25 years ago: March 10, 1985

The Rev. Max Sullivan, mission developer for the Board of American Mission of the Lutheran Church in America and first pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church here, is guest speaker at the morning worship service at St. Mark.

Arson is suspected in a fire that destroys the Burfordville Baptist Church around 10 p.m., 90 minutes after the conclusion of services; the Millersville Rural Fire Department and five other volunteer fire departments fight the blaze for about two hours, but are unable to save the church.

50 years ago: March 10, 1960

The source of gasoline leaking into a sewer in the west end hasn't been located, said fire chief Carl Lewis, and the situation is causing some concern; the area where explosive vapors have been detected is generally along Spring Street, near the Independence Street intersection, but also north and south of the latter street.

One of Cape Girardeau's most pressing needs is a plant expansion program for junior and senior high school centers to meet both current and long-range needs; the recommendation is contained in a survey of the city's school needs compiled by a special committee of the State Department of Education.

75 years ago: March 10, 1935

Paul Tripp, a student at State College, delivers the morning address at Third Street Methodist Church.

The heavy rain that began last night continues throughout the day today; the rain turns torrential in the evening, overflowing streets in downtown Cape Girardeau.

100 years ago: March 10, 1910

Professor A.W. Vaughan, Ralph Brown, president of the Oratorical Association, and Clyde Harbison, the oratorical contestant from the Normal School, leave in the morning for Maryville, Mo., via Houck's train and the Cotton Belt; Harbison will compete tomorrow evening in the inter-Normal School oratorical contest at Maryville.

Baseball gloves are available for purchase at Finney's Drug Store on Broadway; all sizes are available, and they range in cost from 25 cents to $8.

-- Sharon K. Sanders