Out of the past 3/3/03

10 years ago: March 3, 1993

Southeast Missouri State University is considering establishment of shuttle bus system to encourage greater student use of parking lots on perimeter of campus; system would also help alleviate traffic congestion in central portion of campus.

Authorities believe frustrated vandals started small fire near front lobby area of vacant Marquette Hotel early in morning; fire is latest in series of incidents that have occurred in former hotel during past three months; last week, two musical instruments were taken during burglary of former Bullock Piano Salon.

25 years ago: March 3, 1978

More than 40 Southeast Missouri farmers were among those arrested Wednesday at Hidalgo, Texas, during melee with police as farmers attempted to block bridge across Rio Grande into Mexico, according to area farm strike leader; at least three carloads of district farmers left for Texas Thursday to help in release of jailed farmers and to lend support to American Agriculture Strike efforts to close down bridge.

New multipurpose social center for St. Mary's Cathedral Parish members is in final planning stages; $400,000 to $500,000 building will be on site adjacent to St. Mary's Grade School; plans for center, which will contain kindergarten room, kitchen, gymnasium and several meeting rooms, are being drawn by architect Anton Sebek.

50 years ago: March 3, 1953

Additional gifts of $17,310 turned in at third report meeting last night have swelled amount contributed to Greater Cape Girardeau Catholic High School drive to $291,118; amount subscribed represents 868 contributions by members of St. Mary's and St. Vincent's parishes and 24 gifts volunteered by business houses, individuals and firms of city.

Four residents of Jackson have declared their candidacies for city collector, to fill expiring term of Hubert Seabaugh; candidates are Joe Howard, H.A. Paar, Lynn Byrd and C.C. Crain; Seabaugh isn't candidate, as he has bought partnership in cleaning establishment in Jackson.

75 years ago: March 3, 1928

Adoption of resolution, asking Teachers College and Missouri college of agriculture to present Farmers Week again next year, was principal feature of closing session of four-day agricultural conference yesterday at Teachers College; with attendance that on each successive day of conference represented larger percentage of farmers of Southeast Missouri, week was declared by college officials even more successful than had been anticipated.

E.G. Hitt of Cape Girardeau has purchased stock and fixtures of McLain Grocery, 99 S. Park; business was formerly owned by J.C. McLain, who established and operated it for seven years; McLain, who is candidate for city commissioner, retains ownership of building.

-- Sharon K. Sanders