Tuesday marks 75th anniversary of March King visit

Cmdr. John Philip Sousa was given the key to the city of Cape Girardeau upon his arrival here on Sept. 14, 1929. Mayor James A. Barks, standing on the running board of the car, presented the key. Southeast Missourian

In a bustle, the March King brought his 85-piece band to Cape Girardeau.

As the diamond anniversary of that historic visit approaches, the event is still celebrated as one of the more memorable moments in the region's musical history.

John Philip Sousa arrived in town on Sept. 14, 1929. A special Frisco train under the sponsorship of the Southeast Missourian arrived at noon with Sousa and his band.

They were met with a parade led by Mayor James A. Barks, American Legion Louis K. Juden Post Commander Harvey I. McCoy and Teachers College President Joseph A. Serena. Also there to greet them was a large group of residents, including three local bands -- the American Legion drum and bugle corps, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band and a junior band from Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

Muny band director Thomas Danks, who had once played in Sousa's band, played renditions of two of Sousa's own marches: "Semper Fidelis" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

Barks presented Sousa with a key to the city, telling him, "This occasion will linger long in our memories."

A free afternoon concert, attended by between 7,500 and 10,000 people was held on the terraces of Academic Hall accommodating mostly schoolchildren. The evening concert, held at Academic auditorium, charged $1 admission and was attended by 1,500 people.