Hundreds attend dedication of Cape's floodwall mural

Tim Blattner had been waiting 20 years for this day. It was about two decades ago when the president of the River Heritage Mural Association first had the idea to paint Cape Girardeau's floodwall.

As he stepped to the podium Thursday to deliver his remarks at the dedication of the "Mississippi River Tales" floodwall mural, the man behind the concept of the mural and the actions that brought it to life received a standing ovation from a crowd of about 200 people.

While the mural concept is decades old, the actual work of planning the mural and raising funds for the project has been short by comparison.

"After six-and-a-half years of planning, by gosh, by golly, we did it," Blattner said.

State and local political and business figures were present at the dedication, all beaming at the prospect of a new future for Cape Girardeau's waterfront based on an emphasis on history.

"How ironic ... that the wall, sometimes characterized negatively for blocking our view of the river, will now display our history to those who visit here," said John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

A collaboration of people and groups, including the chamber, the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and Old Town Cape, had to work together to depict local history from American Indians to Bill Emerson on the canvas of the floodwall.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, whose late husband is depicted on the mural's last panel, helped secure $175,000 in federal funds for the $300,000 project.

The rest of the funding came from 29 sponsors and the efforts of the city to create a one-way Water Street and install a sidewalk and displays at each mural with historical interpretation. That was a long process that involved much debate, and the revamped Water Street was finally finished in late June.

Despite some criticism, Emerson said, she was glad to secure funding for the project -- one that fit her late husband's ideals of serving his constituency.

For her efforts, Emerson was rewarded with a framed painting by Tom Melvin, the mural's lead artist, of the panel depicting Bill Emerson and the bridge that bears his name.

Melvin and his team of artists worked through much of 2004 to complete the project.

"The project was easy with such enthusiasm and the pride the town has for itself," Melvin said.

Barbie Bixler shares that enthusiasm. She brought her 7-year-old son, Nick, to see the dedication.

"This marks an important day for us in Cape Girardeau and our history," Bixler said. "I wanted him to be a part of that history."

msanders@semissourian.com

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