Those who crossed old bridge on dedication day can become membe

Upcoming bridge dedication festivities include a program to honor those who attended the old Mississippi River bridge's dedication in 1928.

The Diamond Club, open to anyone who crossed the Mississippi River bridge on dedication day, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the bridge by honoring participants with preferred seating and additional recognition during the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge dedication at 9 a.m. Dec. 13. They will then be given the opportunity to cross the new bridge.

"Those who were present at the dedication of the existing Mississippi River bridge became our 'bridge' to the future," said Angie Wilson, public information manager for the Missouri Department of Transportation. "They help us not to lose sight of the significance of that history, and as the old bridge is replaced, those who were there to welcome it in 1928 symbolize our continuing drive towards growth and success."

Alice Hopper of Cape Girardeau crossed the old bridge on dedication day, along with her parents and seven brothers and sisters. She said before the bridge was built ,the ride was 30-minutes on the Gladys Ferry in downtown Cape Girardeau. After the bridge was built, crossing the river took about five minutes.

Just 16 when she crossed the old bridge, Hopper, now 92, plans to attend the Emerson Bridge dedication as a member of the Diamond Club.

Crossing the original bridge "was a wonderful experience, driving across that enormous river," she said. "I wasn't scared, and I don't remember anyone else being scared, either. We were just so excited about crossing the bridge."

Lilly Wills of Oak Ridge, Mo. also crossed the Mississippi River bridge on dedication day. Originally from Millersville, Mo., Wills, who was 19 at the time, walked across the bridge with friends. She said they could feel the bridge trembling as they walked across.

Those who would like to participate in the Diamond Club events must register a week prior to the opening ceremony. Call the MoDOT District Office toll-free at (888) 275-6636 or the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce at 335-3312. For more information on the Diamond Club, contact Wilson at (573) 472-6632.