I-Spy event to highlight Cape's historic buildings

With May's Historical Preservation Month on the horizon, the push to maintain Cape Girardeau's historical landmarks continues. The Endangered Buildings list is growing, ranging from personal homes to storefronts to one-room schoolhouses, which is indicative of a commitment to protect and preserve buildings that represent more than mere edifices, but speak of a culture residents will not readily relinquish.

Nor should we.

Rebuilding or restoring sites is more than just keeping old buildings from destruction. It is an acknowledgment that these sites hold historical significance in our community, that they are as much a part of our identity as the modern expansion we hail, and that they are worthy of the next generation.

This dedication to historical preservation is one of several reasons Cape Girardeau was the recipient of the 2015 Great American Main Street Award. As Patrice Frey, CEO and president of the National Main Street Center, said in a news release, Cape's "collaboration with arts organizations, business interests and the university brings a dynamic mix of resources downtown, while the city's impressive list of rehabbed historic buildings demonstrates Cape Girardeau fully embraces preservation's power to revitalize."

The Historic Preservation Commission is once again planning its "I Spy" walking tour and has added an "I Spy Cape Girardeau" contest this year. At 5:30 p.m. on May 1, walkers, led by Dr. Steven Hoffman, coordinator of Southeast Missouri State University's Historic Preservation program, will gather at the southwest corner of Broadway and Frederick Street and walk to the River Heritage Museum on Independence Street, with an eye of appreciation on the historic buildings along the route. The museum will then provide refreshments and showcase historic displays.

What a great way for the whole family -- both old and young -- to celebrate the rich history we so often take for granted.