25 years ago: Aug. 9, 1986

Encouraging students to become actively involved in life following graduation, Dr. Joseph H. Low Jr. addressed graduates of the 1986 summer commencement at Southeast Missouri State University last night; Low is a professor of speech and theater at the university.

A new 47-by-56-foot structure went up Thursday in the vicinity of Route K and West Park Mall; most of the branch bank for First Federal Savings and Loan Association went up in the morning; it will replace the First Federal branch at 299 N. Kingshighway.

50 years ago: Aug. 9, 1961

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- In light balloting yesterday, voters of Chaffee gave their approval to extend the city limits at the southwest part of town but turned down a $25,000 bond proposal for construction of a firehouse and repairs of the present city buildings.

Vandals have again been busy tampering with projects sponsored by the Cape County Historical Society, this time at the recent Burfordville Mill restoration project; officers have apprehended two youths who allegedly shot out lights installed around the mill by the society last week and also wrecked and burned two picnic tables on the grounds.

75 years ago: Aug. 9, 1936

Lydia Kies of Jackson, a missionary on furlough from the mission field in India, speaks at a Sunday school assembly in the morning at Grace Methodist Church.

A.H. Stellhorn of Davenport, Iowa, has accepted a call extended by the Trinity Lutheran congregation to teach at the local Lutheran parochial school in the coming year, succeeding Eduard Marty, who has become a Metropolitan Insurance Co. representative.

100 years ago: Aug. 9, 1911

A railroad car load of watermelons which average 40 pounds apiece is received here by watermelon king Manning Kimmel; they come from the poor farm of Scott County.

Butler Randol has gone to Canada to investigate some property he purchased for a trifling sum several years ago; he recently received an offer by mail of $5,000 for it.

-- Sharon K. Sanders