Out of the past: March 4

1991

Following three days of interviews, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education has trimmed a list of 40 candidates for public school superintendent to three.

Members of the recently formed Rock Climbing Club at Southeast Missouri State University spent most of yesterday afternoon removing graffiti from the wall of the old quarry at the north end of Trail of Tears State Park; they rappelled down 50 feet to use hammers, chisels and brushes to clear away the spray-painted message, "R.C. Loves Blue Eyes."

1966

The Cape Girardeau County Court yesterday received a general plan for development of the County Farm for park and recreation uses; on the tract west of Interstate 55, the plan calls for a ball field and other recreation facilities, an outdoor amphitheater, hiking trails and picnicking facilities; on the part of the farm north of U.S. 61, the plan includes trails, picnic areas, shelters and an area for botanical study.

As a prize for Central High School winning its homecoming basketball game against Sikeston, Missouri, Central, principal Dallas Albers recently surrendered his suspenders to Sylvester Johnson, a football and basketball standout; Johnson, who earlier had admired the suspenders, wore them to the homecoming dance.

1941

By a majority of 268, Cape Girardeau voters approve a plan that will trade historic Common Pleas Courthouse to the federal government for the present Federal Building at Broadway and Fountain Street; the Common Pleas will be razed, and a new $430,000 post office and federal court building will be constructed on the site.

Hints of spring seem to have touched off improvements among business houses on Main Street and the vicinity; Louis Hecht, owner of the Gorman Building on Main, is planning extensive remodeling to the front; F.C. Jones is figuring on new fronts for the Cut Rate store and the Suedekum establishment; likewise, S.P. Siebert will have a modern front built on the Masek building.

1916

The worst of the diphtheria epidemic having passed, the boards of health and education met last night at the Jackson courthouse and decided to reopen schools Wednesday; church services for adults will be allowed Sunday, but no Sunday-school classes will be held.

Charles H. Gelven, florist, has bought from E.P. Ellis, administrator of the N.O. Ellis estate, property on William Street, between Pacific and Ellis streets; the property consists of a modern, eight-room dwelling and two lots and joins his greenhouse.

-- Sharon K. Sanders