Out of the past 10/11/04

25 years ago: Oct. 11, 1979

For a while last week the controversial Deja Vu Massage Parlor at Leemon was apparently closed down, but Cape Girardeau County Sheriff James J. Below says the owner of the parlor has indicated she plans to stay in business there despite opposition from county residents.

Forestry officials in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois are breathing easier after rain and frost Tuesday and Wednesday reduced the fire danger in woodlands on both sides of the Mississippi River.

50 years ago: Oct. 11, 1954

Mayor Norval A. Randol announces a conference will be held in his office tomorrow to consider operation of the police department, from which Kenneth Cruse resigned as chief Friday; participating in the meeting will be the mayor, Police Commissioner Philip H. Steck, the other city commissioners, Cruse, city attorney Gerald B. Rowan, police judge Vernon Auer and the two police captains, F.L. Schneider and George L. Hampton.

County sanitarian Marvin Campbell is appointed by the city council to serve as inspector of Cape Girardeau's food and drink establishments under the recently enforced sanitary code.

75 years ago: Oct. 11, 1929

Repairs are being made to damaged compartments in the steel hull of the steamer Island Queen, which Wednesday crashed on the rocks in the Mississippi River near Commerce, Mo.

Trees are being removed from the northeast corner of the intersection of Broadway and North Pacific Street preliminary to construction of an annex to the building owned by the People's Oil Co.

100 years ago: Oct. 11, 1904

Russel Gardner, a prospective Cape Girardeau manufacturer, arrived in the city last night from St. Louis; he is here for a two-day visit, looking over sites for his factory; Gardner promises, "Everything looks satisfactory. Unless delayed by inclement weather, we should be turning out wheels by March 1."

Besides the usual offerings at the annual fair, Nebraska Bill's Wild West and trained bronco show is giving performances at the fairgrounds.

-- Sharon K. Sanders