Out of the past 10/7/02

10 years ago: Oct. 7, 1992

Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents has rewarded President Kala Stroup with new five-year contract; under new contract, Stroup will receive salary of $109,200 for 1992-93 year, increase of 4 percent over her previous salary of $105,000.

Sikeston -- Hoping to emerge as leader in Missouri education reform, Sikeston School District is considering plan to extend school year from 180 to 200 days; Bob Buchanan, superintendent of schools, says district is taking time to solicit comments on proposal from teachers and community before making final decision.

25 years ago: Oct. 7, 1977

Early-morning fire guts Third Street United Methodist Church and leaves congregation searching for new house of worship; Cape Girardeau firefighters are called to one-story white church at 5:32 a.m., after neighbor notices smoke coming from building.

Proposed closing by Federal Aviation Administration of Municipal Airport control tower, along with 71 other towers across country, prompts Cape Girardeau delegation to attend FAA hearing in Kansas City in opposition to plan.

50 years ago: Oct. 7, 1952

Acting on request of school board, Cape Girardeau City Council yesterday ordered plans, specifications and estimate of cost drawn up for extension of storm sewer from Caruthers avenue through new high school plot to Kingshighway; existing sewer stops at Caruthers avenue, and water runs through open ditch across high school property.

Smoke filled corridors on second floor of Idan-Ha Hotel last night when mattress caught fire in guest's room; Manager Jack Robbins and hotel guests extinguished blaze before firemen arrive, and there was little damage; among those guests routed from their beds were orchestra leader Harry Ranch and several members of his band.

75 years ago: Oct. 7, 1927

Seventy Lions Club members of Southeast Missouri attended banquet held at Benton last night in connection with Neighbor Day; Cape Girardeau, Chaffee, Benton, Sikeston, Kennett and Senath were represented.

In clearing grounds for new Cape Girardeau hotel on northeast corner of Broadway and Fountain, group of Norway maple trees, said to be 50 years old, are to be removed; Mrs. Robert L. Wilson, former owner of site, says trees were planted in 1877 by her husband before their marriage; previously, land was owned by Ellis estate; Ellis used Wilson lot for pasture, and every morning his slaves could be seen driving cows over hill from his home on North Main to this place.

-- Sharon K. Sanders