VICTORIAN DRIVING TOUR BEGINS AT PIONEER ORCHARD

JACKSON -- The Jackson Heritage Association will hold its Victorian Driving Tour Sunday, Aug. 28.

This year's tour will begin at Pioneer Orchard where guests will learn about its history and sample apples in a picnic setting.

The group will move on to the Cape County countryside to Burfordville, site of the historic covered bridge and five-story grist mill, which was built by German-American George Frederick Bollinger.

After the informational tour, a trip back to the Jackson Courthouse will feature a picture display and German music.

Visitors will later be driven through downtown Jackson to the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway where the Cape Girardeau German Club will greet passengers and serve a home-cooked German meal aboard the area's only coal-powered steam train. The train has cars dating back to 1910.

After riding the rails to Gordonville, the Capaha Antique Car Club will pick up travelers and drive them back to the Oliver House in Jackson.

German glassware, steins and smokers will be on display as guests tour the Federal style house. The house was originally fashioned in German decor by a man of German descent.

Dessert will be served before travelers are ushered back to their cars at the orchard.

Tickets for this afternoon of history, ethnic food and entertainment are $25 and can be reserved by calling Gloria at 243-5084 or Trish at 243-7427 or 243-1688. A limited number of tickets are available.

In the event of inclement weather the tour will take place Sept. 11.