Bridge book captures history of construction

Building the project around breathtaking photos of the Mississippi River bridges -- old and new -- the Southeast Missourian has produced a keepsake book today's Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge dedication.

The commemorative limited edition showcases 60 pages of full-color, professional-quality photographs combined with commentary from local dignitaries as well as many sponsors' congratulatory expressions and reflections.

The softcover book, printed on sturdy stock, commemorates the monument which makes commerce, transportation and the quality of life better for those who use it.

To be distributed today at the ceremony, the book is available for the purchase price of $10 at the Missouri entrance to the bridge. Remaining books may be available beginning Monday at any Rhodes 101 Stop in Cape Girardeau.

Explanations of the obstacles encountered in the bridge's construction tell why the bridge took seven years to complete rather than the original projections of three or four years, plus there are fun bridge facts. The book also includes a mural photo, the 2003 Miss Diamond Cape winners and Southeast Missouri Queens at the 1928 bridge dedication.