- -30- then and now (8/22/18)2
- Meet Mable at Mable's Cafe in Chaffee (8/20/18)
- Willow Grove Rockets Skate Club (8/15/18)
- Central Municipal Pool built in 1979 (8/13/18)
- Hecht's Store founder returns to Main street (8/8/18)
- Land acquired to build SEMO Port (8/6/18)
- St. Vincent's Seminary ends after 136 years (8/1/18)1
A previous blog entitled "Beacon City of Five States" contained incorrect identification for the photograph taken by G.D. Fronabarger.
We have since found the original publication of the photo and include an excerpt from the story that was in the Southeast Missourian Feb. 27, 1961.
Here is the caption:
Cape Girardeau's Chamber of Commerce shows an illustration of its programmed work for the current year, this big board spotlighting the community as a Beacon City of Five States. Shown at its annual meeting Saturday night, from the left, are James D. Idol, director of the Missouri Resources and Development Commission; Francis Lewis of the Chamber's program committee; Robert Earley, president; Harry Naeter, who has secured the Missouri School of Journalism's photo workshop for Cape Girardeau and which will give the city wide recognition; Stephen N. Limbaugh, retiring president; Luther Hahs, master of ceremonies, and Allen Robinson, Chamber manager.
Cape Chamber Given Steps Required to Lure Industry
A community must have industrial sites, knowledge of its outstanding features and drawbacks and a plan of action in order to encourage industry to come in, James D. Idol, director of the Missouri Resources and Development Commission, told 214 members, wives and other guests of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce at the chamber's annual meeting Saturday night at the Colonial Restaurant.
Mr. Idol complimented Cape Girardeau for its progress in many fields, especially the increase in retail business and the added tourist attraction with the development of Trail of Tears Park, and the recent Reader's Digest picture article, but noted that more industrial sites could be established.
Prior to his speech Chamber president Robert Earley declared that acquiring industrial sites will be one of the main goals of the Cape Girardeau Chamber this year. He noted that there are three factors which help bring industry to a city: Attractive community with friendly people, national publicity and industrial sites. Cape Girardeau has two but is lacking in enough industrial sites, he pointed out.
Retiring president Stephen N. Limbaugh, when awarded a special plaque for his outstanding service by Chamber manager Allen Robinson, also spoke and cited the many accomplishments of the city during 1960.
Article Praised
In reference to the Reader's Digest article, Mr. Idol said, "I am sure it will bring an increased flow of sightseers to this area when the roses are in bloom. I think it is important in this area, too, that you have taken an interest in the Trail of Tears Park."
He pointed out that as the park is improved, more tourists will visit. Tourism is an important industry and should be encouraged. Twenty-four tourists, spending $10 a day, provides the same economic advantage to a community as a $100,000 annual factory payroll, Mr. Idol said.
Mr. Earley, in his remarks, said that Cape Girardeau can accomplish all its goals of industrial development if its citizens work together.
Luther Hahs, who acted as master of ceremonies at the meeting, said the attendance was the largest ever for a chamber annual meeting and illustrates the interest people here have in their city and its growth.
Jack Kohrumel was presented with the first annual "Bell Ringer" award for acquiring new members in the chamber. Central High School's A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dale Williams, entertained during the dinner.
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