Out of the past: Feb. 23

1992

Businessman and philanthropist Martin Hecht of Cape Girardeau receives the National Leadership Award at a dinner in New York City; the award is from the Beth Din of America, the highest tribunal of the Jewish faith. Hecht, who received the award from his brother, Ambassador Charles Hecht, is known for his committed concern for human welfare, and especially family life.

The weeklong 1992 World Tour Missions Convention concludes at First Assembly of God Church with an evening international banquet featuring food from the Far East, Mexico, Latin America, Middle East and the United States.

1967

At least 3,000 Cape Girardeau motor-vehicle owners have yet to buy their city licenses for this year, and the deadline is less than a week away. City office employees fear unless vehicle owners begin buying licenses in substantial numbers, their will be a major jam at the windows Tuesday, the last day to purchase licenses without penalty.

Twelve of the 84 Senior Citizen Club members attending a party held in conjunction with their meeting celebrate birthdays falling in November. Entertaining at the party is a kitchen band, with members playing such instruments as washboards, washtubs, grinders and dinner bells; Mrs. J.O. Brasher conducts the misbehaving group of costumed performers.

1942

Burglars broke into the Harris Body & Fender Shop on U.S. 61 near Broadway on Saturday night or early Sunday morning; they made off with two tires and two tubes. Charles Harris operates the shop.

The Cape Girardeau County Council of Defense is told by C.L. Harrison, county chairman, that the County Court has approved an appropriation of $150 for miscellaneous expenses of the council; the money, a part of which has been used for mailing and printing expenses, will be apportioned as needed.

1917

F.J. Jonah, chief engineer of the Frisco Railroad, has promised the railroad will pave the whole street in front of the new Frisco passenger station, to be erected this spring at the foot of Independence Street.

The Illmo Commercial Club has pledged its assistance to the Cape Girardeau Commercial Club in working to locate the government's big armor plant in this vicinity.

-- Sharon K. Sanders