Out of the past 2/18/09

25 years ago: Feb. 18, 1984

Gene McNary, St. Louis County executive and Republican candidate for governor, touts education as the key to Missouri's future at a gathering of about 50 Cape Girardeau residents in the Hirsch Room of the public library; McNary recommends an increase in teachers' salaries, although he won't put a dollar amount on his proposal.

Mystique Gardens is the new name for the dining area of the Biltmore, formerly Sunny Hill.

50 years ago: Feb. 18, 1959

The problem of Smelterville was explored by 41 representatives of community organizations last night in an effort initiated by the Ministerial Alliance; out of the discussion emerged two recommendations: establishment of a community building to provide bathing, laundry, recreation, religious and other facilities, and a move for a federal housing program to try to eliminate the slum area.

Workers are excavating for the footings for the addition to the west wing of Common Pleas Courthouse.

75 years ago: Feb. 18, 1934

J. Oscar Estes and Harl H. Haas Jr. have purchased NuWay Cleaners, 1027 Broadway, from T.P. Estes, brother of Oscar; the new owners are being assisted by J.L. Estes, father of Oscar and T.P. Estes.

Stereopticon pictures of India, particularly of Evangelical mission stations in that country and the work being done by them, are shown in the evening at Christ Evangelical Church; the pictures are accompanied by explanations given by the Rev. Reinhart Lehman, pastor.

100 years ago: Feb. 18, 1909

A large crowd attended the letter carriers' ball in the West End Hall last night; taking the first ladies' prize for best costume was Amanda Schroeder, who attended the gala dressed as the Queen of Hearts; Vernor Lutes, dressed as a baker, took the first gentlemen's award; prizes for the most original costume went to Rose Uhl for her depiction of an Egyptian princess and to Spencer Gourley for his wooden-legged tramp.

At a meeting of the director of the four roads composing the Houck railroad system, L.B. Houck was promoted to first vice-president and J.R. Peachy was appointed traffic manager of the system.

— Sharon K. Sanders