LETTERS: DR. WICHTERICH'S HOUSE CALLS REMEMBERED

To the editor:

Just recently there appeared in TBY quite a lengthy and interesting article about Dr. Robert F. Wichterich, a well-known and popular doctor in early years. The date of his purchasing land for the purpose of building a home was May 11, 1906. That caught my attention immediately, since my twin sister and I were born May 15, 1906.

Dr. Wichterich opened his office in the back room of Phil Haman's drug store on Broadway and remained there. Doctors were few at that time and lacked in skill, largely because medical science had not advanced to the extent it has today.

Dr. Wichterich always responded quickly to house calls, making him a favorite among many. I still remember the good sugar pills he gave us as a child. We disliked the bitter fever powder.

Dr. Wichterich was always interested in further progress and was a generous contributor and promoter to many improvements.

In spite the quick temper she was unfortunately known for, Dr. Wichterich's wife was very artistic both in decorating their home and in the suggestion of further improvement.

Dr. Wichterich occasionally spoke of pains in his shoulder. He died peacefully in his office, a place he always liked to be.

I truly hope he and his wife are at peace with each other now that they are both in heaven.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau