25 years ago: Aug. 3, 1986

The Rev. Ronald R. Feuerhahn, assistant professor of historical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, speaks at both St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chaffee, Mo., and Zion Lutheran Church at Gordonville in the morning; he also gives a special presentation following dinner at the Zion Parish Hall.

John Bertrand is plant manager at the new VIP Industries facility at Fruitland; the facility opened recently at the U.S. 61-Highway 177 intersection.

50 years ago: Aug. 3, 1961

More space will be available in the Arena Building for extension club and other displays at the approaching SEMO District Fair under a change given final approval by the board of directors; the field crops exhibit, which has grown each year, will be transferred to a tent on the grounds, freeing up space in the Arena Building.

The county court appoints Dr. E.F. McDonald of Jackson County health officer; he, in turn, will name Marvin Campbell county sanitarian so the county's health program of the postwar years can be continued.

75 years ago: Aug. 3, 1936

A proposal to levy a one-half of 1 percent tax on gross retail business to bolster city revenue is rejected by the Cape Girardeau City Council; the measure fails on a 2-2 tie vote.

The state highway department will be unable to apply a blacktop surfacing on Highway 34, west of Jackson, to Garwood, Mo., in Reynolds County; the department's budget has been completed for the year, and the project will have to wait at least another year.

100 years ago: Aug. 3, 1911

Lulu Rogers goes to Chaffee, Mo., to assist her brother, H.A. Rogers, and his wife pack up preparatory to moving to Cape Girardeau.

Although a dark pall overhangs the city in the evening and thunder and lighting warn of an approaching storm, the people of Cape Girardeau and hundreds of out-of-town visitors enjoy Pain's "Last Days of Pompeii" at the fairgrounds.

-- Sharon K. Sanders