Early steps in the dismantling of the handball court at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus began Monday.

The court, built in either 1843 or 1853, is possibly the oldest in the nation. Last December, the Board of Regents approved the dismantling of the court to make room for a new academic and residential building on the River campus, but said the bricks would be preserved for use in the new building's construction.

Kathy Mangels, vice president for finance and administration at Southeast, said Milam Masonry and Contracting set up scaffolding and fenced off the area to the public on Tuesday to begin the dismantling. Because they are working to preserve as many bricks as possible, Mangels said it was difficult to determine how long the process would take.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO

Workers from Milam Masonry make preparations to remove the handball court at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus Tuesday, March 12. The court, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is being removed to make room for a new academic and residential building on the campus. The bricks salvaged form the court are to be used in the construction of the new building. (Adam Vogler)