Out of the past: April 24

1993

Offering a glimpse of what life was like in the days when Louis Lorimier founded his trading post here two centuries ago, the Zenon River Brigade is encamped at Elks Park; the encampment, sponsored by the Bicentennial Commission, entertains visitors taking part in the Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive.

Thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers, Cape Girardeau's parks sparkle as a result of Friends of the Park Day activities; most of the work during the seventh annual cleanup is concentrated at Capaha Park, where up to 500 adults and children scour the park with trash bags, paint the outside of the pool and sweep the inside clean, and plant flowers most everywhere.

1968

Detailed arrangements are being made for the scheduled visit here tomorrow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who plans to speak at the Town Plaza Shopping Center and may make a second address, a major statement concerning the aged, while in Cape Girardeau; the New York Senator, campaigning for the Democratic nomination for president, is expected to arrive at the municipal airport from Indiana about 4 p.m.

Peaceful student demonstrations continue at the State College, protesting the Board of Regent's recent decision to dismiss eight instructors.

1943

The Second War Loan campaign in Cape Girardeau County passes the $900,000 mark, as workers in the rural districts redouble their efforts to help swell the total to reach the voluntarily adopted goal of $1,000,000.

Neil Swan, who received a medical discharge from the Army on April 21 after being hospitalized 10 months, is expected home tomorrow, accompanied by his mother, Margaret Swan, who went to St. Louis to meet him; some time after enlisting in the infantry in February 1941, he was sent to Alaska, where he was seriously injured when he was thrown from a truck.

1918

Cape Girardeau County has gone "over the top" in the Third Liberty Loan sale; up to noon, the reported sales are $547,000; the total allotment for the county was $489,300.

Charles L. Harrison, chairman of publicity for the Liberty Loan committee, says a list of slackers will be posted at several public places in the city; an alphabetical listing of those who failed to take part in the latest campaign in support of the war should be ready by May 6; those named will be residents of the county who are known to own property or to be able to buy Liberty Bonds and who refused to do so.

-- Sharon K. Sanders