VISITORS CELEBRATE 4TH OF JULY VICTORIAN-STYLE AT GLENN HOUSE

The children enjoyed ice cream and lemonade as the adults chatted and listened to the music playing in the backyard. A few people even enjoyed a short game of croquet.

At first glance it looked like a typical backyard party, except that the hosts were dressed in Victorian costumes.

About 50 visitors went back in time Sunday for the Fourth of July celebration at the Glenn House in Cape Girardeau. The lawn party was sponsored by the Historical Society of Greater Cape Girardeau.

The group has owned the Glenn House since 1968, but spent 20 years restoring it to its original condition. It is listed in the registry of National Historical Landmarks.

One of the unusual things about the Glenn House is the intercom system, said former president Mary Russell.

"There are six bells that were run off a battery," she said. "It's for the hired help."

Since the bells all ring in the same pitch, there is a box in the kitchen that indicates which room rang the bell, she said.

About 900 visitors tour the Glenn House each year. Many of them become members in the Historical Society, said president Lynette Shirrell.

During the afternoon, the society also dedicated a dogwood tree to Paul Griffith, a former treasurer.

"Paul loved flowers and trees, and this was a way to combine both," Russell said.

Other upcoming activities at the Glenn House include a Victorian tea and home tour in September, a murder mystery in October and the annual Christmas opening in November.

The Glenn House is open for tours from April through December. The hours are: Friday from 1-4 p.m.; Saturday from 10-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

The Historical Society of Greater Cape Girardeau took the occasion of the celebration Sunday to install new officers.

They are: Lynette Shirrell, president; Frank Nickel, vice president; Tom Neumeyer, executive director; Terry Neumeyer, recording secretary; John Schneider, treasurer; and Genevieve Lueders, craft shop treasurer.

The group is seeking new members. For more information, contact Peter Hilty at 335-8332.