PACKAGE FROM WHITE HOUSE TRIBUTE TO HECHT'S STORE AND ITS FOUNDER

The package was from the White House.

That was special.

But to Marty and Laverne "Tootie" Hecht, the package's content -- and what it represented -- was far more special.

The package contained a U.S. flag that had been flown over the Capitol, in tribute to Hecht's Store and its founder, the late Louis Hecht.

The flag was accompanied by a certificate, signed by Alan M. Hantman, AIA, Architect of the Capitol.

"This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on December 3, 1997, at the request of the Honorable Jesse Helms, United States Senator, in tribute to Hecht's Store, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and its founder, Louis Hecht, on this the 80th anniversary of the founding of a remarkable enterprise recognized as the flagship of fashion tradition. Especially to Marty and Tootie Hecht is special recognition extended, along with the genuine gratitude of the countless beneficiaries of their friendship and helpfulness."

"Sen. Helms (R-North Carolina) read the 80th anniversary articles which appeared in the Southeast Missourian," said Marty Hecht, Cape Girardeau businessman. "He was impressed with the company and with my dad, who closed the business shortly after founding it to join the service."

Louis Hecht founded Hecht's Store in downtown Cape Girardeau 1917.

The community welcomed a fine clothing store featuring the latest styles in men's suits and women's coats.

But not long after opening the store and realizing a longtime dream, Louis Hecht answered the call to serve Uncle Sam in World War I.

"I am called to the Colors" proclaimed a full-page ad that appeared in the Southeast Missourian on May 2, 1918.

Louis Hecht had been in business just a year.

"I owe my success during the past year to the people of Cape Girardeau," Hecht's ad read. "I am going to sell my stock to the people." And, he did. Hecht sold most of his stock to the public, and sold the rest to Herbert Moss of St. Louis. He then trekked off to join thousands of young men who sacrificed careers and families to fight for their country.

Louis Hecht returned to Cape Girardeau after the war, and on June 10, 1919, opened a new store at 127 N. Main, this time featuring upscale women's clothing.

Hecht's operations include five stores in downtown Cape Girardeau, one in Paducah, Ky., and one in Carbondale, Ill., and an eighth store on the drawing boards for early next year.

Marty Hecht, himself a veteran of World War II, has guided Hecht's operations for more than 50 years and now serves as chairman of the board. Tootie Hecht still does much of the buying for the stores. Also involved in management is Dan Elkins, who has been with the company more than 20 years. He is a partner and president of Hecht's.