Out of the past 5/7/07

25 years ago: May 7, 1982

State Rep. Jerry Ford, speaking at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee, criticized a provision of the Hancock Amendment that he says may prevent elected county officials from receiving pay increases and could lead to "war in the courthouse."

A chapter of the National Audubon Society is being formed in the Cape Girardeau area, with an organizational meeting set for May 19. Paul Heye, a faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University, is helping form the chapter.

50 years ago: May 7, 1957

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department is securing a new truck to replace a 15-year-old auxiliary unit now in service at station No. 2 on Independence Street. A new Dodge 700 series chassis has been ordered on which a new auxiliary unit will be built.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Orrel Harris of Portageville, Mo., contractor, yesterday started work on the fishing lake near Chaffee; the State Conservation Commission is making the lake under its small lakes program.

75 years ago: May 7, 1932

Mayor Edward L. Drum orders all retail stores in Cape Girardeau to cease selling groceries on Sunday after 9 a.m. and to abide by a city ordinance and state law prohibiting the sale of such products on Sunday.

J.C. Zimmerman, Cape Girardeau real estate agent, files as a Republican candidate for county treasurer; A.H. Gerhardt, contractor, is a candidate for sheriff as a Republican, and Constable C.C. Eddleman, it is said, may soon file for the same office as a Republican.

100 years ago: May 7, 1907

The Cape Girardeau City Council held its regular meeting last night and transacted a lot of business; Mayor W.C. Patton wasn't present and the mayor pro tem, F.A. Kage, presided; it is understood that it is Patton's intention to preside at meetings very seldom; he considers it better policy for the council to have full charge of many of the matters coming before it.

Cape Girardeau's new baseball team is having uniforms made here for their game with the Normals on Thursday.

-- Sharon K. Sanders