CITY PRAISED FOR PRESERVATION EFFORTS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Tracy Mehan, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Thursday praised local officials' historic preservation efforts and the city's designation as a certified local government.

Mehan said Cape Girardeau is one of only 16 Missouri cities to receive the certified local government distinction, which will further assist historic preservation work here.

"Cape Girardeau has a long history of historic preservation work, which serves as an example to other Missouri communities," Mehan said.

"I hope that the residents of Cape will continue to support the historic preservation efforts of their city."

Mehan said Cape Girardeau's nearly 200-year heritage makes it a unique part of the nation's history. He said the certified local government program will allow the city to continue to research and develop its historic districts and buildings.

Mehan made his comments at a reception at the Glenn House, 325 South Spanish, one of six Cape Girardeau sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mehan congratulated city officials on Cape Girardeau's designation Feb. 21 as a certified local government.

Cities gain the designation by meeting a specific set of DNR criteria, including passage of an historic preservation law and establishment of a historic preservation commission to direct local activities.

The commission identifies historic landmarks and districts and develops long-range plans for their protection.

"The certified local government program is another indication that historic preservation has widespread support in Missouri," Mehan said.

He said the DNR began the program in 1986, and Missouri is one of only 10 states to have a full-time certified local government coordinator.

The state has more than 900 sites listed on the National Register and 28 state historic sites administered through the DNR's Division of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

"Our historic preservation program has been a leader in the nation and is in the top 10 in the nation in terms of federal allocations," Mehan said.

He said the DNR provides technical assistance and, in some cases, grant money, to certified local governments for historic preservation work. Mehan said Cape Girardeau likely would qualify for some state funds to help with survey and research work.

"There's always a problem with limited resources, but there are only 16 certified local governments in the state, so I don't think it's a `life-boat' situation by any means," he said.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission plans to conduct surveys in the city's older sections to help determine which buildings or neighborhoods should be preserved because of their historical significance. Some of the sites likely will be nominated for the National Register.

Current Cape Girardeau sites on the register, the nation's premier roll of historic properties and districts, include:

D.A. Glenn House, 325 South Spanish Street.

Oliver-Leming House (home of the Missouri state flag), 740 North Street.

St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 131 South Main Street.

Col. George C. Thilenius House, 100 Longview Place.

Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road.

The city also is the site of many other historical buildings and sites that date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, Mehan said.

During his visit Thursday, Mehan toured Old Lorimier Cemetery, which might be a candidate for the National Register.