Archive center is quite a treasure

To the editor:We recently attended an appreciation party for volunteers at the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center. We have attended several in the six years we have been volunteers. It is wonderful to know that our work is appreciated. and the staff goes out of its way to let us know that.

However, we're not sure people in this area appreciate or are aware of the treasure in this building, the records kept there and the staff that works there. Jane Jackson has done a marvelous job, and she will be missed greatly. Steve Pledger will be taking over when Jane retires at the end of this month. He will do a good job, as he has served as Jane's right-hand man for some time and is very capable.

We have been doing genealogical research on our families for over 20 years. We have visited historical societies, libraries, courthouses, archive centers and the like in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nowhere have we found staff more welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable as those right here in our archive center. It make us proud to know our center is top-notch. I'm sure anyone who has visited the center and has been helped by the very able staff will agree with us.

I think we probably speak for all the volunteers when we say our heartfelt thanks and wish Jane much happiness as she starts retirement. We also congratulate Steve and wish him a great future as the new director.

BOB and ANN PARKINSON, Cape Girardeau