A LOOK BACK ON JACKSON

covering week of Aug. 25-30

25 years ago, 1972

Dr. Frank A. Wiley, superintendent of Jackson R-2 School District, reports that district's total enrollment stands at 2,775; there are 719 pupils in Jackson Senior High; 667 in Russell Hawkins Junior High, and 1,389 in elementary grades; he says enrollment is substantially same as last year with increase of just six pupils.

Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission could handle technical program of planning for Cape Girardeau County should county planning and zoning be adopted, says Thomas G. Tucker of Perryville, executive director of commission; Tucker says planning and zoning is very important to Cape Girardeau County, especially when one looks at projected population by 1980; County Court has under consideration the possibility of submitting planning and zoning issue to people this November.

50 years ago, 1947

Excavation has been completed and forms for foundation of house Albert Brugger is building near municipal water and light plant.

The 23rd Homecomers celebration opened Aug. 27 under auspices of American Legion; all proceeds will be set aside in fund for improvements at American Legion Park, bought this spring from C.M. Luetje; prices of food vary at Homecomers; in some stands hamburgers are 15 cents, while out-of-town stands are charging 20 cents; all drinks are 10 cents, as ice costs $1 per 100 pounds.

New Lincoln School for black students won't be completed by Sept. 2, opening day of classes for other public schools in Jackson; board has arranged to hold classes for these pupils in basement of A.M.E. Church until new building is completed.

75 years ago, 1922

Judge P.C. Kasten, former judge of County Court and now commissioner of Byrd Township Special Road district and also its treasurer, has nearly recovered from effects of stings by bumblebees, which attacked him while he was working in his barn; at first Kasten didn't pay much attention to stings, as he had been stung in that manner before, but in about 30 minutes he became deathly ill, and for three hours was nauseated and was weak and "unstrung" after that; it was found that one of bees found its mark in judge's neck, and it is thought that sting penetrated one of nerve centers, causing illness.

Maple Peterman of Louisiana is guest of his brother, Sam Peterman; he is among first homecoming guests to arrive in Jackson for big annual event, which is to begin on Sept. 4.

There is scheme being examined by Jackson Chamber of Commerce to purchase parcel of ground, about 100 or 120 acres, adjoining city, with 20 acres to be set aside for park and camp ground for tourists, and rest to be laid out in 400 lots, which would be sold at $200 each; out of $80,000 received for lots, cost of land and surveying and laying out of lots would be paid, an estimated $16,000; remainder of funds would be used to build shoe factory, furniture factory and improve the camp ground.