Historical 'gems' of Cape put on display

Whether you are at a loss to find a place to take friends and family when they visit Cape Girardeau or you want to learn more about the history of the city you live in, "Rediscover Your Cape" on Oct. 23 and 24 offers a rare opportunity.

This Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau-sponsored event allows people to visit five local historical attractions -- the Red House Interpretive Center, Old Lorimier Cemetery, Old St. Vincent's Church, the Glenn House and the Cape River Heritage Museum -- on Oct. 23 and 24 for only $5. Normally these attractions are not open to the public at the same time and separate admissions would cost $12.50.

"The idea is to get the community to get out and experience what Cape has in the way of historical gems," said CVB director Chuck Martin.

"I don't think people appreciate what's in their own back yard," Martin said. "We have a lot to be proud of."

One example is the Cape River Heritage Museum at the corner of Independence and Frederick streets, which will be displaying a new exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Southeast Missourian starting Oct. 23.

"That will be a great addition to our displays we already have," said Marjorie Thompson, director of the museum and president of the Cape River Heritage Board.

In addition to the new exhibit, there will be a Mark Twain impersonator at the museum starting at noon Oct. 23.

Thompson, Red House Interpretive Center Board chairwoman Jane Randol Jackson and Glenn House, Red House and Old St. Vincent's Church volunteer Loretta Schneider were instrumental in the creation of "Rediscover Your Cape."

"We were hoping to stir up local interest in local attractions," Thompson said. "We were hoping that by doing this we could get more local people to visit."

During "Rediscover Your Cape," there will be tour guides at all five attractions, including the Old Lorimier Cemetery at 500 N. Fountain St., which dates back to 1808. At the cemetery, the guides will talk about famous Cape Girardeau residents who are buried there, like city founder Louis Lorimier and railroad entrepreneur Louis Houck.

"Rediscover Your Cape" takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24. The ticket can be used for both days, for instance, if you want to visit three attractions on one day and two the next.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the visitors bureau, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and the Southeast Missourian or on the day of the event at any of the five attractions.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

WANT TO GO?

What: Rediscovering Your Cape

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24

Where: Red House Interpretive Center, Old Lorimier Cemetery, Old St. Vincent's Church, Glenn House and the Cape River Heritage Museum

More: Call the visitors bureau at 335-1631