Out of the past: Jan. 7

1991

After 53 years in business, "Miss Jane" Barnett is winding things down at the Co-op Drug and Sundry Shop in downtown Cape Girardeau. The late Elaine "Tommie" Davis opened the business Oct. 18, 1933, and Barnett joined the operation in 1938. Barnett, 82, will close this month.

Safe House for Women Inc., a not-for-profit group, is hoping to establish a safe house in Cape Girardeau by this summer. An emergency shelter, operated by a different organization, closed in early August in the face of financial problems. The closest shelters now are at Poplar Bluff and Malden, Missouri.

1966

The sale of the St. Charles Hotel, 45 N. Main St., to Mayor Charles A. Hood for $55,000 at public auction in December is approved by the Common Pleas Court.

Work has resumed on the high-rise dormitory complex at State College after an agreement last night ended the iron workers' strike here. Work also resumes on the language-arts building at Pacific Street and Normal Avenue.

1941

Members of the Cape Girardeau County Court have agreed to call a special election on a proposal for a bond issue to finance the county's part as sponsor in the building of a major airport near Dutchtown. The project would be under WPA supervision.

Arrangements were made in a Cape Girardeau City Council meeting yesterday to open an extensive National Youth Administration employment project in the city, with young men likely to be put to work before the end of the week. Up to 100 youths, single and from 17 to 25 years of age, will be employed.

1916

Theodore Obermiller, 69, is caught in a pulley at the old Burfordville mill in the morning and is injured so badly he dies two hours later. He was making repairs to the machinery of the mill when the accident happened, his clothing being caught by a pulley when he walked too near the running machinery.

Yesterday's fire that destroyed three buildings in Haarig may have been set. Jim Clark, a Frisco switchman living across the street from the buildings, said he heard someone run from the old blacksmith shop and saloon building shortly after the alarm for the fire was given.

-- Sharon K. Sanders