River Heritage Museum Hosts Book Signing Nov. 5th

Local author and photographer Tom Neumeyer will be signing copies of his book, Cape Girardeau Then and Now, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday November 5 at the Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St. This will be an opportunity for those who have not yet acquired a copy of this visual history of Cape Girardeau to meet and talk with the author. The museum, which is featured in the book, will host an exhibit of photographs from the photo-documentary through mid-December. Proceeds from sales will benefit the museum.

Credit Cards accepted, shipping and gift wrap available. Call 334-0405 for info.

Cape Girardeau Then and Now is a visual history of Cape Girardeau from the

perspective of 128 historical images paired with 128 modern photographs of the

same scene today. The result is a visual history of the community as it has changed -- and

in some cases -- remained the same over the past 50, 100 or even 150 years.

"By viewing the past and present images side by side with their history, the reader gets a unique perspective, seeing what our forbearers built and preserved," Neumeyer said. "The book provides a sense of place and of community for people. It provides a true connection to our roots that is so important."

In addition to the photographic history, the 300 page book contains a number of

essays about local history and folklore of Cape Girardeau by long-time residents Freck

Shivelbine, Marge Thompson, Riki Erlbacher, Barbara Rust and Dr. Bob Hamblin. What emerges from this approach is, according to Neumeyer, a "family album" of the community, showing how Cape Girardeau started from its early years to grow and mature.

Neumeyer has been making photographs since high school when he used his

father's 1954 folding Ansco camera. His photographic work evolved into a commercial

photography business and his current photographic studio on South Lorimier Street.

The book Cape Girardeau Then and Now is published by the Center for Regional

History, Southeast Missouri State University.

For more information contact the Cape River Heritage Museum at 573-334-0405