Out of the past: May 27

1990

FRANKLIN, N.C. -- The wreckage of a plane piloted by John E. Godwin Jr., formerly of Cape Girardeau, is found in a mountainous area about 10 miles out of Franklin; Godwin, 68, a Southeast Missouri native and founder of Atlantic Aero Inc. at Greensboro, North Carolina, was killed in the crash.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking bids for construction of a nature center and regional headquarters to be built in the Cape County North Park. In March 1989, the county commission signed an agreement with the department to give it a 99-year lease for $1 on about five acres of land near the entrance to the park.

1965

At commencement exercises Sunday, Audrey L. Reynolds will become the first woman in the history of State College to graduate with a 4.0 average, having recorded straight As in every college course. Rodney O'Connor, class of 1955, is the only other State College graduate to earn a perfect mark at the school.

The Army Corps of Engineers has decided against making a cutoff in the Mississippi River south of New Madrid, Missouri; the project had been considered to eliminate a large horseshoe bend in the river and shorten the main channel by several miles.

1940

Under the direction of L.A. Barney, chairman, a drive is begun in Cape Girardeau County to raise funds for the American Red Cross war sufferers' chest; the county's quota is $1,620.

The 1940 population of Cape Girardeau, as certified by Census supervisor W.G. Wicker to Washington, is 19,415. An error found in a report of one ward when a final check was made of the records reduced the number by about 50. Still, the figure is 3,188 more persons than were residing here in 1930.

1915

Dr. Alfred Peironnet, 95 years, 10 months and 14 days of age, died last night as a terrific storm passed over the city; it seemed as if nature were firing its heaviest artillery to give distinction to the close of a life seldom equaled. Peironnet was born in England but came to America with his father when he was but 6 weeks old. In 1864, he came to Cape Girardeau, where he practiced medicine for many years and reared a large family.

The Elks and fair association will combine forces to stage a great Independence Day celebration. The blowout will be held Saturday, July 3, at the fairgrounds. It will include a balloon ascension and parachute leap by a lady.

-- Sharon K. Sanders