Out of the past 10/20/04

25 years ago: Oct. 20, 1979

A lone protester picketed against what she felt was an anti-religious film last night at the opening of "Life of Brian" at the Esquire Theater; the movie protest was the first in Cape Girardeau since the showing of "Oh God!" several years ago.

Pouring of concrete in the swimming pool under construction at Cape Girardeau Central High School got underway this week, thanks to ideal October construction weather; Midwest Pool Inc., and Jackson Excavating Co., primary contractors, hope for completion no later than December.

50 years ago: Oct. 20, 1954

E. William McCarthy, resident engineer for the St. Louis area in the General Services Administration, inspected the Cape Girardeau post office and Common Pleas Courthouse yesterday; McCarthy said the inspection was routine and one of several he is making of government properties in the district this week.

Leroy F. Mason, Jackson's band director, is trying to get the hang of directing left-handed; Mason, preparing Tuesday for the Marching Band Festival, fell from a wall at the stadium, sustaining a fracture to his right wrist.

75 years ago: Oct. 20, 1929

Dr. C.H. Morton, marking his 10th anniversary as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, reviews the history of the congregation during the past decade, pointing out the changes in equipment and programs sponsored by the church during this period.

Twenty-six people are baptized in the afternoon in the waters of Juden Creek, in the northern part of the city; these are a major part of the group of 33 people who, as the result of the revival meeting conducted last week at Red Star Baptist Church, are new members of the Red Star congregation.

100 years ago: Oct. 20, 1904

Ground was staked off yesterday for the foundation of a large brick residence for Robert Phillipson; it will be situated between Broadway and Bellevue Street on Frederick Street; ground was also broken for a large, two-story brick house for D.A. Glenn; it will be at the corner of Independence and Lorimier streets.

Two valuable horses belonging to Fred A. Brand, living four miles north of Cape Girardeau, were struck and killed by a train on the Frisco; Brand entered claims of $150 and $200 against the company.

-- Sharon K. Sanders