25 years ago: Dec. 7, 1982

With the swollen Mississippi River still four feet below its expected crest, residents in its flood plains continue to evacuate their homes in parts of Southern Missouri and Southern Illinois; meanwhile, Gov. Kit Bond is in Washington to seek a federal disaster designation for 22 Missouri counties.

Consideration of incidental fees and room and board rates for the 1983-1984 academic year will top a heavy agenda Saturday for the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents; members will also review topics ranging from cable television in residence halls to the possible installation of an elevator in Academic Hall.

50 years ago: Dec. 7, 1957

Christmas shopping moves to flood tide, and there is every indication that the flow will continue strong next week; both merchants and the police traffic section are gearing up for the week ahead, with all expecting that next Saturday will be the biggest shopping day of 1957.

Excitement is the air for Mary Sue Haney, who will leave Monday on the first leg of a trip to France, where she will vacation about two months; while in France, she will visit her brother-in-law and sister, Air Force Capt. and Mrs. John A. Reading at Fountainbleau.

75 years ago: Dec. 7, 1932

The Sturdivant Bank will open at 9 a.m. tomorrow for the purpose of having creditors present their claims; in addition, the revised list of borrowers has been made available; total notes held by the bank amount to approximately $1 million, while deposits total about $900,000.

Along with Mother Goose, his Indian scout and an Eskimo, Santa Claus spends the day in Cape Girardeau; Santa made his trip from his ice-bound homeland on his big sledge drawn by Eskimo dogs.

100 years ago: Dec. 7, 1907

Caroline Gockel, 71, mother of Sheriff Bernhard Gockel, four other sons and three daughters, dies at Jackson; she is also survived by her husband, Anton Gockel.

Caroline B. Jamison, who has been visiting Mrs. P.A. Hoch in Cape Girardeau for several days, leaves in the afternoon for her home at Baltimore.

-- Sharon K. Sanders