Out of the past 5/23/07

25 years ago: May 23, 1982

Sister Alice Blunck, formerly known as Sister Mary Colette, who headed the business education department at St. Mary's High School in Cape Girardeau from 1948 to 1954, was one of 13 School Sisters of Notre Dame who celebrated their Jubilee Year of Profession on May 16; a celebratory Mass was held in their chapel in St. Louis.

A Homecoming and Heritage Sunday is observed at the Millersville United Methodist Church; it is also the 40th anniversary year for the church.

50 years ago: May 23, 1957

Two torrential rains, the first a virtual cloudburst, dumped 3.42 inches of water on Cape Girardeau yesterday, causing a substantial amount of damage over the city and driving residents of Golladay Addition from their homes.

The graduating class of Cape Girardeau Central High School hears an address by State Sen. Albert M. Spradling Jr., a graduate, at commencement exercises in the evening; 164 graduates receive diplomas.

75 years ago: May 23, 1932

Cape Girardeau, celebrating its first Civic Day, saw its own organizations pass in review in a colorful spectacle at Houck Field Stadium yesterday; a crowd of more than 6,000 people jammed the stadium to view the 600 people, representing 13 of the city's marching organizations, who participated in the event.

The steamer Cape Girardeau arrived at Cape Girardeau yesterday morning on its way down to Muscle Shoals, Ala.; Capt. William Leyhe said there are plans to put the steamer in the regular trade starting July 5, making a round trip each week from St. Louis to Cairo, Ill., and then back to Peoria, Ill.

100 years ago: May 23, 1907

The Dreamland Theater in Cape Girardeau has a new half-owner in the person of H.N. LaCroix, who recently came here to operate the film machine that throws the fine pictures on the screen; H.A. Beidy remains a partner in the business.

Negotiations for the purchase of the large retail dry goods store of Flentge & Co. are brought to a close, when the announcement is made that C.M. Buckner and W.B. Ragsdale of Centralia, Mo., have taken over the stock and lease.

-- Sharon K. Sanders