Out of the past 7/26/03

10 years ago: July 26, 1993

McBride,Mo. -- Residents of tiny community of McBride, located about six miles north of Perryville, scrambled to remove what belongings they could from their homes yesterday afternoon in wake of early-morning levee breach about eight miles away.

Today is last day for flood victims to visit Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster application center at Centenary United Methodist Church; since Friday, more than 70 people have signed up for emergency assistance and dozens more have come in to contact the 11 other agencies located at center.

25 years ago: July 26, 1978

Lawn and gardening tractor backfires, starting blaze which eventually destroys barn behind historic Oakenwold estate house on Bend Road; five pumping units of Cape Girardeau Fire Department are dispatched to scene to control fire which erupts about 9:40 a.m.

Unveiling of flood plain maps, which were drawn for Cape Girardeau's inclusion in much-disputed federal flood insurance program, takes back seat to explanations about program from federal administrations; their description of how it work, regulatory aspects and other requirements meet with rejoinders from local interests who want nothing to do with program; scene at Arena Building carries tinge of frustration and rebellion against federal intrusion into local affairs.

50 years ago: July 26, 1953

Serious derailment of 22-car Frisco Special train loaded with National Guardsmen from Southeast Missouri took life of one man and injured 64 others at Red Rock in Perry County yesterday afternoon; 12 cars were derailed and four burned when train passed over broken rail; Sgt. Lawrence Johnson of Lilbourn, who was riding in kitchen car, was fatally injured when top of car was thrown off in the wreck and it burst into flames.

There is none of elation, pent-up emotion, wild joy and celebration that marked end of World Wars I and II, when news of Korean Armistice comes through to Cape Girardeau in evening.

75 years ago: July 26, 1928

Officials of Illinois State Highway Department, while in Southern Illinois on reconnaissance trip over proposed state roads in that section, announce at McClure, Ill., that they are arranging for immediate construction of Highway 146 from end of Cape Girardeau bridge to McClure.

It appears that man who two weeks ago came to Cape Girardeau and represented himself as scout for Cincinnati Reds baseball club, signing a promising local pitcher, was a fake; spokesman for Reds says Wes "Buck" Freeman isn't scout for that club.

-- Sharon K. Sanders