Commission names treasures

Six Cape Girardeau houses have been added to the Cape's Original Treasures list.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission sponsors a yard sign program that recognizes property owners for their efforts to maintain, preserve and restore the community's architectural gems.

It gives recognition to the property owners and to the commission, said Brenda Schloss, project assistant. "The homes being nominated are not listed as local landmarks, nor have they been placed on the National Register."

The latest properties designated as treasures include:

236 Merriwether, home of John and Jerri Wyman, dating back to 1883.

325 N. Middle, dating prior to the Civil War, owned by Tanya Irby.

107 N. Frederick, built by Bertling Family in 1890, owned by Mark and Susan Koerber.

113 N. Frederick, once a lumberyard office, built in 1892, owned by Stephen and Julie Southard.

211 N. West End Boulevard, the first reported stucco house built in Cape, home of Dorothy Floth, whose family has lived there since 1960.

630 North St., built in 1906, now the home of Perry and Steve Williams.

"We want a good cross-section of homes," said Barbara Port, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. "Homes 50 years old or more are being considered. We urge that residents of Cape Girardeau to go on a treasure hunt of their own and enjoy the beauty of the past."