Out of the past: Aug. 2

1993

A sign hanging on the street clock at the corner of Main and Themis streets in Cape Girardeau proclaims the feelings of downtown merchants: "We love our floodwall"; the sign, installed by John and Evelyn Boardman, marks where Mississippi River water would be at the predicted 49-foot crest, if not for the wall.

Local and state fire officials are investigating a blaze that destroyed inventory of the Sleepy Hollow store, 1809 N. Kingshighway, yesterday afternoon; firefighters, called to the store at 12:45 p.m., found heavy smoke pouring from the building.

1968

Cape Girardeau city officials are sifting through suggestions for improving the city obtained from residents attending its first open forum meeting last night; among the recommendations voiced by the 35 participants were the adoption of an official city flag, establishment of a family service center, and development of the historical aspects of Spanish Street.

J. Ronald Fischer, Cape Girardeau city councilman, is selected by the Cape County Democratic Committee to be the Democratic candidate for county judge of the 2nd district and to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge Walter H. Ford.

1943

ST. LOUIS -- Application for authority to operate air passenger, mail and freight service over 10 separate routes is filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington by the Frisco Transportation Co., a subsidiary of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway; according to Frisco, Cape Girardeau would be place on a proposed route from St. Louis.

The resignation of all members of the Board of Health in protest against the failure of the city to follow its recommendations for more strict scrutiny of milk distribution and adoption of rules regulating health conditions in restaurants is accepted by the Cape Girardeau City Council, which the appoints a new board; members of the retiring board are Drs. C.A.W. Zimmermann, chairman, W.H. Oehler, J.H. Cochran and R.A. Ritter; newly appointed members are Drs. G.B. Schulz, A.E. Dalton, H.V. Ashley and A.M. Murphy.

1918

Jackson hosts about 60 Scott County residents, here to see how things are being done in the way of agriculture; among them are farmers, business men and clergymen, led by the Scott County farm agent; the party is taken to several farms in the area.

Earl Neal, son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Neal of Cape Girardeau, leaves in the morning for St. Louis to make application for the U.S. Navy; if he fails to get in that branch of service, he will try the Marines; Frank Neal, an older brother, is in the Navy, having enlisted a little more than a year ago.

-- Sharon K. Sanders