LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: OLD HOTEL BRINGS BACK MEMORIES

To the editor:

The pictures that appear in the Southeast Missourian from time to time of the Marquette Hotel always bring pleasant memories of the once beautiful and much patronized hotel.

At one time, Henry Schwab, former manager of the A&P store, and his wife resided there. They remained quite impressed with the beautiful structure of the building as well as the hospitality of the personnel. The dining area had an air of elegance. The tasty food was always served in a polite and gracious manner. What happened, then, to cause this fine hotel to lose its popularity? Every city has a hotel. Cape Girardeau used to be able to boast of two fine hotels.

It appears real-estate agents have been unsuccessful in selling the building. Perhaps the owner should consider lowering the price. Hardly any company would consider paying an enormous price for a building the condition the Marquette is in now. What used to be a beautiful building is now an eyesore.

Cecil Childress, a cigarette salesman who was a regular resident of the Marquette Hotel, always recommended it highly and spoke only in praise of the hotel. How do I know? He took me dancing at the opening of the Rainbow room in the Idan-Ha Hotel on Broadway. What a gentleman. And good-looking too.

The lengthy delay in making a decision and neglect regarding restoration of the Marquette Hotel more or less have caused it to become a frustration.

I truly hope someday it will be restored to its original beauty. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau