Historic homes

Editor's note: This editorial has been changed to reflect the correct day of the event.

We often hear the phrase, "historic downtown Cape Girardeau." While much of the area's historic nature deals with commercial properties, part of downtown's charm can be attributed to several historic houses.

This Saturday, Old Town Cape will hold its third annual Downtown Historic Home and Garden Tour. Six homes will be on the tour:

* The Greaser Home, 125 S. Spanish St. The home, built between 1885 and 1895, features a lovely evening view of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and the cross on Old St Vincent's Church, according to homeowner Julie Greaser.

* The Bertrand Home, 306 Independence St. Homeowner Lisa Bertrand said the circa 1906 home features paneling for the walls made from wooden church pews.

* The Kage House, 120 Broadway, built between 1860 and 1870. Homeowner Keith Diebold said the land the home sits on was at one time owned by Louis Lorimier.

* The Mocherman Home, 220 N. Lorimier St. Homeowner Becky Mocherman said the circa 1888 home's architectural integrity and gardens are a nice feature.

* The Southard Home, 113 N. Frederick St., built in 1892. Homeowner Julie Southard said in addition to being a home, the structure was once used as a commercial property.

* The Mellies Home, 826 Themis St. The circa 1883 Italianate-style home owned by Emily and Steven Mellies has a number of architecture details and includes seven fireplaces.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 at Old Town Cape, Annie Laurie's Antiques, Spanish Street Mercantile and Realty Executives of Cape County. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the tour at the Bertrand Home, 306 Independence St., for $20.

Thank you to the homeowners for sharing their homes with the community and contributing to the historic atmosphere of downtown Cape Girardeau.