Out of the past 6/5/05

25 years ago: June 5, 1980

Despite a recent opinion by state Attorney General John Ashcroft, who said it is permissible for establishments holding restaurant-bar liquor licenses to sell package liquor on Sunday, the Cape Girardeau City Council moved last night to restrict such sales; the ordinance was taken up after it was learned that one restaurant-bar liquor license holder has been selling package liquor on Sundays and a local food store had applied for a similar license in order to begin Sunday package liquor sales.

A tourist center designed to provide information for travelers as well as for area residents interested in the history of Cape Girardeau is under construction on the grounds of the Holiday Inn here.

50 years ago: June 5, 1955

A bolt of lightning crashed into a primary electrical circuit at Broadway and Clark Avenue last night, blacking out a large section in the western area of the city and a strip adjacent to Highway 61 between Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

Boy Scouts attending the Cape Girardeau District Camporee at the old fairgrounds site on Gordonville Road get a little damp; rain last night and today just about drowns out activities; 100 Scouts and 25 adult leaders participate in the event.

75 years ago: June 5, 1930

The Richmond Construction Co. of Advance, Mo., was low bidder for construction of Highway 74 from Cape Girardeau to Dutchtown, when bids for the project were received yesterday at Jefferson City, Mo.; the winning bid was $67,618.98, the lowest of eight.

Sugar, which for a time during the war sold for 33 cents a pound, is retailing in Cape Girardeau for 5.1 cents per pound, the lowest price here in 15 years, say local merchants.

100 years ago: June 5, 1905

The "lid" was on Cape Girardeau to perfection yesterday, at least in spots; according to police, and many men who were thirsty, every saloon in town was closed Sunday and not a drink was sold; many social functions were held in the woods close to town, however, and it is said on good authority that fully 300 kegs of beer were consumed.

Thebes, Ill., is making plans to build a waterworks plant which will cost $15,700; an election will be called for the purpose of voting $20,000 in bonds to build the plant; the additional money will be used in constructing a system of sewers.

-- Sharon K. Sanders