Out of the past: Sept. 11

1993

State-of-the-art, computer-controlled railroad grade crossing signals and equipment are being installed this month at three railroad crossings in southwest Cape Girardeau County; one of the crossings is where a Cape Girardeau man was killed nearly four years ago, when his vehicle was struck by a freight train in Randles.

A new Cape Girardeau Senior Center, described by board member Floyd K. Wright as "our dream home," is formally dedicated at 921 N. Clark Ave.; an open house follows the dedication ceremony and flag-raising by the Joint Veterans Council.

1968

A record-breaking crowd turned out yesterday for opening day at the SEMO District Fair in Arena Park; some remark the exposition looks like a state fair, with bigger and better exhibits, more concession stands and a greatly expanded midway; on this evening's program are the Blue Grass Shows and a tractor-pulling contest.

Stephen E. Strom, Cape Girardeau lawyer and former county prosecuting attorney, files as a candidate for the Cape Girardeau City Council; he is the eighth candidate so far to seek the seat vacated by J. Ronald Fischer, who was appointed to the County Court.

1943

Four local lumber companies announce they will close on Saturdays at noon, until further notice; it is said the labor situation and scarcity of certain products are causing the change; the firms are Riverside, Southeast Missouri, Landgraf and Robinson.

Enrollment at the public schools in Cape Girardeau gained 75 during the week and moved up to 2,557 by yesterday afternoon; when schools opened Tuesday, there were 2,478 present; Franklin School continues to have the largest number of pupils with 533.

1918

Tomorrow is military registration day for all men 18 to 45 years of age, white or black, whether American citizens or not; registration will take place at Cape Girardeau city's three normal polling places, as well as the voting places used in each township at the last election.

The Cape Girardeau Fair is running at full blast, after a poor showing yesterday; in years past, opening day meant free admission to the grounds; however, regular admission was charged yesterday, with the result that very few paid their 35 cents.

-- Sharon K. Sanders