the bureau was officially formed in March 1984.

1964

Cape Girardeau voters yesterday approved the development of two major public school projects when they balloted nearly 4-1 in favor of a $795,000 bond issue; the funds will finance construction of an elementary school on Hopper Road and the renovation of the old junior high school on Pacific Street.

Cape Girardeau's adopted athletic team, the St. Louis baseball Cardinals, has the city more excited than anything since State College's participation in the national college-division basketball tournament in March; the Cardinals are tied with the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the National League.

1939

Residents of Southeast Missouri are exultant over a 24-hour rain that broke a six-week drought and, at the same time, shiver in the first fall-like weather of the season.

Although only one spot in Cape Girardeau is designated as a public dumping ground, another is rapidly growing in size in a conspicuous location; for some time, the south end of the riverfront wharf at the north end of the sea wall has been used as a spot for casting aside all manner of refuse.

1914

The annual fair opens in the morning; among the attractions that delight the crowds are aerial displays flown by Roy Francis and parachuting by "Skyhigh" Young, harness racing and cattle and agricultural products judging; the first big fireworks display on the riverfront is given in the evening, courtesy of Pain's Fireworks Display Co. of America.

The torpedo boat Somers is expected to reach Cape Girardeau about noon tomorrow; it has been arranged with the Pain Fireworks folks to fire a number of bombs in the air when the Somers gets close; this will be a signal for everyone to drop his work and race to the riverfront.

-- Sharon K. Sanders