Alive with history

If you haven't visited the area's newest historical center, you are missing a quality experience. Opening its doors a year ago, the Cape Girardeau County History Center is at 102 S. High St. in uptown Jackson, just steps away from the county courthouse.

My first visit took place on a chilly day in February. A light snow had fallen, but roads were clear, and parking was no problem. Easily accessible, the center occupies the former Andrew Jackson store, now refurbished and ready for history buffs.

After meeting with Carla Jordan, director, I began meandering around to view the multiple displays. First, the music corner intrigued me with its full grand piano, a J.C. Fischer, New York, vintage 1879. Original sheet music on display included "The Anniversary Song" from the Al Jolson film and "To Each His Own" from the movie by the same name.

Nearby I discovered a dresser with three drawers and a horseshoe-shaped mirror, much like one my parents had in their bedroom circa 1930. Fancy valentines were arranged on an embroidered scarf.

Other exhibits were a fabulous watch fob collection on loan from Neil and Dr. Alberta Dougan, and the Elmer Stehr fountain pen assembly submitted by his son and daughter-in-law, John and Pat Stehr.

Next, "Medicine in Cape County" grabbed my attention, particularly Elroy Kinder's memorabilia from old Saint Francis Hospital. The pink and blue mini tiles from the nursery floor took me back to the 1950s, when my sons slept their first days there. The display includes the front door hardware from that 1914 building at Good Hope and Pacific streets.

Another of Kinder's displays are artifacts from Liberty School in Gordonville, established in 1846: a rustic desk, section of blackboard, drinking dipper, lard bucket lunch pail, Oliver typewriter, first aid text, photo of teacher Ester Sternberg, and even a cluster of marbles that provided endless recess entertainment for young pupils.

According to director Jordan, the center is supported by the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society, founded in 1926 to document the people, places, things and events of the region. Rotating exhibits are featured year round, with visitation daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Presently the center has a roster of 35 volunteers who serve as docents. Weldon Hilpert, Wanda Pruitt and Mary Jo Shelton were on duty the day I walked in. There is no charge for admission.

Since it is not possible to take it all in with one trip, two weeks later found me back browsing. Touring with me on the Sunday after-church visit were four of my Good Shepherd friends, Ruthie Boxdorfer, Doloris Meyr, Dorothy Polack and Frankie Allison. Greeting us were docents Lewis and Carolyn Bock.

After viewing feature artist Gary Lucy's "Reflections" collection, we enjoyed Estelee Wood's charming display of Cape County ladies fashions of the 19th century. The pheasant feathered hat and long white gloves are most certainly, and thankfully, wardrobe attractions of the past.