8 Activities For Kids This Fall in 

Downtown Cape Girardeau

1. Discovery Playhouse

Written by Southeast Missouri State University Student Guest Blogger Laura Williams

This blog series is presented through a partnership between the Historic Preservation Commission of Cape Girardeau, the Historic Preservation Program at Southeast Missouri State University, and Old Town Cape.



       When Cape Girardeau County residents visit the Tax Assessors Office, located behind the Court of Common Pleas at 44 N. Lorimier St., they probably do not realize they are also visiting the original Cape Girardeau Carnegie Library. In 1914, shortly after the City opened its first public library in the Ellingood Building on the corner of Spanish and Themis, new conversations began about how to best fund and construct a bigger and more accessible building that would be able to accommodate the needs of the quickly growing town. Ideas became more substantial plans in 1916 when the Women’s Council of Clubs was the recipient of a $20,000 construction pledge from the Carnegie group for a new library building.  After WWI temporarily interrupted progress, the Women’s Council was able to retake the torch, and in 1921 the Carnegie Corporation reaffirmed its financial support for the project through a $25,000 donation, with the stipulation that the citizens must contribute the remaining $5,000 needed for the project. The residents of Cape Girardeau did more than just affirm their support for a new library building, but also proved their enthusiasm by raising $11,000, more than twice the necessary amount. 

            The original structure, finished in 1922, was one of the last libraries funded by the Carnegie Corporation. Costing $30,000 to construct, the Collegiate Gothic Style building features a flat roof with a limestone cornice line and window surround and red brick laid in the English bond pattern. In 1959, a new foyer designed by prolific architect and Cape Girardeau native John Boardman, was added onto the main entry, significantly altering the physical appearance. This addition had a much more modern architectural style, with a distinctive and prominent curved wall, made from rough-cut ashlar limestone. As the needs of the community continued to grow, the Public Library moved to its current location on Clark St. in 1980 and Cape Girardeau County took over the old building for offices.

            The old Carnegie Library building served the City of Cape Girardeau as a vital source of information and a repository for educational materials for almost 60 years and continues to serve the public’s needs today.

 Written by Guest Blogger Alyssa Phares, Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau and President of the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission

This blog series is presented through a partnership between the Historic Preservation Commission of Cape Girardeau, the Historic Preservation Program at Southeast Missouri State University, and Old Town Cape.

Located at 805 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, the Broadway Theatre, a National Register of Historic Places property, stands vacant. The Broadway Theatre is significant in that it has contributed to Cape Girardeau’s entertainment and recreational history. The Broadway Theatre is the older of the two remaining historic theatres in Cape Girardeau and is the only surviving one from the silent film and vaudeville eras.

Some would say I am theatre obsessed. But really, it is this theatre that has me wrapped around its finger. I believe strongly in the power of historic preservation and community development. Community theatres provide and still provide a sense of place, a reason to interact socially and in the past they served as a recreational center for members and visitors. The Broadway Theatre was a part of Cape Girardeau’s community fabric from the time it was built in 1921 until it closed its doors for the first time in 1960. During its heyday the Broadway theatre offered a wide variety of entertainments such as style reviews, operettas, concerts, and various community organization activities.

Restoration of the historic Broadway Theatre would be a worthy and fitting project downtown revitalization project in Cape Girardeau. The potential value of a restored Broadway Theatre to Cape Girardeau’s social and cultural scene also cannot be overlooked. As in decades past the theatre could once again become the place to meet friends and be seen out in the community. A vibrant restored theatre brings a bit of big city feel to the smaller community.

 Patrons of the theatre could take their business to the Broadway Corridor for dining, shopping and leisurely strolls before and after events. The theatre could complement the recently built River Campus facility at Southeast Missouri State University and become a draw for heritage tourism.  Picture a lit-up marquee on a tree-lined Broadway avenue, pulsing with light, advertising the interesting events taking place within. It is for all of these reasons that This Place Matters to Cape Girardeau.

           Many of Cape Girardeau’s historic commercial buildings have housed various businesses. This coming and going of businesses is a natural part of a community’s evolution, adding layers to our cultural story. The building at 1127 Broadway is one such example. Currently, the building is home to the sports bar D’Ladiums, but it has also been a drug store, a grill, and a soda fountain.

            The building was originally constructed in 1929, and opened in 1930 as Dormeyer Pharmacy. In September of 1929, the Southeast Missourian reported that, “Plans are being made for construction of a large, modern Spanish-type drug store building on Broadway, just east of Henderson Avenue; Dormeyer Pharmacies is having one-story structure built of light-colored brick; in addition to prescription department, building will contain booths for seating 120 people and complete luncheon service will be offered.” To the right of the front entrance is a distinctive arched doorway. Now closed, this previously led down a set of stairs to the basement of the building. Originally, a soda fountain called “The Cellar” operated there, later being renamed “The Dungeon” and “The Marine Room.” According to the 1942 Cape Girardeau City Directory, Dormeyer Pharmacy, Crescent Cleaners, and USPO Station No 3 were all located at 1127 Broadway. In 1945, the directory lists Matthews Drug Store at that address, but from 1949-1955 it lists Evans Pharmacy. From 1956-1958 the address description was a simple and self- explanatory, “Vacant”.  

The building’s history took a sharp turn, when In October of 1959, the now legendary Jerry “Big Dog” Priest opened a pool hall called Paladium. Located directly across from the University’s Houck Field House, Paladium quickly became a pre/post game tradition for SEMO students. Priest was an excellent pool player and became quite the local legend. Priest started serving hot dogs, chili, and beer on tap. Many people have fond memories of “Big Dog” and the bar. Competitive pool was, and remains, a mainstay activity.  In 2004, the Dirnberger Investment Company bought the building and renamed the bar and pool hall D’Ladium’s but kept the atmosphere that everyone had come to love. 

Since 1974   the memorable and charismatic Jerry Beaver (known as Beaver or the Captain) has managed Pladium/D’Ladium’s. He also has a starring role in most patrons’ memories. You can usually find him directing the bar from his vintage barbershop chair. A cartoon Beaver with an outstretched beer is featured prominently on the exterior sign.  He has literally become a living mascot. The phrase, “The Pard Welcomes You” is featured on the sign and on memorabilia for sale inside. Jerry explained that this is a saying he came up with to greet his best friends. He said that a “Pard” is really just a word he coined for buddy or good friend. Although the story of D’ladiums is a legend in itself, without the historic building it calls home, many fond memories would not have happened.

Fall is a beautiful time to get outside and enjoy all that the season has to offer. Whether you prefer to get out in nature, or to stay in the city explore the shops and attractions downtown, now is the time to get out of the house before winter weather makes it difficult.

With the leaves changing and a cool breeze blowing through almost every sunny day, fall is also a great time to take photos or get portraits. Family portraits for Christmas cards and photo albums look great when surrounded by bright fall colors and seniors in almost every high school choose this time to get their senior photos done.

Downtown Cape Girardeau is host to a multitude of fantastic photographers who specialize in everything from weddings to newborns, meeting any needs you may have for photos this fall. These photographers take photos in beautiful and scenic locations all around the cape area.

Katie Blattel, of Katie Blattel Photography at 221 Independence St., specializes in newborns and high school seniors. Throughout her career she’s done almost every kind of photography there is, but she says that newborns and seniors will always be her favorites. She enjoys doing newborn sessions in her studio, judging which props and backdrops would fit best with each child’s personality and look. When she photographs seniors, she likes to take them outside into more natural settings. With her high school senior sessions, she decides which locations and setting, urban or rural, to use based on the clients preferences, personalities and style. Though there are many fantastic places in the area to take portrait photos, Blattel says that her favorite is the yellow doors at Port Cape, which add the perfect pop of color to any senior photo.

Shannon Duggan Photography, located at 42 N. Main St., mostly sticks to wedding and engagement photos and portraits of high school seniors; however, she likes to build a relationship with her clients and many of them return for anniversary photos, newborn sessions, and family portraits. Duggan will meet her clients in her office space, which she shares with Annie-Em’s At Home, but prefers to get outside and utilize natural light for her shoots. Annie-Em’s At Home does a lot of styling for Duggan’s shoots, providing furniture and props to give a unique style and feel to every session. Although she travels all over the Midwest for wedding shoots, Duggan says that she loves working in Cape Girardeau because it offers, as she says, the best of both worlds. It has beautiful locations both in the city and on the backroads just outside city limits, perfect for capturing the mood for any shoot. She can take a photo of groomsmen on certain streets downtown for an edgier city look, then drive a few minutes outside of the city to a beautiful backroad location to give a bride a softer, more natural styled photo.  Her favorite location in downtown Cape to take portrait clients is an ivy covered wall at Annie Laurie’s Antiques, which offers a beautiful and unique backdrop for any occasion.

Jim Maurer recently won the Stick Your Neck Out Award at the 2015 Missouri Main Street Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Old Town Cape nominated Mr. Maurer for his work in the creation of the Cape Girardeau CID. As a business owner with a regional presence, Jim risked inviting negative reactions from the inevitable naysayers in the community who would be opposed to his advocacy of a new tax. Despite this risk, Jim believed that it was the right thing to do for downtown and for our entire community, and so he was willing to stick his neck out… repeatedly… to ensure that the job got done, and got done right.

Jim started his work with Old Town Cape in 2004 when he began his first of two, three year terms on the Board of Directors. At the end of his second term, he agreed to continue volunteering as chair of a steering committee to facilitate the formation of a downtown community improvement district (CID)-- a process that ended up being almost 5 years in the making and more than controversial at times.

Jim was not a chair in name only. He engaged in all the work of the committee, helping set the boundaries and services that outlined the petition. He helped facilitate and coordinate in kind or delayed payment of a survey for a legal description, legal work and the business side (office supplies and other needed items). He was involved in most all legal, city council and media discussions.

The steering committee originally had 13 members but eventually only about half of those were active and did the work of the committee. The group was facilitated by Old Town Cape’s Downtown Development Team which included the Director and a board member of Old Town Cape, a Chamber representative and a City representative. This group acted as a resource to the steering committee and did much of the research, facilitation of meetings and timeline.

After serving on the Old Town Cape Board, Jim knew the importance of keeping the formation of the new district and Old Town Cape separate. He took the lead position on public and council presentations, media inquiries and discussions and property owner inquiries. He continually protected Old Town Cape and the Development Team and at the same time helped people understand that this was a way to provide needed services that likely Old Town Cape could facilitate. Even though the whole process was facilitated through Old Town Cape and Development Team, Jim made sure the steering committee had its own presence through his representation.

The original boundaries outlined in the petition included almost 460 properties. (In comparison, the other CID in Cape Girardeau boasts 1 property owner.) Jim owned property with a business in the district, a gas station/quick shop. There were 2 other similar businesses owned by other individuals in the district. He took the lead on gaining their support even though the extra tax would create discrepancies in pricing/margin in relation to their stores in other parts of the town. This was by no means an easy sell and became quite controversial with one owner. But Jim persisted and finally came to an understanding with the other two business/property owners.

After the petition was finalized, Jim spent many hours coordinating and personally gathering property owner signatures, traveling as much as 90 miles for one signature. When almost enough signatures were gathered to deliver to City Council, Jim facilitated a difficult decision with the steering committee to redraw the boundaries. This decision resulted in voiding the signed petitions. A new petition had to be drafted with new boundaries and the steering committee had to start over on gathering signatures.

The reason behind the decision was that a section of the original boundaries was simply not supportive of the CID concept and had very different expectations of service than the rest of the proposed district. It was determined that should the CID pass, those property owners would likely be disappointed in the service because, no matter how presented, they had unrealistic expectations. In addition, there were a number of residents in that area who were not supportive and could have negatively influenced the vote to pass the taxes. Although it was not the easy thing to do, redrawing the boundaries was the right thing to do.

This was a difficult decision resulting in disappointment and some discouragement as the group had to start over. But Jim was not deterred. With his property and one of the other quick shops left out of the new proposed boundaries, he made sure not to include the third quick shop so they were not at a disadvantage. This was a testament to Jim’s integrity as that property would have provided a large amount in tax to the district had it been left in and likely the district and tax could have passed with it included. He had given his word that they would all do it together and when that situation needed to be changed, he made sure it was fair for everyone.

Jim went back and asked for additional survey work and rallied the tired volunteers (and Old Town Cape staff and the rest of the Development Team) to get the signatures needed to form the district. The new boundaries contained 268 properties and 180 property owners. 180 signed petitions, representing 64.35% of the properties in the district and 52.78% per capita were delivered to the City Clerk on December 5, 2013. The signed petitions were verified and the request to form the district was approved by City Council on May 5, 2014.

Now it was time to “get the vote”. The petition called for a .5 % sales tax and a small property tax to fund the services outlined. The property tax was included because a section of the district was already part of a Special Business District that was funded through the exact property included in the Petition. It was set up that the Special Business District would be dissolved when the property tax was passed for the CID. So those property owners would experience a “wash” in their property taxes while properties in the other part of the proposed district would only see a slight increase in their property tax. It was used as a selling point, noting how much had been done within the boundaries of that Special Business District and explaining that would continue in the expanded area.

It was a complicated vote. The steering committee was originally advised that the property and sales tax could be combined in one ballot. But in reality this had never been done before in the state of Missouri and when it came to working with the County Clerk, her research found that the ballots had to be divided. Two ballots. Two different time frames. Two different requirements for passage.

Again, none of this deterred Jim. He worked with the steering committee and Development Team, discussing the best way to insure success the first time. The group agreed the help of a consultant was needed. This was an expense that was not reimbursable by the CID, should it be finalized. Jim helped the team brainstorm and eventually fundraise, donating some of the investment himself to make sure the vote was successful. The consultants helped frame the vote and develop strategy. And Jim helped implement the strategy, again taking time to make some of the contacts himself and facilitating a public meeting of the residents within the district to help answer questions. Taxes are never popular and both the sales and property tax proposal had their detractors. Jim stood strong and took the lead in facing the opposition.

The September 16 mail in ballot election was certified by the County Clerk with the sales tax passing with a total of 51 votes (out of 180 voters), 31 in favor and 20 against. However, the property tax failed on a close vote with a total of 54 votes, 28 opposed and 26 in favor. The budget was rewritten and the process moved forward. Sales tax began being collected on January 1, 2015 – 5 years after the first informational meeting of the steering committee in January of 2010.

Jim helped facilitate the transition of the formation to execution and the running of the CID by named Board of Directors. He was willing to even be a Board member but became ineligible when the boundaries were redrawn. But Jim was intent on seeing it through and attended Board meetings and held discussions for the first six months after the establishment of the Board. He helped frame the request for qualifications that would lead to a contract for services providing management of the district.

For his unwavering leadership and commitment to the formation of the Downtown Cape Girardeau Community Improvement District in the face of adversity and possible personal damage and insult, Jim Maurer is more than deserving of the 2015 Missouri Main Street Connection’s Stick Out Your Neck Award. Congratulations, Jim!

Pictured below: Marla Mills, Old Town Cape Executive Director, accepts the 2015 Stick Out Your Neck Award on behalf of Jim Maurer, from Dr. Steven Hoffman, Missouri Main Street Connection Board of Directors President and Old Town Cape Board Member.

The Former Federal Building recently won the award for the Best Adaptive Re-Use Project at the Missouri Main Street Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Old Town Cape nominated the Former Federal Building because this project turned a white elephant property into a viable space for new businesses. This building has become a hub for quality businesses that may have not existed if this project was unable to happen.    

 

The Formal Federal Building was designed by St. Louis architect Marcel Boucicault, who was noted for his mid-century modern designs. This building had many positives and negatives, which made its redevelopment both essential and challenging. This quality built, classically modernist building that opened their doors in 1968 was a great addition to the thriving downtown landscape.

 

The Former Federal Building was in use until 2007 when the construction of the Rush Limbaugh Federal Courthouse was completed just a few blocks away. After the move of all the federal offices and court, the building was slated for many different uses; from a homeless shelter to municipal offices. None of these routes were taken and in 2012 the Old Federal Building was sold by the Federal Government to an out of state buyer. The new buyer had no plans for development and the community believed that it would continue to deteriorate and sit vacant.

 

One of the challenges with the redevelopment of the building was the massive size of the structure. The 46,000 square foot building needed a creative solution that would make it fiscally possible for someone to undertake. Luckily a local developer, the Janus Development Group, had the vision and the resources needed to turn this white elephant property into a fabulous office center in Old Town Cape.

 

In 2014 the Janus Development Group purchased the building with the intent of putting it back into service. By providing critical upgrades to the building, yet retaining the historic look and feel of the public areas, Janus Development Group and their managing partner Athena Property Group, have indeed given this historic building a new beginning. In the short time they have been open; they have filled 13 leases and in the process brought a number of new businesses to downtown Cape Girardeau.

 

This project created a buzz in the community. The Former Federal Building houses businesses from lawyers to photographers. Their first lease was signed before they even opened the doors. Codefi is a creative co-working space that focuses on entrepreneurship, business development and helping startup businesses reach their full potential. They have been a great addition to the district by giving people a place to work and network. Codefi has been open for under a year and already has over 100 members.

 

Although the façade needed minimal work, extensive work was done to the interior structure because of the time it sat vacant. The heating and cooling of the building turned out to be a massive undertaking. During construction, the water lines to the radiator had burst, leading to the complete overhaul of the system.

 

A really nice addition to the Janus Development Group’s effort is their preservation of the old courtroom. The judge’s bench and witness stand remain, giving it a unique and historic feel, and as event space available for both business and public use, it will be responsible for bringing all sorts of people downtown for all sorts of reasons. Their vision is to rent out the courtroom to community members that need a unique venue for events.

 

In addition to the courtroom, many other historic features were kept in order to preserve the history of the building. The marble walls and terrazzo floors were preserved in the lobby, and the original doors throughout the building were saved. This shows the commitment to historic preservation and how adaptively reusing buildings can be a strong economic driver.  

 

Looking forward, the Former Federal Building will be retrofitted with LED lighting in order to comply with LEED standards and technology. The Former Federal building is a great example of a rehabilitation project that is able to adapt and progress while staying true to preservation standards. This once white elephant property has become a model for preservation based practices in Old Town Cape.

 

This project demonstrates everything that Old Town Cape promotes; economic development, people working together to reenergize and revitalize downtown and setting an example of good preservation practice. For these reasons and many more, the Former Federal Building is well deserving of the Best Adaptive Re-Use Project award. Congratulations!

Pictured below: Marla Mills, Old Town Cape Executive Director, accepted the 2015 Adaptive Reuse Award Award on behalf of Janus Development Group, from Gayla Roten, Missouri Main Street Connection State Director. Also, before and after photos of the Former Federal Building's revitalization.

Thomas R. Higgins Accounting, LLC recently won the 2015 Business Excellence Award at the Missouri Main Street Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Old Town Cape nominated TRH Accounting because for more than 30 years, this accounting firm has called Downtown Cape Girardeau home, and has rooted itself as a community supporter and advocate for Cape Girardeau’s historic district. From the top down, this small business exemplifies the attitudes and behaviors of an outstanding, successful entity and is more than deserving of the Business Excellence Award.

Opening its doors in a rented space along a major downtown corridor in 1977, TRH Accounting was ready and eager to serve the accounting needs of the community. Their very first client was a downtown business – a theater. They were able to work through the financial highs and lows with this business, and started witnessing firsthand the rewards that come with being a part of a downtown community.

As business picked up and their clientele base continued to grow, TRH Accounting decided it was time to make a change, a permanent change. Official downtown roots were established when a building just a few blocks down the road was purchased and became the entity’s new home. Steps from the picturesque courthouse, across the street from an established jewelry business, just up from the community clock, TRH Accounting settled into the place it would call home for more than 25 years.

While an accounting office isn’t what you might think of first when analyzing a typical downtown ‘retail landscape’, this organization has a multitude of services and talents to offer the community. From tax preparation and payroll services, to bookkeeping, financial statement preparation and more, this staff is equipped to help properly manage some of the ‘behind-the-scenes’, not-so-glamorous elements of area businesses. During busy seasons or when a big project is coming due, the lights in this downtown building will be on into the late evening hours as this team diligently defends their motto, ‘Accurate and timely service to small business has ALWAYS been our promise.’

TRH Accounting is led by Cape Girardeau resident, Thomas R. Higgins. Although not a native of our area, Tom considers Cape to be home and can think of no better place to own and operate a business. Moving from a high traffic area to a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly location, Tom loves the fact that he can walk out of his business, talk with others and get to know his neighbors, and loves the sense of community that downtown offers. He has often remarked that his business neighbors and partners are more like family than associates. His hometown values of commitment to clients, superior customer service, dedication to the community and putting client needs first, resonates throughout his 4-person staff and, in turn, throughout the community as well.

Speaking of the community, Tom is actively vested in various organizations. He serves on the finance committee for the United Way of Southeast Missouri and also contributes to the development of the organization in several different capacities. He serves on the Board of Directors of EPIC, Early Prevention Impacts Community, a substance abuse prevention program for youth in Southeast Missouri. The Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent’s Church are also organizations he invests his time and resources into to further each of their missions, as well as to contribute to their collective community impact.

Tom was active in the Downtown merchants Association for years before its merger into Old Town Cape. When Old Town Cape was formed, he served as one of the organization’s founding board members. Throughout his 15-year tenure, he served as Vice-President, President and, for 3 years, Treasurer. To keep the revitalization movement going strong, he continues to actively be involved in various committees and events. His accumulated gamut of ideas and strategic input has built a legacy of influence to Downtown Cape Girardeau’s revitalization that will be realized for years to come.

Aside from his leadership capacity, Tom is committed to helping his business peers be successful. He realizes the skills and talents TRH Accounting offers are extremely valuable to the success of a small business, and often offers them for free or at a reduced rate. While some business owners would take time away from their establishments to make these community investments, this entire organization is involved in such development and every employee contributes what he or she can.

Building revitalization is near and dear to Tom’s heart. He has owned and lovingly maintained one of the ‘old’ downtown buildings, keeping it an active facet of the area. Embracing the upper story development that’s classic of the Main Street Approach, Tom created an upstairs apartment (perfect for a son in college) with his business operating out of the first floor. As his family matured, so did the building, and the upstairs was transformed into more office space.

When asking his staff, his family and friends why downtown is so important to Tom and why he continues to keep his small business in this area, they will undoubtedly tell you that downtown is what keeps his pulse going. The history that’s kept alive through revitalization efforts is what’s making his journey special and unique; you can’t just walk into this environment anywhere. It’s businesses like Thomas R. Higgins Accounting, LLC and business owners like Tom that create this special culture. Congratulations, Tom!

Pictured below: William Zickfield, fellow downtown business neighbor and Old Town Cape volunteer, accepted the 2015 Business Excellence Award on behalf of TRH Accounting, LLC, from Dr. Steven Hoffman, Missouri Main Street Connection Board of Directors President and Old Town Cape Board Member.

As the Celebration of the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Mississippi River Tales Mural continues to approach, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it was like getting this project off the ground and running. We chatted with local artist and original mural committee member, Don Greenwood, to learn more about that process.

"Back when the River Tales Mural planning committee was being formed, I got a call from Tim Blattner, the startup leader, asking if I would be interested in joining the group and helping bring this project to fruition. As the only artist in the mix, I was excited for the opportunity to share my insights because my input was going to be completely different than that of an engineer, a downtown stakeholder, a community member; I was looking at this as an opportunity to have a large-scale canvas that could serve as a community landmark for many years to come. As an artist, that’s exciting.

"Not long after planning started and we knew this project was going to get off the ground, I was asked to pull together an initial concept. What did I think it should look like? What was going to be meaningful for downtown and what would be representative of our community?

"The wall is so big and, at the time, almost looked like a prison wall, so I wanted to brighten it up. My initial sketch included four stone archways that served as windows to the river. What was on the other side of the wall is what would be depicted, with the addition of seasonal changes. One section would portray the river in the winter, one in the spring, one in the summer and one for fall. I took the idea to our committee and they were on board.

"Now that the initial design idea was fermenting, it was time to figure out who would be able to carry out this process. One person can’t do it alone; it takes a team. Our initial call for artists reaped in about 25 submissions. As a committee, we were able to initially par the list down to 17 seemingly qualified candidates. Years of research into each of these artists/companies styles, previous works and really figuring out if they would be a fit for this project, allowed us to narrow the selection field to three. These final groups were brought to Cape, each for three days, to experience our community, see the flood wall and the area they could be working in, and provide a final concept and estimate for the project.

"One company flew in two executives from New York; they brought their power team. However, neither of those individuals was an artist. So when we had questions specific to the design and how it could be carried out, they were unable to provide any answers. At that point, a red flag was raised. We weren’t comfortable going with a company whose artists we didn’t know and didn’t know if they were a good fit for our community. Group #2 came armed with an incredibly detailed, intricate design plan complete with etched marble, scroll work and fancy frills. While it seemed they produced fantastic work, it didn’t fit with our Southeast Missouri, heartland feel.

"The last artist to visit was Tom Melvin, from Chicago, Il. It was almost like something out of the movies when two characters meet and they just know they’ve found the one – we had that experience with Tom. His personality, style and vision for the mural were exactly what we were looking for. He understood where we’ve come from and what all it’s taken to get to where we were at that time.

"A few of us traveled to Chicago to learn more about him and his team. I stayed at Tom’s home while the other guys stayed with some of his friends; we almost felt like family. As we walked with him in their busy streets, locals would shout ‘Hey, Tom!’ and give him handshakes. There, in the windy city where we blended in with the rest of the hustle and bustle, Tom was well-known. He was experiencing in Chicago what we felt when we walked the streets of Cape Girardeau, where we knew our neighbors and ran into familiar faces quite frequently. Another link that he isn’t that different from us, he was relatable and personable.

"A collection of photographs lined the walls in one of his bathrooms. After closely examining them, I realized they were all images of Tom’s work; some were of him actually creating pieces. One really stuck out to me. Tom was hanging onto the edge of some scaffolding with one paintbrush in his mouth and another in his hand, working precariously to finish up a large piece. It was fantastic! After traveling around the city checking out Tom’s work and really getting to know him, our decision became more and more concrete that this was the right guy for the job.

"Upon settling on a contract, Tom took my initial concept and ran with it. He did a fantastic job of meticulously depicting our history and captured the essences of each time period so beautifully. The months he and his team spent creating in downtown were a true joy to experience.

"I love how great this mural turned out. It was a pleasure helping bring this to our community and I look forward to the many more years of joy it brings to Cape Girardeau."

To learn more about this project and to meet some of the original artists and planners, plan to attend the Mural Celebration sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and Old Town Cape, on Thursday, July 30, at 2pm in the parking lot at the corner of Water and Themis Streets. Help us celebrate this beautiful downtown landmark!

This post was co-written by Don Greenwood, guest blogger, and Christa Zickfield, Old Town Cape Project Manager.

As the anniversary of the dedication of the Mississippi River Tales Mural continues to approach, we want to give another peak into what this landmark means to panel sponsor Kent Zickfield of Zickfield's Jewelry & Gifts. Kent paid tribute to his father's legacy by sponsoring the section from 1880 titled 'The Coming of the Railroad'.

"My dad, William August Zickfield, started what would eventually become our family business, Zickfield’s Jewelry & Gifts, in 1939, right here along this river. He was an integral part of the downtown business scene for many years. Making it through the initial startup phase back in the early 1940’s, during the height of World War II and on the heels of the great depression, was quite a feat. He knew downtown Cape Girardeau was where he needed to be.

"Upon his passing while I was still in college, I took the business reins and, along with my mother, started the family tradition. Many of the main business principles my dad taught me are still in practice at Zickfield’s today. As my kids are becoming more involved and I see their vision and passion for what our family has built, it makes me incredibly proud.

"When this opportunity arose to sponsor a portion of the floodwall mural, it seemed the perfect tribute to my dad for the many contributions he gave to downtown.  I chose this section because the conductor that’s prominently featured along the right side of the mural is holding a pocket watch, an iconic symbol of this time period and an accessory we’ve helped supply since our store’s inception. It was also the prefect location. In the old days, downtown merchants could purchase a spot in the parking lot at the corner of Water and Themis Streets. My dad’s spot was in the very front corner; the corner that almost directly faces this section of the flood wall. This mural captures the history of our community, a history that runs deep within the Zickfield family. I couldn’t think of a better tribute."

This post was co-written by guest blogger Kent Zickfield and Christa Zickfield, Old Town Cape Project Manager.