Out of the past: Dec. 27

1990

A new federal tax has created something of a buyers' rush at some local automobile dealerships; consumers interested in luxury cars are expected to buy before Jan. 1, when a new car will be assessed a 10 percent tax on amounts more than $30,000.

A new, high-altitude aerial photograph of Cape Girardeau was taken Dec. 8 to assist city staff in planning and development; the photograph includes all the city and about a three-mile surrounding area; copies of the large aerial maps will be available for purchase.

1965

The bank at Fisk, Missouri, is held up in the afternoon, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol says only one man is believed involved; Cape Girardeau County police officers are advised at once of the heist and are preparing to aid in the search for the fugitive.

Cape Girardeau County Court employs Fred Dormeyer, Cape Girardeau architect, to draw specifications for a new county courthouse roof; the judges want architectural specifications followed on the roof, as it has required frequent repairs in the 12 years since the current roof was installed.

1940

With the closing of registration for aliens last night, 74 people had been listed at the local post office, said Glenn McCain, who handled the registration; of that number, 52 reside in Cape Girardeau; unnaturalized residents 14 years and older must register.

Steve Bank of Hardin, Illinois, is in Cape Girardeau visiting friends and relatives until Jan. 2, the first extensive visit he has made here since leaving 31 years ago; Bank operated a blacksmith shop where the Midwest Dairy plant is now on South Spanish Street; he sold out in 1909 to Mat Morrison.

1915

Although the weather isn't the best for baseball, still it might be said the first plans for a busy season here next summer starts this morning; C.H. Irwin, a baseball player and promoter, moves to Cape Girardeau from Poplar Bluff, Missouri; a few years ago, Irwin was a semi-professional in St. Louis.

Arthur "Dots" McMillan, an employee of the Riverside Lumber Co., suffered a broken leg Christmas Day, when he was kicked by a horse owned by Arthur Ward, another employee, at the lumber hard on South Ellis Street; McMillan had gone to the yard to feed the animals.

-- Sharon K. Sanders