Out of the past: Oct. 18

1990

Fire yesterday damaged the Henderson House apartment building, 373 N. Henderson Ave.; authorities say a pan of hot cooking oil overflowed onto the electric stove and ignited, damaging one of the apartments.

ST. LOUIS -- An ad hoc group of earthquake experts from around the nation concludes there is no scientific basis for a forecast of a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault around Dec. 3; the 11-member group was appointed by the U.S. Geological Survey to specifically review the validity of a prediction by Dr. Iben Browning that there was a 50 percent chance tidal forces could trigger a magnitude 6.5 to 7.5 earthquake in the region in early December.

1965

The Cape Girardeau branch of the county collector's office in Common Pleas Courthouse opens for business in the morning for the first time in more than five months; the office was closed May 13 by Collector Bill W. Rose, but has been reopened as the result of a County Court decision to hire a deputy registration clerk -- Mrs. L.W. McDowell -- to help staff the office.

The Jackson City Council decides to make application for federal grants, which could help finance construction of proposed water and sewer system improvements and a city swimming pool; the city will vote next Tuesday on bonds totaling $960,000 for these improvements.

1940

With a busy day ahead, Southeast Missouri teachers assemble for the second day of their 65th annual convention at Teachers College; speakers include Dr. L.G. Townsend of the University of Missouri school of education; Everett Keith, director of public relations of the Missouri State Teachers Association and State Supt. Lloyd W. King, president of the state association.

Vandals raided Courthouse Park overnight and broke down a 35-foot flagpole, which in falling damaged four squares of concrete walk and nearly struck the west side of the courthouse building; the pole was broken off near its base.

1915

Milltown has gone dry; Sidney Verbal, who conducted a dramshop in that section of town for a year or so, closed his place Oct. 11 when his license expired.

An ordinance is passed unanimously by the Cape Girardeau City Council providing for an election Nov. 16 on the question of whether the city shall bond itself to the extent of $40,000 to purchase the fairgrounds and make improvements on that site and on others the city owns for park purposes.

-- Sharon K. Sanders