Out of the past 12/30/01

10 years ago: Dec. 30, 1991

Old Haarig landmark, Orpheum Theater building at 615 Good Hope, has fallen victim to ravages of time and soon will be demolished; Cape Girardeau authorities decided to take down 74-year-old building after they discovered roof of old theater had partially collapsed, which caused upper west wall of building to bulge.

After months of anticipation, Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign is close to its $100,000 goal; with just two days remaining in campaign, just $3,500 needs to be collected for it to be considered a success.

25 years ago: Dec. 30, 1976

Gov. Christopher S. Bond's office confirms that opposition has been expressed to appointment of Bradshaw Smith to fill office of Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney and that four candidates will be interviewed tomorrow by governor; while Smith, who was recommended Dec. 9 by Cape Girardeau County Central Republican Committee to fill vacancy, appears still to hold inside track for appointment, spokesman in governor's office says "it is not a sure thing."

Tomorrow will be general holiday for governmental offices in Cape Girardeau, but there will be some exceptions; county collector's office will be open, as will Cape Girardeau collector's office; all other county and city offices will be closed; federal offices will be closed, except for post office.

50 years ago: Dec. 30, 1951

Installation service for new pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Wilbert C. Koenig, is being planned for Jan. 6 at the church; Koenig and his family will arrive in Cape Girardeau Thursday from Saginaw, Mich.; they will live at 63 N. Pacific; Koenig succeeds the late Rev. F.H. Melzer, who served Trinity as pastor for more than 30 years.

The Rev. G.H. Earl of Effingham, Ill., is new pastor of West Side Church of God, beginning his duties today; the Rev. O.C. Lewis of Sikeston has been serving as interim pastor.

75 years ago: Dec. 30, 1926

Cardwell -- First National Bank of Cardwell, in Dunklin County, was closed yesterday by board of directors and this morning is turned over to William R. Young, bank examiner, who came here from Memphis; old loans and poor cotton crop were given as causes for bank's failure; institution was organized about six years ago; it had deposits of about $40,000 and capital of $50,000.

Cape Girardeau, during 1926, spent average of $4,359 each day of year for new buildings; continuing to lead cities of its size in Missouri, Cape Girardeau during past 12 months spent $1,590,000 for new schools, churches, building establishments and dwellings; in past six years, Girardeans have paid out $6,790,000 in erecting 1,338 buildings.

-- Sharon K. Sanders