THREE STEAMBOATS BORE NAME OF CAPE GIRARDEAU

Cape Girardeans have long been proud of their city's prominence as a hub of transportation. For many years the city was represented by steamboats plying the muddy waters of the Mississippi River and bearing the name "Cape Girardeau."

The Eagle Packet Co., a St. Louis firm, had three boats named for the city. The first was the former Bald Eagle. It became the Cape Girardeau in 1901. For nine years she served the trade between Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, but in 1910 she sank off Turkey Island.

The Leyhe family, which owned the Eagle firm, recognized the importance of the city and almost immediately renamed the Spread Eagle for Cape Girardeau. That was in 1911, but things did not go well for that packet either. Very early on the morning of Oct. 21, 1916, the second Cape Girardeau sank five miles north of Chester, Ill.

In 1924 the third Cape Girardeau was built at the Howard Shipyards at Jeffersonville, Ind. She was steel-hulled, and measured 233 feet long by 46 feet wide. She could carry 900 tons, almost doubling the tonnage capacity of the old Bald Eagle. One hundred fifty first-class passengers could be accommodated. Travelers even had the luxury of running water.

On April 23, 1924, more than 5,000 persons jammed Water Street for the dedication of the new steamer. Her master, Capt. William "Buck" Leyhe, stood on the upper deck, proudly barking commands as the boat docked.

Cape Girardeau Mayor James A. Barks gave the welcoming address, reminding listeners that "for more than 30 years the Eagle Packet Co. has been mindful of Cape Girardeau and its shipping facilities and the company has done its part to promote that great branch of commerce -- river transportation. To show its appreciation of Cape Girardeau, the Eagle Packet Co. has named its newest boat after this city and to us today is the duty of expressing our appreciation of the honor>"

Congratulatory speeches were made by several out-of-town guests, including St. Louis Mayor Henry W. Kiel; and Judge Charles Danes of the St. Louis Court of Appeals, a native of Cape Girardeau.

Mary Christine Rolwing, a 16-year-old girl from Thebes, Ill., performed the actual christening, breaking a silver-encased bottle against the bow.