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.

Walk up to Belair Bar & Grill on Spanish Street on a Wednesday evening and you'll notice the place is not only buzzing, but it's been taken over by runners. People stretching by the stage, knotting their laces on patio chairs and catching up with jovial conversations are all the norm. The group meets at Belair at 6:30 and runs a 4 mile loop throughout downtown ending back at Belair for food and socializing. We usually put together about five or six tables and all enjoy food and drinks together after the run. Belair also offers our group special deals on the food which is most appreciated! Anyone is invited to join any of the runs (no matter your pace), and one of my favorite things about the group is the wide variety of awesome people I've met while participating.

I personally started running last summer after a friend invited me to try the social run at Belair. Being a newbie to running (and really to working out in general), I wasn't so sure I was cut out for this group. After one run, though, my fears were shed.

I discovered the whole point of social run was to run together... of course there were people running at different paces and speeds, but ultimately no one was to be left alone. If you see someone running by themselves you either slow down or speed up so they're not alone. Starting out I ran about 1 mile with the group and then would take a shortcut back to Belair.

Everyone in the group was so encouraging. About the third or fourth time I showed up, one of the men in the group confidently told me that I was running 2 miles that day without stopping. I laughed because I had just started running 1 mile without stopping. More committed and convinced than I was, he ran beside me the whole way giving me advice and encouragement, and through the huffs and puffs I made it to 2 miles. The feeling of accomplishment was so nice, and the camaraderie by which I accomplished it was even more uplifting. As any social runner could tell you, the stories of friendship and camaraderie are so abundant!

The group is led by local running experts, Bryan and Kim Kelpe who together own and operate Missouri Running Company. About once a month they will invite out athletic brand reps or have a special demonstration before the social run that benefit runners such as tips and tricks for running at night, and every once in awhile there are even door prizes! Woop! Woop!

Come and see what it's all about. I've been running for close to a year now, and am still near the back of the pack; but no one ever makes me feel inferior. Everyone is genuinely encouraging. It's all about being active and just giving your best effort. Whether your mile is 14 minutes or 6 minutes, you will benefit from time well spent with others, and I promise you'll leave with lifted spirits. See you next Wednesday at 6:30 at Belair!

This post was written by guest blogger, Cheyenne French, student at Southeast Missouri State University

Shopping for that special man in your life isn’t as difficult as you think. If you find yourself in the Downtown Cape area and have an itch to check some people off your Christmas list, you’re in luck! This area is home to some of the best cuisine, entertainment and shopping experiences around. Not to mention its historic background adding to the allure. Shopping for a man has never been easier once you see what these shops have to offer.

Start with some downtown restaurants, such as Broussard’s (for your Cajun lover) or Bella Italia (to satisfy your guy’s Italian craving), to kick-start your shopping spree off right. Port Cape (did someone say excellent BBQ?), Cup n’ Cork and Dynamite Coffee (who doesn’t need a good cup of coffee to start their day off right?), El Sol (Mexican!) and Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House (your local Irish pub) help add to the diverse dining scene. Don’t forget Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill on Main St for the sports lover in your family. The Corner Grocery & Gourmet Chocolates is a hidden gem for the sweets lover in your life. Stop in to get him some Kentucky Bourbon Balls, homemade fudge and delicious turtles. Yum! Knock more people off your list and pick up an extra gift card or two for any food lovers you may know.

Gaming Grounds, located on Broadway, has tons of lightly used games for guys of any age. You can even rent the place out for parties or buy him an hour or two of gaming time in the store. They also sell gaming accessories for an awesome price. Gaming Grounds is a must stop for any gamer in your life.

Maybe you need a gift for the more sophisticated man; one who cherishes things from the heart. Any of the downtown antique stores would be the perfect place to start. Sure, you hear the word “antiques” and think of some old cameras or ceramics, right? Wrong! These places have TONS of treasures for guys young and old. You can find vintage watches and belts, high-quality ink pen sets and vintage tools, or trinkets to hang in their man cave.

If man cave accessories are what he’s looking for, step over to Hutson’s Fine Furniture for a selection of furnishings and décor that’s never ending. If you’ve been searching for the perfect recliner to be his easy chair, you’re in luck. Does he need a new desk for his home office? Hutson’s is the place to shop. With a wide variety of all sorts of furniture including recliners, tables, clocks, rugs, mattresses and even fireplaces, Hutson’s has you covered.

If you’re feeling extra nice, take a look inside Grass Roots BMW Motorcycle for some excellent gift ideas. A shiny new motorcycle under the tree is sure to bring a smile to his face, but if that’s a little out of your realm, they also have apparel and accessories, parts and everything your cycle lover can dream of. While in the area, stop in Lattitudes Fair Trade Store where you'll find tasty coffee blends, handmade soaps and lotions, beautiful wine racks and other furnishings, to name a few. We can't even begin to detail what it means to be 'fair trade', so stop in and see how your purchases make a difference for those in need.

All these locations are a hop, skip, and a jump away. So take advantage of the beautiful city you live in and shop locally. Keep your main street alive and well by finding the perfect gift right in your very own neighborhood. Shop local in Downtown Cape Girardeau for all of the men on your list this Christmas!

This listing is not comprehensive of all the Downtown Cape offerings for men. Please check out all shopping outlets for unique ideas.

                             

It’s officially Red October! Cardinal baseball postseason is filling the air. Located 100 miles south of St. Louis, it may be hard to find the rowdy, upbeat Cardinal spirit that we, as Cardinal fans, yearn for. Luckily, Downtown Cape Girardeau has many outlets for you to enjoy the games at and partake in the wild Cardinal atmosphere.

Autumn is finally here - let the crisp, cool breeze blow through your hair while taking in the game on the patio at Bel-Air Bar & Grill. Delicious food and drinks round out this venue for a delightful outdoor viewing experience.

Newly opened Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House provides a casual, cozy environment along with delicious Irish food and a bar for your baseball viewing pleasure.

Looking for a tasty margarita to warm your stomach while taking in our next Cardinal win? Head to El Sol for delicious Mexican fare.

Hotshots has your hot wings and large beers to wash everything down. TV’s line the walls so there’s not a bad seat in the house.

For some romantic flair, head down to Bella Italia. Televisions above the bar provide prime viewing for just about any visitor in the restaurant while sopping up their delectable oil and cheese mixture with a piece of crusty bread.

Pull on your Cardinal gear and make your way to Broadway Biergarten to indulge in their fabulous appetizers and craft beers. The ambiance in this place is pretty close to first-base-line-in-Busch-Stadium quality.

Feel your Cajun roots and enjoy some red beans and rice or a shrimp po’boy while taking in the cardinal game in Broussard’s bar area.

Take in the games at each of these downtown bar destinations, Lodo’s, Last Call, Pour House, Rude Dog, That One Bar and D’Ladiums, for the ultimate party destination.

Cardinal Nation is a family - we love our fantastic team. We love the playoffs. We love the chase for victory. And we love coming together to celebrate. Pick one of these downtown hotspots, bring your team spirit and show our rival fans what it is to be part of Cardinal Nation!

This post is written by guest blogger, Steven Amrhein, Intern at Old Town Cape.

Baseball's Spring Training has begun and hopefully Cards nation can book another trip to the World Series in 2014. I work at JCPenney where anything St. Louis Cardinals is big business and I always wondered how this past season's National League Championship Series shirts showed up on store racks the very next day. Someone mentioned that Horizon Screen Printing prints St. Louis Cardinals merchandise, so I sat down with Dru Reeves, owner of Horizon Screen Printing, and learned some pretty interesting stories - who know that World Series Championship shirts are printed right here in downtown Cape!

Horizon Screen Printing sits on Broadway and is known for making quality t-shirts for a wide variety of clients in and around Cape Girardeau. Starting in the early 1980s, the business grew in size and was actually approached by VF Imagewear, the company that holds licenses to Majestic, Wrangler, and Jansport, to start mass producing St. Louis championship clothing. Reeves says that all major cities have a local screen printer since VF Imagewear is located in Miami, FL.

Smoothly executed by Reeves and his employees, the process has stayed the same for the past 20 years. Once a win is declared, Horizon starts printing immediately after. They work non-stop for 24 hours before taking a small break, only to get back to the presses with another 24 hour workday. So, if the Cardinals win the World Series at 10 p.m., the printing starts at 10:30 p.m. because the design has already been submitted. Within a few hours, the first truck shows up and arrives again at 5 a.m. to take the t-shirts back to St. Louis.

Three operating presses pump out 600 t-shirts per hour, manned by a ten person team. The total stock supplies 10,000 t-shirts to be distributed all over Cape Girardeau and back to the bigger cities. Stores that get clothing from Horizon include major retailers such as JCPenney, Macy's, Dillards, and Sears. Horizon gets big business if the Cardinals win! Reeves also has his fingers crossed for the Rams next year and currently for the Blues, since his contract covers MLB, NFL, and NHL as well. He has completed t-shirts for the Cardinals when winning their division before, but doing so is less common because VF Imagewear has more time to print and the t-shirts sell less than the World Series.

Mark McGwire's 62nd homerun in 1998 still holds Reeves' most challenging t-shirt printing operation. He explains it as being different than a World Series win because there is a designated number of games in the World Series and the team only has to win 4 out of 7 games. Reeves even has an estimated date ahead of time on when he will start printing the World Series t-shirts; twice he even received the green light on printing before the final game was played. However, McGwire could have broken the record during any game, and it just so happened to be a day that Reeves was in St. Louis. He had to pack up his bags, make some calls, and head home immediately to start printing.

The last thing Reeves left me with is mention of one of his pride and joys, a St. Louis Stallions t-shirt. Who are the St. Louis Stallions you may ask? Reeves is fond of knowing that he owns one of the only printed shirts of the football team. Before the Rams came to St. Louis, NFL was thinking about the Stallions becoming a team, and the design for their t-shirts was ready at Horizon to be printed by the thousands. Unfortunately, Reeves then got word that the team would not come to fruition, so before putting the design away forever, he turned on the printing press for one shirt only, which he owns to this day.