Old Town Cape Celebrates Clock's 25th Birthday

Cape Girardeau, MO -- Old Town Cape and the Special Business District will recognize the 25th birthday of the clock at Main and Themis streets in downtown Cape Girardeau at 5:30 p.m. June 28 with a community celebration.

"It's a way to highlight all the improvements in the riverfront area," said Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. "It's not just about the clock. It's a way to celebrate all the Special Business District has accomplished."

Property owners within the Special Business District pay additional property taxes to fund improvements in the riverfront area. Along with the clock, other projects included maintaining decorative lighting, purchasing benches and planters, and improving parking lots. The district, formed about 30 years ago, includes Spanish, Main and Water streets, from Merriwether Street north to Bellevue Street.

The 1890s style street clock was erected in 1986 to recall the Sturdivant Bank clock, a longtime fixture on Main Street. Since then, it has served as a visible symbol of the downtown area and is a defining characteristic of Cape Girardeau.

The clock's birthday celebration will include hot dogs, birthday cake, ice cream and live music. For more information, call Old Town Cape at 334-8085.