Out of the past 12/13/08

25 years ago: Dec. 13, 1983

A capital improvements package for Southeast Missouri State University exceeding $15 million for next fiscal year has been recommended; the two largest items in the package are a multipurpose center and a boiler.

A resolution urging the state not to solve its financial problems at the expense of Missouri's schoolchildren is passed by the Cape Girardeau School Board; the action is taken after the school superintendent details the possible implications of a threatened 3 percent withholding from the state's school districts this fiscal year.

50 years ago: Dec. 13, 1958

Southeast Missouri is boasting of what it didn't get out of a storm that left sections of a number of southern states in the grip of the worst winter conditions in a long time; the snow predicted for Cape Girardeau last night missed by about 100 miles.

Police chief Percy R. Little, speaking before the Kiwanis Club last night, said higher salaries for an enlarged staff and an improved police headquarters building are urgently needed to raise the standards of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

75 years ago: Dec. 13, 1933

Last night's Billy Sunday service, with a capacity crowd in attendance and the Louis K. Juden Post American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps opening the program, saw the evangelist take his listeners from tears to laughter; he tore into agnostics and unbelievers who have nothing to offer and seek to sap the faith of believers.

Fire originating from a spark which ignites the shingle roof early in the morning virtually destroys the third floor of the three-story home of police Capt. and Mrs. Charles Schweer, 107 S. Lorimier St.

100 years ago: Dec. 13, 1908

The Rt. Rev. D.S. Tuttle, bishop of Missouri and presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, preaches at both the morning and evening services at Christ Episcopal Church; the congregation has been without a rector for several months ago.

The Rev. H.A. Klein of Wittenburg, Mo., preaches in the English language at Trinity Lutheran Church; Klein was formerly a missionary to Brazil.

-- Sharon K. Sanders