25 years ago: May 24, 1981

Maple Avenue United Methodist Church is constructing an addition to its edifice at 624 S. Ellis St.; ground was broken for the 3,200-square-foot structure last Sunday; the added space will be used for Sunday School rooms, office space, restrooms, nursery facilities, expanded kitchen facilities, and recreation area.

A tornado rips through the south end of Cape Girardeau County late in the afternoon, causing heavy damage to many homes and businesses in the Dutchtown area.

50 years ago: May 24, 1956

Col. Robert H. Conk, commanding officer of the Missouri Military District with headquarters in St. Louis, notifies The Missourian he is recommending the construction of a 100-man armory in Cape Girardeau during the fiscal year 1958; the colonel gives no details regarding the cost of construction or location of the projected reserve facility.

With a short welcome address by acting Mayor J.W. McBride and one by the store manager, J.R. Mahan, and the cutting of a ribbon by the mayor, the formal opening of the expanded J.C. Penney Co. store at 5 N. Main St. is held in the morning.

75 years ago: May 24, 1931

A survey is being conducted by the social service department of the Methodist Student Organization of Centenary Methodist Church to determine the possibilities for conducting a Sunday school on the south side, in the Smelterville suburb; an afternoon Sunday School is being considered, with teachers to be supplied by Centenary's Sunday School.

Memorial services are conducted at Apple Creek Presbyterian Church, one mile east of Pocahontas; Dr. C.H. Morton, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, speaks in the morning, and is followed by a basket dinner on the grounds; R.B. Oliver Jr., of Cape Girardeau, gives a historical address in the afternoon.

100 years ago: May 24, 1906

A large crowd gathers in the Normal School auditorium to hear a number of prominent men give speeches at the dedication of Academic Hall; the main address is given by Dr. E.B. Craighead, president of Tulane University of Louisiana; his talk is mainly a eulogy of the men whose efforts made the new building possible.

The Capahas baseball team easily wins over the Normals at the fairgrounds; the final score is 6-2; both the Normal scores are the result of errors by the Capahas.

-- Sharon K. Sanders