Out of the past 9/5/02

10 years ago: Sept. 5, 1992

James L. "Jay" Thompson, who lost Aug. 4 Democratic primary for 8th District U.S. representative by just over 200 votes, has filed formal request for recount in Phelps County Circuit Court at Rolla; Jon Kiser, Piedmont lawyer who finished fourth in six-candidate race, filed petition on Thompson's behalf.

About 40 volunteers are at work transforming Cape Girardeau's Arena Park into SEMO District Fair grounds; volunteers put up fence around grounds and empty buildings at park where supplies are stored during winter; fair is scheduled to begin next Sunday with Sneak-a-Peek Day.

25 years ago: Sept. 5, 1977

Labor Day.

Another one of Cape Girardeau's landmarks is being razed; two-story brick structure at Broadway and Sprigg, which has housed various businesses, but by Bauer Bakery until around 1952, is being torn down to make room for future improvements; Milton George of Broadway Prescription Shops, Inc., which owns structure, says no definite plans have been made for site.

Levee district to protect flood-prone areas in Cape LaCroix and Walker Creek watersheds is being planned by West Cape Girardeau Flood Victims Association; Joseph L. Mirgeaux, spokesman for association, says formation of district will be discussed at public meeting Friday.

50 years ago: Sept. 5, 1952

Three food concession operators withdraw from District Fair because of sanitary regulations laid down by State Division of Health; Webster Scott of Jefferson City, assistant supervisor of food sanitation in bureau, says state is making concentrated drive this year to prevent food poisoning at fairs; fair president Adolph E. Kies has pledged full cooperation.

New year - its 80th annual session - will open at State College Monday when beginning students, escorted by upper classmen, will undergo orientation program on campus traditions and organizations in advance of registration Tuesday and beginning of classes Wednesday.

75 years ago: Sept. 5, 1927

Labor Day is only partially observed in Cape Girardeau; post office is closed all day, except for hour in morning, when general delivery window is open for transients; city carriers only make morning delivery of mail, and there is no rural delivery; city's banks are closed, and union barbers shut up their shops after 11 a.m.; beauty parlors remain open all day, however.

Sikeston - Fire of unknown origin destroys factory building and equipment of Aiken-Sikeston Canning Co., with loss estimated at $33,000; fire envelopes entire structure before it is discovered; officials of company, which moved its equipment here only few weeks ago to can locally-raised tomatoes and beans, say effort will be made to rebuild plant.

- Sharon K. Sanders