Out of the past 12/24/10

25 years ago: Dec. 24, 1985

Workers are transforming an area that once serviced automobiles in the J.C. Penney store in the West Park Mall to retail space; the automobile department and garage will become a furniture department.

Kevin Hartmann, managing partner with Riverview Investors Ltd., the investment firm which plans to transform the former Buckner-Ragsdale clothing store into a restaurant and lounge, says actual remodeling work at the building should begin early next month.

50 years ago: Dec. 24, 1960

In a joint venture bid, three firms were low in seeking the contract for construction of timber piling clump dikes and stone fill dikes in the Cape Girardeau area on their offer of $1,174,064; the firms are Eugene Luhr and Co., Massman Construction Co., and Patton-Tulley Transportation Co.

A result of the frigid wintry weather of the past few days, towboat traffic on the Mississippi River is halted by heavy ice floes.

75 years ago: Dec. 24, 1935

Those connected with relief organizations and other Girardeans are finishing the task of distributing 152 baskets of food gathered in a cooperative effort; together with bushel baskets of food, toys reconditioned by city firemen are being given less fortunate families for Christmas.

The foundation has been laid for a two-story concrete dwelling with five rooms and a bath for August Ristig at 1017 College St.; L.A. Mudd and Frank Smith, local contractors, are in charge of the work.

100 years ago: Dec. 24, 1910

Members of the Cape Girardeau City Council last night discussed the failure of the Cape Girardeau & Chester Railroad to live up to its promises in the matter of improving Independence Street, with some councilmen wanting to have its franchise annulled; it was stated that the situation on Independence is frightful, it being impassable for teams because of its muddy condition.

A meeting of the residents of Perryville, Mo., has been called for Tuesday to discuss construction of a brewery to cost $50,000; half of this amount has already been subscribed in St. Louis, $7,000 in Perryville, and at the meeting an attempt will be made to raise the balance of the money.

-- Sharon K. Sanders