Out of the past 6/15/09

25 years ago: June 15, 1984

A gasoline tanker unloading at the World of Honda, 1728 N. Kingshighway, bursts into flames through a series of freak mishaps, creating a spectacular blaze, but doing no damage to the business; no one is injured in the mishap.

A large crowd gathers in downtown Cape Girardeau for the 1985 edition of Riverfest.

50 years ago: June 15, 1959

Superb teamwork by the volunteer fire department of Illmo, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department and the Fornfelt volunteer department is credited with saving the IGA Store of Illmo and the entire business block when fire broke out in the supermarket last night; fire damage to the building was held at a minimum, but extensive water and smoke damage was done to the interior of the building and stock.

First Baptist Church members have voted to build a parsonage at 2221 Brookwood Drive; James Eaker of Cape Girardeau has been awarded the contract.

75 years ago: June 15, 1934

Grading the sides of South Sprigg Street as part of the widening project between Elm Street and the bridge over Cape LaCroix Creek is set to begin about the middle of next week; paving should begin about two weeks later; the bridge over the small stream at the foot of the old tollgate hill is being rebuilt.

The Regenhardt Construction Co. of Cape Girardeau is the low bidder in Jefferson City on the contract letting for construction of a bridge over the Black River at Poplar Bluff, Mo., on U.S. 60; the firm's bid was $65,800.

100 years ago: June 15, 1909

Charles W. Brown, while helping string new cable on South Sprigg Street for the Bell Telephone Co. yesterday afternoon, fell 15 and sustained severe bruises but no broken bones.

Capt. H.C. Phelps announces he will put his fine launch into commission on June 17 between Cape Girardeau and Commerce, Mo., stopping at all landings; the boat will leave here at 6:30 each morning for Commerce, which will enable passengers to catch the early train at Thebes, Ill., for Cairo, Ill.; the boat will return around noon and will leave on the second trip at 2:30 p.m.

-- Sharon K. Sanders