25 years ago: Jan. 21, 1984

According to state Rep. Marvin E. Proffer, Missouri's chief highway engineer has suggested that improvement of Highway 177 in Cape Girardeau County might be accelerated by the state if local government entities would help with right-of-way purchase.

The Cape Girardeau Jaycees yesterday presented Southeast Missouri State University officials with the first installment of a $5,000 pledge for science laboratory equipment; in addition, the group is giving $2,000 to intercollegiate athletics for the purchase of audio-visual equipment.

50 years ago: Jan. 21, 1959

Appointment of Lt. Col. Edward M. Bender as commander of the 9671st Air Reserve Squadron based in Cape Girardeau is announced by the St. Louis Reserve Center; he replaces Lt. Col. Maurice T. Dunklin, who asked to be relieved because of increased business obligations.

A group of Cape Girardeau businesspeople and stockholders of the Bank of Gordonville, representing a majority of the stock of the bank, have confirmed that permission will be sought from the state bank commissioner to transfer the bank charter to Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Jan. 21, 1934

Dr. W.W. Parker, president of the State College, speaks at the morning worship hour at First Baptist Church, while the Rev. F.D. Baughn of Oak Ridge, missionary for the Cape Girardeau Baptist Association, preaches in the evening; pastor of the church, the Rev. E.D. Owen, is recovering from a serious illness.

The Rev. George Lloyd, Episcopal minister of St. Louis, conducts services at Christ Episcopal Church in the absence of the rector, the Rev. A.H. Beardsley, who is confined to his home by diphtheria.

100 years ago: Jan. 21, 1909

A selected company of players, led by Park Adams, will stage a new drama by Dr. Henry Van Dyke of Princeton University early in February, "The House of Rimmon"; proceeds from the show will go to the endowment fund of the Adams Orphan Home.

Dr. D.F. Luckey, state veterinary surgeon, came to Cape Girardeau last night and is lecturing at the farmers' short course at the Normal School.

— Sharon K. Sanders