CVB, Old Town Cape joint project puts plaques on historic buildings

Historic buildings were fitted with mounted plaques Monday telling some of the "thousand tales" that make up the history of Cape Girardeau.

The 12 bronze plaques are part of a joint effort between the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Old Town Cape to call attention to historically important architecture in the city.

One of the buildings recognized was Lang's Jewelers of 126 N. Main St. Owners Judith Anne Lang and husband Roger attended a ceremony at the CVB celebrating the event.

"It's an awesome project. But we've got to remember that a building is just a building without the people inside of it," said Judith Lang. "Buildings have spirits; I can still feel Roger's grandfather and uncle in the store because I can smell the pipe tobacco and no one has smoked there in years."

Lang's Jewelers, formerly Wieler Jewelers, has been owned by the family since 1916. It is the oldest family-owned business still operating at the original location in Cape Girardeau.

Tim Arbeiter, director of Old Town Cape, agreed with Lang's assessment and said the plaques are meant for more than just a walking tour. "They tell the tales of the buildings," he said. "So we'd love for people not only to see the building but also go inside and make a purchase not just because we'd love the sales tax revenue, but also to meet the people."

Arbeiter said these plaques may represent the beginning of a larger project.

"I think in the future we need to have a general set of guidelines for qualifications for a plaque," he said. "We need to have a process in place ... all of these buildings are listed or will be listed on the National Register, but that is by no means the only qualification."

Arbeiter will leave his position at Old Town Cape to begin work with the Chamber of Commerce in May.

The plaques, costing $400 each, were made possible by Old Town Cape, the CVB and a donation from an anonymous individual. Terri Foley of Old Town Cape is credited with coming up with the idea for the plaques and spurring interest in the project.

The city's slogan, unveiled in 2003 by the CVB, is "Where the river turns a thousand tales."

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245