A LOOK BACK AT JACKSON

25 years ago: 1974

Fire heavily damaged drying room of Ceramo Co. plant early Thursday; damage, which was confined to area of about 70 by 50 feet, likely will result in temporary release of about half of pottery plant's 94 employees, says plant manager E.H. Reisenbichler; blaze was apparently caused by fault in electrical wiring of switch box, which operates huge natural gas-fired drying system.

Representatives of Cape Girardeau County's two special road districts -- Cape Girardeau and Byrd -- appeared before County Court Thursday to request that county once again share with them some of its County Aid Road Trust funds; court reached no decision, but said it would consider re-enacting fund-sharing program after report on condition of bridges on roads under county's jurisdiction is submitted by County Engineer Robert J. Hahn.

Rep. Marvin E. Proffer, D-Jackson, Friday announced he is seeking his seventh term in Missouri House; he is in his 12th year as representative from 155th District, which includes two precincts in Cape Girardeau, remainder of Cape Girardeau County, half of Kelso Township in Scott County and two townships in Bollinger County.

Winners were announced and cash prizes awarded Saturday at reception for all entrants in Festival of Missouri Women in Arts, sponsored by Jackson branch of American Association of University Women, at Jackson City Library; participants in performing arts division were judged at recital at New McKendree United Methodist Church; winners were Rhonda Martin, flute solo, award of excellence, and Linda Rody, clarinet solo, award of merit, both of Cape Girardeau; visual arts winners for professionals were Esther Jones, award of excellence, and Janet Chamberlain, award of merit, both of Cape Girardeau.

Proposal to issue about $1.6 million in bonds for construction of 40 new bridges may be submitted to Cape Girardeau County voters at either August primary or November general election; County Court Monday, upon receiving comprehensive report on conditions of county bridges, discussed possibility of submitting bond proposal to finance replacement of aging spans, some of which were built 85 years or more ago; no formal action was taken.

Jackson R-2 School District's application for Title III Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds to establish three-year learning disabilities program has been approved by Missouri Department of Education; financial conditions of $122,000 federal grant will be negotiated soon so that program can be established during summer months.

50 years ago: 1949

Jackson Junior Band was awarded No. 1 rating in district music festival in Cape Girardeau; LeRoy F. Mason, director of music in Jackson schools, took Class B band to contest as reward for good work done this year.

Guild M. LaPierre, associate in LaPierre-Sawyer Handle Co., died at his home April 5; he was son of late M.G. LaPierre, founder of handle factory, who died March 11.

Mrs. H.L. Obermiller, expert in flower arrangements and floral work, has been engaged to work at Begley's Flower Shop during Easter season.

J.R. Mabrey, with only write-in opposition, was elected mayor of Jackson at Tuesday's election with 921 votes; write-in votes cast were: J.R. Bowman, 6; Joe Brennecke, 3; J.V. Priest, 2, and Charles Seabaugh, R.A. Fulenwider and T.B. Statler one each; J.W. Schreiner was elected alderman in Ward 1, C.W. Knox to Ward 2, Walter H. Kasten to Ward 3 and Larry A. Novak to Ward 4.

Otto Sperling and Earl Williams were elected to Board of Education; voters turned down 25-cent increase in school tax levy; this will make levy $1.25 on $100, 25 cents less than for present year.

Formal opening of Priest's Store was held Thursday evening; no merchandise was sold during formal opening, but carnations for ladies and toys for children were given away; store has been remodeled and made attractive; owners are J.V. Priest and his son, George Priest.

Ed Hartle, game conservationist, is able to be out on street after several weeks of confinement to his home while recovering from gunshot wounds received while on duty near Wyatt.

Workers of Linus Penzel Construction Co. are installing yellow mat brick front on old Jackson Exchange Bank building; structure, owned by Williams & Milde, is undergoing renovation to make it completely modern.

Board of Education met Friday night for reorganization and hiring of teachers; J.C. Hoffmeister was re-elected president of board and Harry G. Cracraft, vice-president; R.O. Hawkins was re-named superintendent of schools.

75 years ago: 1924

F.M. Bass, deputy fish and game warden on Missouri, has been in Jackson several days organizing branch of Isaac Walton Association of sportsmen and lovers of nature; he met with ready response and about 30 men have indicated their interest in joining; meeting for permanent organization and election of officers will be called soon.

Jackson City Council will have three new members: T.H. Obermiller, Sherman Haupt and John H. Sachse; all are substantial citizens and should make good councilmen.

Louis Taylor, young son of Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor of Jackson, who was stricken with wanderlust one day last week and left home to see world, has been located in St. Louis by his parents; other boy who left with young Taylor hasn't been yet been found; Louis Kneibert, uncle of Louis Taylor, found boy Sunday and is taking care of him.

Deal was consummated last Saturday by which I. Eugene Wilcox became owner of City Lunch Room on South High Street; George H. Grant acquired Wilcox home on Cape Girardeau road in exchange for restaurant.

At City Council meeting Monday night, delegation representing cemetery association asked council that ways and means be provided for proper care of old city cemetery; when old cemetery was laid out, no provisions were made for endowment or sinking fund for upkeep of burial ground after it had become filled up; money received for sale of cemetery lots was transferred into general revenue fund and used for running expenses; now, since no more lots are being sold, there is no money for cemetery's upkeep.

Barn of Tom Ackman, Neelys Landing farmer, was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire Tuesday night; several horses, mules and cattle were consumed by flames.