Out of the past

25 years ago: April 20, 1983

As the result of a unanimous vote during a recent general membership meeting, Cape Alternative services has decided to close its store, which has been at 104 S. Sprigg St., for the past six years; the store sold natural foods at reasonable prices.

A measure is expected to be introduced in the Missouri House next week that would, if enacted, provide a significant operating fund boost for Southeast Missouri State University; the bill calls for a $17.8 million operating budget for the school for the next fiscal year, as compared to $17.1 million in the existing House bill and $16.6 million recommended by Gov. Christopher Bond.

50 years ago: April 20, 1958

Painting and general redecoration of old St. Vincent's School is underway, preparing the building for use as a parish hall; fresh paint is also being applied to the windows and tower of St. Vincent's Church.

Bethany Baptist Chapel, a mission of First Baptist Church, worships in its new auditorium at 430 Koch for the first time in the morning; the interior of the building is nearly completed, but work remains to be done on the exterior.

75 years ago: April 20, 1933

Fleeing on foot after his attempt to hold up Mike Shaltupsky in front of his home at 823 Bellevue St., last night, a hoodlum is being sought here by police; the armed thug accosted Shaltupsky as he started to unlock the door of his dwelling; after a lengthy scuffle, the hoodlum fled empty handed.

Manager William Sullivan will have his hands full this summer if he continues with his Junior Capahas; he has requests from several towns for games; the boys on this club will be under 18 years old.

100 years ago: April 20, 1908

The annual closing exercises of the Oak Ridge High School were held recently; the graduating class consisted of Burette Bowers, Agnes Hart, Vergie Willer, Aura Rumfelt, Myrtle Beal, Clara Tacke, Irene Frissel and Fern Penny.

The manager of the Wonderland showboat avoids paying Cape Girardeau's license tax of $50 for every day a performance is held here; when the time comes for the opening act in the evening, the boat wheezes its way to the Illinois shore, and the ferryboat Warsaw transports the audience to the show.

-- Sharon K. Sanders