HOUSE TOUR WILL FOCUS ON HISTORIC SITES

Living in historical downtown has definite perks, say members of the Historic Association of Greater Cape Girardeau, and they're holding a tour of historical homes to showcase the area.

"Through the Keyhole, Part 3" will feature four downtown homes, a restaurant, church and a newly-redone building on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The tour will be held Oct. 6 from 1-5 p.m., beginning at the Common Pleas Courthouse Park.

The purpose of the tour is not only to raise money for the historical association, but also to highlight downtown living, said Kathy Whittenburger, co-chairperson of the tour.

"It's to let people know about the housing in downtown Cape Girardeau and that people are living down here and just loving it," she said.

Living downtown is safe and affordable, she said. "People don't realize how many families live here. There are tons of children down here."

Whittenburger, who lives with her family in a historical downtown home, said her family enjoys living near the Mississippi River.

"The river is what makes Cape Girardeau distinct," she said. "I think some of that is lost when you get too far away."

The tour begins in the north part of Common Pleas Courthouse Park, where a concert will be presented from 1-2 p.m. by jazz musicians from the university.

Loretta Dodd, the other tour chairperson, said, like last year, members of the Capaha Antique Car Club will transport tour guests from one home to the next.

Stops on the tour are:

The Royal N'Orleans Restaurant, 300 Broadway.

The home of Dr. Steve and Emily Mellies, 504 Belleview.

The Hoche-Whittenburger house owned by Dr. Brock and Kathy Whittenburger, 151 S. Spanish.

The Finley-Lee house owned by Lee Ragland, 9 N. Fountain.

Old St. Vincent's Church at Main and William streets.

The Johnson Faculty Center at 530 N. Pacific.

Tickets for the tour are $5 and include punch and cookies at the Royal N'Orlean and hors devours from Mollie's at the Finley-Lee House. Tickets are also good for a free beverage on the day of the tour at Port Cape Girardeau. They are available from any Boatmen's Bank or on the day of the tour at any of the stops.

Dodd said that anyone who wishes to join the historical association on the day of the tour will receive a free pass to tour the Glenn House at Christmas time.