Out of the past 7/5/09

25 years ago: July 5, 1984

A steady rain last night kept attendance down at this year's Cape Girardeau Jaycees annual Fourth of July Festival finale, but all events still came off as scheduled; attendance was between 7,500 and 10,000 for the demolition derby and fireworks display.

The Southeast Missourian takes a significant step toward enhancing its news product by publishing its first local full-color photograph produced and processed with in-plant equipment; the photograph pictures area three-wheeler enthusiasts taking part in drag races at Arena Park.

50 years ago: July 5, 1959

The Rev. C.E. Mount, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, announces from the pulpit that he has declined a call to serve as executive secretary of the Synod of George and will remain in his position here.

Plans for seven new homes, a church building for the Bethel Assembly of God congregation, plus the addition of carports at four present residences, has boosted building permits issued in the past 10 days by the city of Cape Girardeau to a grand total of $116,200.

75 years ago: July 5, 1934

Business was suspended yesterday as Cape Girardeans converged on Fairground Park for the American Legion's Fourth of July picnic; activities throughout the day included a horse show, a municipal band concert, patriotic speeches, a baseball game between the Johnston Cleaners and Fornfelt-Illmo, a diving contest at the municipal swimming pool and a fireworks display.

A frame house for the caddies at the Cape Girardeau County Club is being erected south of the swimming pool.

100 years ago: July 5, 1909

The Rev. M. Helmbacher, pastor of Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran, comes to Cape Girardeau to look after some business and to spend a few hours with the Rev. Eberhard Pruente; Helmbacher's church will have a raffle soon and will give away a house and four fine lots in Oran.

The Independence Day celebration yesterday afternoon and evening was one of the best ever held in Cape Girardeau; a large, good-natured crowd filled the grassy terraces for the concert by the Normal School band.

-- Sharon K. Sanders