Out of the past: Jan. 19

1991

Local officials at the American Red Cross are reporting higher-than-average turnouts at recent blood drives, a trend they hope continues until the Persian Gulf war ends. In late December, the Missouri-Illinois chapter of the Red Cross was the first to send a blood shipment to the gulf area.

Organizers with the local Right to Life group canceled a protest trip to the nation's capitol to show support for the war in the Persian Gulf. For the past 17 years, anti-abortion groups from across the country have staged a protest march in Washington, D.C., to mark the Jan. 22 anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion.

1966

Sheriff John C. Crites is discussing moving his office from the county courthouse across the street to the county jail with members of the County Court. He says the move would provide the sheriff's department with more office space and make it practical to consider hiring a night-time jailer and audio dispatcher.

A target date of June 1 for the start of construction on a Masonic Temple here is reported as preparation of the site at Doggett Park on Broadway nears completion. Work on the site has consisted of spreading 4,000 yards of dirt hauled to the lot last summer and the removal of many trees.

1941

The second anniversary of the dedication of the new Grace Methodist Church is celebrated with special services. Much of the music used at the dedication is repeated at the services, and the Rev. William H. Wolfe, pastor, preaches on the topic "Mountain Peaks."

After 11 years, the Christ Evangelical Church congregation has reduced the indebtedness on its building by about nine-tenths. The church, at South Ellis and Merriwether streets, cost $47,000 when it was constructed nearly 11 years ago.

1916

A.C. Wurdack, president of the Light and Development Co., has invested $2,000 in the Cape Mill Manufacturing Co., which makes the Nu-Way mill. The mill company had been considering offers to move to other locations, especially Belleville, Illinois, but the influx of money apparently means the company will be staying here.

Walter Black, city councilman from the first ward and owner of the Black Garage on Broadway, leaves for St. Louis to buy a bus, which he will establish in Cape Girardeau within the next 30 days. Until he takes possession of the bus, he will use his regular automobiles to make calls around town.

-- Sharon K. Sanders