Out of the Past 1/18/09

25 years ago: Jan. 18, 1984

More than 600 farmers and business men and women attended the Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee's 24th annual Farm Appreciation Day yesterday at the Arena Building; the event was highlighted with a presentation by BioKyowa Inc., now nearing completion of the first phase of its plant on Nash Road.

Marine Capt. Wayne Jones, a Cape Girardeau native, is visiting his family here after having left Beirut, Lebanon, two days ago; he was the first Marine on the scene in the aftermath of the barrack's bombing that claimed the lives of 241 of his fellow Marines on Oct. 23.

50 years ago: Jan. 18, 1959

Bishop Ivan Lee Holt, who is in Cape Girardeau to address the Mid-Winter Institute for Methodist young people, preaches in the morning at Centenary Methodist Church.

Classes of the New McKendree Methodist Church School at Jackson move into the new educational building; the church office and the pastor's study will also be in the new building, as well as an office for the Church School superintendent and other officers.

75 years ago: Jan. 18, 1934

A projected reduction in electric light rates for Cape Girardeau and 17 other Southeast Missouri towns served by Missouri Utilities Co. hinges on acceptance by the Cape Girardeau City Council of provisions laid down by the company before the Public Service Commission; the city must agree to dismiss suits now before the commission and in courts involving appeals from rate decisions and valuations involving the properties here.

Although his appointment terminates today, H.H. Haas continues as Cape Girardeau postmaster, pending selection of his successor.

100 years ago: Jan. 18, 1909

P.W. Schwetker of Louisiana, Mo., traveling salesman for the N.K. Fairbanks Co., has been visiting his aunt, Mrs. M.L. Schwetker, in Cape Girardeau for the past few days.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beckman, who were recently married at Rolla, Mo., have returned to Cape Girardeau and have taken up residence at the corner of Sprigg and Merriwether streets.

-- Sharon K. Sanders