`IMAGES OF THE PAST,' BOOK ON CITY'S HISTORY, SELLS OUT

"Images of the Past in the City of Roses," the history book researched, written and printed by the Southeast Missourian staff, has sold out.

"We are out of books except for those we are holding for customers who have reserved a copy with a deposit or payment in full," said Joyce Hinze, who has coordinated sales of the history book.

Letters are being sent to the approximately 30 people who have not yet picked up their books asking them to come in by Jan. 30. After that, money will be refunded and the remaining books sold.

Hinze said 2,000 books were printed, and 1,000 were pre-sold. The other 1,000 books sold in less than three weeks.

"We are making a list for those who are still interested in purchasing additional books," Hinze said. "We are trying to get a pulse on the demand for additional copies."

A second printing of the book is possible if demand is high.

Hinze said comments on the book have been positive. "We had many repeat customers. They took their book home and decided to give a copy as a gift or someone else saw it and wanted a copy."

Books were shipped to locations across the United States. Complimentary copies have been given to area school libraries.

The book traces the history of Cape Girardeau from its inception as a small trading post in the 18th century through the great flood of 1993.

The 240-page book chronicles life in this Mississippi River town through nearly two centuries with 660 photographs and 70 articles.