Out of the past 11/2/03

10 years ago: Nov. 2, 1993

Motorists crossing Mississippi River into Cape Girardeau on planned bridge and relocated Highway 74 will have one less eyesore to bear; city council has refused to grant special use permit to Lester Sample for automotive salvage company at Giboney and Maple.

Gambling proponents ride crest of massive voter turnout to win approval of riverboat gambling in Cape Girardeau, 6,471 to 6,046; 60 percent of city's 19,000 registered voters go to polls and vote 52 to 48 percent for proposition.

25 years ago: Nov. 2, 1978

St. Louis - Federal grand jury has begun hearing testimony concerning possible criminal racketeering in Cape Girardeau County; Richard McGill, investigator for Cape Girardeau County Public Defender's office, gives testimony in morning.

Ralph L. Ford, vocational counselor at Vocational-Technical School, will assume duties of president of Missouri State Teachers Association Friday in Kansas City.

50 years ago: Nov. 2, 1953

Strike is averted at International Shoe Co. plants in Cape Girardeau and in three other Southeast Missouri cities, as employees report to work following last-minute contract agreement between company and union representatives; locals in Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Dexter and Poplar Bluff will hold membership meetings to approve or reject contract.

Ground-breaking for new First Christian Church will be on April 4, 1954, it is decided by church's official board; trustees are also authorized to sign contract with Fred Dormeyer as architect.

75 years ago: Nov. 2, 1928

Missouri Pacific Railroad is authorized by Interstate Commerce Commission to construct new line and to take over line of Cape Girardeau Northern Railroad in order to extend its operation into Cape Girardeau; decision will give city two railroads.

Mrs. George S. Ellyson will open studio for voice pupils next week at 325 N. Lorimier; she has delighted Girardeans with her singing since coming here from Denver, Colo., where she was recognized as one of West's best singers.

-- Sharon K. Sanders