Out of the past 9/13/03

10 years ago: Sept. 13, 1993

Whirling and twirling fun was theme of yesterday's "sneak preview" to 138th annual SEMO District Fair; hundreds of children, teenagers and parents spent $10 on armband passes and lined up to sample 25-cent rides during family day at fairgrounds.

Following impassioned pitch by athletic director Terry Kitchen, Cape Girardeau school board approves new support system for students; program, called Total Cape Student, is designed to encourage academic success among student athletes and others involved in extracurricular activities.

25 years ago: Sept. 13, 1978

Heavy showers begin in midmorning and continue through late afternoon, putting damper on SEMO District Fair attendance figures; attendance is estimated at between 5,000 and 7,000; despite muddy conditions, sizable crowd attends Joie Chitwood Thrill Show in evening.

Using wall map and thousands of pins, Arthur H. Turner, superintendent of schools, is tracking location of pupils in school district, which may lead to redistricting; problems have been experienced at two elementary schools, Hawthorn and Alma Schrader, this year; because of overabundance of kindergarten pupils and corresponding lack of classroom space at Alma Schrader, 19 pupils are being bused to classes at Jefferson School.

50 years ago: Sept. 13, 1953

In evening, Taylor Bros. Spiritual Victory Crusade opens its first meeting in Houck Field House; 16-day revival is sponsored by Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance; Taylors, Charles and Laurie, together have conducted missionary program for 33 years.

Sargeants Chapel, three and half miles northeast of Sedgewickville, celebrates its 150th anniversary; first service held there was in 1803, year before Capt. Amos Stoddard took possession of territory in name of United States; first minister to speak at church was the Rev. Samuel Weyberg; several recent improvements to church -- new chancel, new ceiling, hardwood floor, enclosed entrance and refinished walls and woodwork -- are dedicated by current pastor, the Rev. J. Larsen.

75 years ago: Sept. 13, 1928

Deeds for right of way for Illinois road that will connect McClure with Cape Girardeau bridge have been turned over to leaders at McClure by Illinois Highway Department; this section of road from bridge to Anna will be constructed first; residents of Illinois are looking forward to building of road, so as to furnish good connection with bridge across Mississippi River.

Friends of McKendree Chapel will observe "road-working day" tomorrow under supervision of the Rev. William Stewart of New McKendree Church at Jackson; concrete for culverts on new road to old church site was poured yesterday, and grading of road recently acquired will take place tomorrow.

-- Sharon K. Sanders