Four and 20 blackbirds baked in Cape City Hall pie

Cape Girardeau artist and retired Southeast Missouri State University Museum director James Parker saw the king ready to feast on his blackbird pie almost daily when he attended Lorimier School, now City Hall. The tile art was Monday's "Faces and Places" puzzler.

The tiles, placed over a water fountain on the second floor of the school, were one of several story-book rhyme tiles placed throughout the school.

Lorimier School closed in 1975. It was purchased by the city in 1976 and is now the seat of the city's government. Parker said he was "happy the city left the artwork in place" for future generations of youngsters (and adults) to enjoy.

John Kasten said he is also pleased the tiles were left intact. "Where else in the world could you get a drink from a water fountain and enjoy artwork like that?"

Pat Ruopp, who attended Lorimier as a kindergartener, also remembers the tiles. He's in good company. So do Sharon Karraker, David Hente, Laura McGinty, Laura Moore, Peggy Rauh and Bob Minton.

Artwork was placed above the four fountains in the building. "A Song of Six Pence" is the art featured last week. Other tile pieces include "Three Men in a Tub," an untitled piece of a pirate and parrot on a ship and Huck Finn and his dog fishing along a river bank.

They gathered, but why?

What's going on in the Good Hope Street photo which appeared in a recent "Faces and Places?"

Speculation abounds. An "I know for sure" is more elusive.

"I think I have read that it was a drawing for prizes," said Melva Lewis of the photo taken in front of the Lorberg Furniture Store. "And judging from the size of the crowd, I'd have to say that ticket holders had to be present to win."

Thomas M. Meyer has a decidedly analytical theory about the photo.

"Judging from the vehicles and buggies present, I'd say the photo was taken around 1910 to 1915," he said. "Shadows indicate the season and time frame. The event occurred in summer, in the afternoon, after 3 p.m. It could have been on a Saturday afternoon, with the rural folks getting dressed up to come into town. The crowd looked interested in a focal point up front. It may have been a political gathering, since this block was active in politics at that time."

The third floor of the old James A. Kinder and I. Ben Miller Drug Store often was used for Democratic party and union meetings.

Dan Cotner is sure the photo shows the side of Good Hope in front of the Kinder-Miller Drug Store.

Cotner said a candy manufacturing business was located on an upper floor of the building. "I recall enjoying a sample chocolate from the candy factory there," he noted.

You say tomato ...

Which is it? Not the pronunciation of the popular veggie, but its rightful heritage.

Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Botanists insist it's a fruit. Horticulturists counter. They say it's a vegetable.

The Supreme Court (that's right, the U.S. Supreme Court) settled the controversy. We know the date of the court decision. But that's too easy. Rise to the challenge.

What's your guess? Let us know, and why.

Extraordinary volunteers

In his recent State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called on Americans to give their nation the equivalent of two years (4,000 hours) of volunteer service over their lifetime.

"Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater good," the president said.

Do you know an extraordinary volunteer who already contributes time and talent, heart and soul to neighbors or their community? We want to know, too. Give us a call or drop a line.

B. Ray Owen is the Southeast Missourian's community news editor.