Rhodes has a vision of Cape's future through its past

To have a conversation with Dr. Joel Rhodes about the future is to hear about the past. And yet, rarely could someone describe a clearer vision of what's to come.

Rhodes has been teaching students at Southeast Missouri State University about history and our place within it for more than 10 years. He has published four books and is involved with several state historical organizations. He is also co-producer of the Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival, a series of events that bring thousands of visitors to the city to hear and tell tales. And when Dr. Rhodes speaks, people listen.

"He is a creative and talented individual," said Chuck Martin, Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau and co-producer of the Storytelling Festival. "Joel has taken storytelling in a number of new directions over the last several years. He just does a great job with everything."

With several projects making for an interesting time of change for the area, Rhodes is excited to be a part of what he refers to as the "back to the river" movement.

"After years of turning its back on the Mississippi, I think Cape Girardeau is finding its way back to the river in the 21st century and openly embracing its river heritage," Rhodes said. "This reorientation has generated a great deal of tension as Cape Girardeau still struggles with an identity crisis, perpetually trying to reconcile its modern economic growth, physical expansion and regional status with the traditional values of a rural, river town."

Rhodes describes Cape Girardeau as a town with deep ties with the Mississippi River, but one that has forsaken that bond in its modern history. He notes that one way the city is getting back to its roots is through restoration of the historic Riverfront district.

"Now more than ever, when quality of life issues are increasingly important, people are looking for an authentic sense of place. Tourists want to see something real and genuine, and residents want to feel connected in a personal and meaningful way to the community in which they live," Rhodes said. "River heritage is what makes Cape Girardeau distinctive. Embrace it enthusiastically through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, revitalization of Broadway, sustainable new initiatives like the casino, and support downtown entrepreneurs and businesses."

Rhodes practices what he preaches, partnering with the Isle of Capri on restoration of the Reynolds House -- which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places -- to turn it into a heritage attraction. He also works with Old Town Cape and The Glenn House. He said the Storytelling Festival helps bring the community's heritage to life, but it did not start without challenges.

"By far our biggest challenge in this first five years has been turning people on to the call of story and nurturing a community of storytelling in Cape Girardeau," Rhodes said. "Ultimately, the festival isn't solely about attendance numbers and gate receipts. I hope what we're creating here is an organic love affair with this ancient, and most human, of art forms."

Martin agrees, and said he believes the festival is a great example of what can happen when you get an electrifying personality like Rhodes involved in the community.

"One person can and does make a difference," Martin said. "Each one of us has areas we are passionate about. If people become engaged in making our community a better place to live, we're all better for it."

When Rhodes envisions the area's future, he sees a wonderful community blending its past with the present.

"I see thousands of people gathered under the ancient beech tree on the River Campus lawn, the same tree that greeted Lewis and Clark, sharing a moment to pause and reminisce," Rhodes predicts. "Maybe this is a metaphor for Cape Girardeau rediscovering its own authentic sense of place along the river front."