Old CHS building also deserves to be preserved

To the editor:

My compliments to everyone involved in saving the old Marquette Hotel. It's nice to know that an effort to retain such landmarks as the old hotel are alive and kicking in Cape Girardeau. Saving such an important landmark should be applauded by every citizen of Cape and its surrounding communities.

I hope the same effort can be expended to rescue the old Central High School building (the just-closed Schultz School) on South Pacific Street. It's certainly worth saving after having provided a four-year home for so many graduates.

I was a member of the last class to graduate from that building in May 1952. I consider myself fortunate to have attended CHS during those wonderful years. This September the Class of 1952 will celebrate its 50th-anniversary class reunion and once again enjoy the old hometown. Not only will I pay a visit to old CHS, but I'll also make it a point to visit the Marquette Hotel to pay my respects to a familiar old landmark that also reminds me of my youth while growing up in Cape.

Good work, Cape. My compliments to all. What's next? Just remember that once it's gone, it's gone forever. Removing old landmarks in the name of progress isn't always a good thing. And the Marquette Hotel is a perfect example of what can be done to save a link to the past. Let's all give a pat on the back to Cape and dedicated individuals for a job well done.

LARRY D. SWANN

Kimberling City, Mo.