ONE LAST LOOK AT REMNANT OF BYGONE ERA

With a look of pride, Emil "Jim" Meyer pointed to the 157-year-old logs inside the dilapidated structure he once called home.

"It took a lot of hard work to put this place up," said Meyer, 81. "You can see how the structure was built with hewed logs. And that, over there, was the fireplace," he said, pointing to an area along the wall.

"I know I can't save any of it; the inside is too rotted away. But it's still going to be hard to see it all go."

Upon surveying the grounds of what was once a 175-acre tobacco farm, he said, "It helps to have a chance to meet people and talk about it all."

Steve Strom, who recently purchased the land on which history buffs strolled for a final look Saturday, accompanied Meyer on an impromptu tour. "I wish there were some way to save these old buildings, but they're just too rotted away," Strom said. "I have a lot of respect for this man," he said of Meyer. "He's quite a gentleman."

Strom has been developing what is now Northfield subdivision for the past 24 years. "We've been building around this place for a number of years, and now it's time to build on the farmstead," Strom said.

The area north of Lexington between Steven Drive and Concord Place was originally developed by Greenberry Hobbs in 1838. "That's where the slaves lived," Meyer said, pointing to a piece of land just beyond the two-story log cabin. "They lived close to the house because they were still considered part of the family."

A book titled "Slaves and Slave Owners of Cape Girardeau County" includes a chapter on the home built by Hobbs. Meyer offered those curious enough to learn about the history of the farmstead a chance to see the sketches in the book and read about a home that will soon be demolished.

"Tell me what you want to know and I'll try to help you out," Meyer said. "There's plenty to talk about. Did I tell you that Greenberry Hobbs was a full-blooded Indian?"

Meyer was born in the log cabin in 1913. His family moved up the hill on what is now Perryville Road in 1920. Meyer returned for visits to the log cabin over the years, however.

He provided a list of people who lived in the cabin after 1920. One of the last to reside in the home was Carl Farrar in the 1940s. "He worked for my dad on the farm," Meyer said.

Meyer's father used the barns to shelter cattle and hogs. "He turned it into a crop and livestock farm," Meyer said. "He sold wheat and planted corn and made it a good living."

Out of respect for Meyer and the rich history of the farm, Strom offered history buffs a final chance to take pictures and talk to one of the last owners of the house and land adjoining the northern side of Lexington.

"I thought people should get a last look and maybe record what this place looked like by taking some pictures," Strom said. Asked what he planned to do with the barns situated near the cabin, Strom replied, "I haven't decided yet."

Meyer, who had to move from a newer home in 1992 to make way for Lexington Street, now lives with his sister not far from the log structure. Today, he only owns about two-and-one-half acres of farmland.

"I'm trying to make the best of it," Meyer said, when asked if he planned on returning any time before the log home is demolished. "I'll be here to watch it go. I can handle it because I always feel like the good Lord will provide for me."