CELEBRATING NO. 90

It was a different world in October 1904 when the Naeter brothers started what would become the Southeast Missourian, a newspaper serving Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area in two states: The War to End All War hadn't been fought. Five states -- Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico and Oklahoma -- hadn't yet been admitted to the union. The world's first service club, Rotary, was still a year away from getting started in Chicago.

Over the past 90 years, rapid change has marked the progress of the 20th century. This change has affected the world, the nation, the state and, of course, the city. Documenting the change, the growth, the joys and the tears has been the Missourian. In many instances, the owners of the newspaper were instrumental in advancement and progress. For nine decades the Missourian has created its legacy: a monument to newspapering in the middle of the country.

This month, during the 90th anniversary celebration for the Missourian, is a time for recalling the past without taking an eye off the present or the future. One way of getting a glimpse of the rich history of the newspaper and the area its serves is through a special anniversary publication, "River City Reflections." This special magazine is a view of Cape Girardeau through the words and camera lens -- mostly photographs -- of the Missourian.

Milestones come in all shapes and sizes. A 90th anniversary is important, because it reminds everyone at the Missourian of the tradition and purpose of a newspaper: to provide advertising information and to report the news fairly and fully, while meeting high standards of quality and timeliness. Along the way, a newspaper celebrates the successes of the community and reluctantly records the unpleasantness of life. When it is constructive or instructive, the newspaper expresses its opinion through editorials. The newspaper entertains and keeps a record of the community.

All of this is for the readers, who have been loyal, supportive and even honestly critical through the years. Some of our readers have had the Southeast Missourian as a companion all their lives. To keep things in perspective, Rush Limbaugh Sr., who recently celebrated his 103rd birthday anniversary, was 13 years old when the Missourian started.

The Missourian is proud of its achievements during the first 90 years. Ahead lie challenges and opportunities well into another century.