25 years ago: Nov. 14, 1981

The 1981 Heritage Ball is held in the evening at the Arena Building; the ball has an international theme reflecting the Spanish, French and German history of Cape Girardeau; proceeds from the 13th annual ball will again go toward the restoration of the Glenn House, the home donated to the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau by the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Erlbacher.

More than 100 people jump rope for three hours at Houck Field House, helping to raise $12,000 for the American Heart Association.

50 years ago: Nov. 14, 1956

The Cape Girardeau City Council again rejects petitions asking for repeal of the fluoridation ordinance, or an election on it; the council holds that the petitions, which had been amended after originally being presented, were not yet in proper form.

The Missourian Art Exhibition, opening Saturday and extending through Sunday, has 159 entries, the largest number in its 10-year history; guest artist this year is Paul Penczner.

75 years ago: Nov. 14, 1931

Eleven new federal prohibition agents, assembling under a new type of liquor war system recently placed in effect in Southeast Missouri, swooped down on New Madrid County late yesterday and arrested 13 persons, including one woman; in addition, one Cape Girardeau County man is arrested early today.

Fire shortly before midnight in Cape Girardeau destroys one dwelling and so badly damages another that it will have to be rebuilt; a blaze, originating in the home of George McLain, 26 N. Ellis St., destroys that building and badly damages its neighbor to the north owned by A.T. Hammonds.

100 years ago: Nov. 14, 1906

Whether Cape Girardeau will land the big shoe factory is still an unsettled question, although the committee of the Commercial Club and officers of the Roberts, Johnson & Rand Co. held a long conference last night; while the details aren't being made public, it has been learned that a lot-selling scheme will have to be undertaken by the city in order to acquire the big factory.

Snow last night and this morning amounts to about 1 1/2 inches at Cape Girardeau; it snows until around noon, when it changes over to a drizzling rain.

-- Sharon K. Sanders