Out of the past: Dec. 26

1991

The Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign will be extended to the end of the year, assuming Christmas Eve totals don't push the annual fund-raising effort over its $100,000 goal; as of Monday, the campaign had raised $90,000.

Despite earlier fears of navigational problems this winter due to low water in the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Illinois, barge traffic is moving without difficulty to terminals in southeast Louisiana; the National Weather Service says forecasts indicate the good water conditions will continue through January.

1966

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights fund went "over the top," exceeding collections of 1965 which also were over the goal; contributions to date total $7,211.43, according to Capt. Richard E. Crain, Salvation Army Corps officer; this year's goal was $6,000.

Eleven truck loads of toys saved the day Saturday for Cape Girardeau firemen, who had run short of Christmas gifts for local needy children; the toys were given to 650 children in 185 families, the largest amount ever given by the fire department; the 11 truck loads Saturday were given by some stores in the city which had a surplus of toys after the Christmas shopping period.

1941

Two Cape Girardeau youths, one from Fruitland and the other from Friedheim, are added to the list of those Southeast Missouri youths who have given their lives in the service of their country since the outbreak of hostilities; missing in action in Pacific waters are Alvin H. Bruene, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bruene of Friedheim, and Noble B. Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Harris of near Fruitland.

Police Sgt. H.J. Reed is seriously injured when he is struck by an automobile while directing traffic on South Sprigg Street at the Green Row intersection in the Smelterville suburb during an early evening fire; blinded by oncoming car lights, the driver of the auto can't see Reed standing in the pavement until he is only three feet from him; along with fractured ribs, the officer's left leg is broken in four places.

1916

The Shivelbine Orchestra, composed of William and Oscar Shivelbine, Rurie Lesem and Alvin Harnes, goes down to Malden, Missouri, in the afternoon to furnish the music for a dance in the evening; Thursday they will go to New Madrid, Missouri, to fill an engagement.

A dozen or more property owners along Main Street meet in the evening to discuss the fearful condition of the wood block pavement; they decide to petition the City Council to have the blocks taken up and concrete put down.

-- Sharon K. Sanders