Out of the past 9/1/02

10 years ago: Sept. 1, 1992

Less than 48 hours after his selection to run as Republican candidate for vacant circuit judgeship, Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft appointed William L. Syler to fill the vacancy; his appointment is effective Oct. 1, and he will serve until end of year; if he is successful in Nov. 3 general election, Syler will serve remaining four years of term of Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr.

Another Cape Girardeau Fire Department fire engine is getting new coat of paint as part of departments program to change over color scheme of its fleet of engines and emergency equipment; latest to receive new white-over-red paint job is 1972 model American La France Engine 13 pumper truck at Fire Station No. 1.

25 years ago: Sept. 1, 1977

Swimming pool which would be operated jointly by city and public school system will be one-of-a-kind operation if totally automated system is approved; school board meets for study session in morning to consider cost and features of swimming pool; representatives from Delta Engineering Consultants, Inc., present architect's sketch to board and discuss differences in operating pool manually and through totally automated, computerized system.

Twenty-five-year lease with 25-year option and one-time payment of $50,000 by city are basic terms offered by Cape Girardeau Jaycees for city to take over operation of Jaycee Public Golf Course; councilmen, meeting to consider another matter, say they are inclined to accept proposal.

50 years ago: Sept. 1, 1952

Labor Day. Rain all but washes away Cape Girardeau's two public Labor Day picnics; both organized labor, with plans for big day at Capaha Park, and Knights of Columbus, holding forth on their own grounds, come in for soakings; rain comes in early afternoon just when things are shaping up for big period of entertainment with large crowds at both locations.

Series of violent electrical storms, starting during noon hour and continuing intermittently into night hours, lash Cape Girardeau, depositing 1.73 inches of rain and causing scattered damage; Missouri Utilities Co. reports minor damage to its lines when transformers on Perryville Road and Gordonville road are burned out.

75 years ago: Sept. 1, 1927

Former Congressman Edward D. Hayes, resident of Washington, D.C., who was called here by death of his brother at Jackson, is in Cape Girardeau renewing acquaintances after two-year absence from city; attached to legal department of Solicitor General's Office, Hays says he will likely remain in Washington for some time, but eventually he expects to return to Cape Girardeau to make his home.

Mr. and Mrs. I.R. Kelso, and their daughter, Mrs. L.H. Renfro, celebrated completion of electrically lighted tennis court at their country home, Arboreta, with series of tennis games and wiener roast last evening; about 75 guests were present.

- Sharon K. Sanders