Out of the past 4/18/09

25 years ago: April 18, 1984

The first train on the new Jackson rail service rolls across the main Jackson intersection in the morning, marking the end of the long sale process between the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Jackson Industrial Development Co.; following a ceremony, the train travels the Highway 61-72 intersection's tracks, complete with a trainload of officials and media.

With strong support from labor, Walter Mondale is the big winner at the Cape Girardeau County Democratic caucus, landing six of the county delegates toward his statewide sweep.

50 years ago: April 18, 1959

W.O. Statler, a Jackson lawyer, has been nominated by the county Democratic committee as the party's candidate for judge of Common Pleas Court; apparently there will be no opposition as the Republicans aren't expected to place a candidate in nomination; until a new judge is chosen, Circuit Judge Marshall Craig of Sikeston, Mo., has been assigned by the State Supreme Court to fill the vacancy.

The brick home of Dr. and Mrs. A.J. Rasche on West Cape Rock Drive has been purchased as a parsonage for the Rev. and Mrs. Frank C. Tucker.

75 years ago: April 18, 1934

Henry W. Schweer, a veteran of the Civil War, father of police Capt. Charles Schweer, died yesterday of infirmities of age; Schweer, one of the few remaining Civil War veterans in Cape Girardeau County, would have been 90 years old April 25.

It is reported that Guy "Red" Schwettman will manage the Marquette baseball team in the Municipal League this year; his players will include Bill Turlin, Jess Gangle, Jack Hunter, E.B. Howle, Lawrence Crafton and Paul Bray.

100 years ago: April 18, 1909

Dr. J.C. Maple, a former pastor, occupies the pulpit at the First Baptist Church in the morning; the current pastor, the Rev. A.M. Ross, preaches at the evening service.

In the evening, the new, eight-room residence of Edna, Mo., marshal Dave Randolph is destroyed by fire; Randolph says the blaze was deliberately set; the house was built at Gray's Point, Mo., and moved to Edna, where Randolph expected to occupy it as soon as it was adjusted to its new position.

-- Sharon K. Sanders