Editorial

State flag history

There is quite a story sewed into our city's historical fabric.

The state flag was designed here in 1913, 100 years ago, by a woman named Marie Watkins Oliver.

The 100th anniversary of the flag will be celebrated in Cape Girardeau from Thursday through Saturday.

"The best we can tell, we're the only town in the state that will be observing the flag's centennial," said U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., who serves as the president of Missouri's historical society.

The flag was designed at the Oliver-Leming House, 740 North St., which is owned by Drs. Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman. The house will be featured in the celebration. The house has undergone renovations since 2010. There will be guided tours as part of the celebration, and the house will look as it did in 1913.

A program celebrating the flag is scheduled 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Oliver-Leming House. The program is open to the public and will feature speeches and presentations by special guests. The Regional History Fair will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church. The celebration will conclude Saturday with the free guided house tours.

We encourage you to get out and take part in the plans to celebrate the history of the city and our state flag. A special thanks to all of those who volunteer time and effort in preserving and promoting history in our city, state and region.

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