Out of the past 12/24/02

10 years ago: Dec. 24, 1992

Coast Guard investigation is under way to determine cause of head-on collision late Tuesday of two barge tows midstream in Mississippi River 22 miles north of Cape Girardeau; one barge loaded with scrap steel was partially sunk, and tank barge carrying liquid fertilizer was damaged, spilling part of its cargo into river; no hazardous materials were involved.

Frank Nickell, professor of history and director of Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University, is recipient of 1992 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching; Nickell has served at Southeast in numerous positions since 1961.

25 years ago: Dec. 24, 1977

Very old crèche, so old no one can remember when it arrived at Old St. Vincent's Church, has been set up in Chapel of Ease for Christmas; crèche, of Italian or Austrian workmanship, has been redecorated and mended by Mike Boswell, graduate assistant at Southeast Missouri State University from Scott City, with cooperation of University Museum.

Chancel Choir of Grace United Methodist Church presents "Sing We Now of Christmas" in evening; cantata is collection of carols arranged by Harry Simeone and directed by Mike Dumey; assisting Chancel Choir is Cherub Choir and Gospel Choir.

50 years ago: Dec. 24, 1952

Operating well within budget adopted for current fiscal year, school board, in its financial statement for five-month period ending Nov. 30, showed balance of $883,679.68 out of $1,285,833.13 set aside for school purposes; monthly report of expenditures in relation to budget disclosed that since July 1 start of fiscal year it has cost $402,153.45 to operate school system.

Several city churches hold Christmas Eve services; Catholics celebrate midnight Mass in their parishes, St. Vincent's, St. Mary's and Holy Family; festival Communion service, with carols, is held at 11:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.

75 years ago: Dec. 24, 1927

Girardeans make final preparations for extensive observance of Christmas; last-minute shoppers throng business establishments, and dozens of people line post office corridors mailing cards and gifts; with Christmas Day falling on Sunday, Monday will generally be observed as holiday, and business houses, banks and post office will be closed that day.

The $10,000 in new stock, necessary to reorganize and open closed Bank of Whitewater, has been subscribed, it is announced; money was raised in less than one week; new stockholders will meet Thursday night to elect board of directors and officers for new institution.

-- Sharon K. Sanders