LETTERS: REMEMBERING HOMELIKE DOWNTOWN

To the editor:

I applaud Charles Hutson and the downtown merchants for their efforts in making the downtown area the very homelike and popular place it once was. The warm atmosphere it always had still exists.

The installation of 75 banners identifying the area as a Historic Riverfront District is indeed an excellent idea.

Many people today have pleasant thoughts in recalling how Saturday in years back was set apart as special for going downtown to shop. When streetcars were in use, many shoppers were carried downtown.

The Buckner-Ragsdale store on the corner of Broadway and Main is remembered as a very special place to shop. Mr. Lampkin, owner of the store, was always right there to oblige customers. The wide and excellent variety merchandise from shoes, to ladies apparel to men's wear made the store one of the favorite places to shop.

The very exclusive Hecht's Store also adds to special memories. Since my twin sister and I always dressed alike, it was difficult to find two pieces of apparel of the same make. Mr. Hecht, the kind man that he was, always ordered all our clothes. Hecht's Store still offers the same hospitality and still handles the same fine quality of merchandise.

I remember one cold November day when it was sleeting heavily. My mother and I walked down the Broadway hill to purchase a wedding gift from Zickfield Jewelers. The late Bill Zickfield was always sure to find the perfect gift. It was friendly and helpful store managers such as Bill Zickfield that made shopping such a delight.

I am happy to be able to say today the same friendly atmosphere among managers and clerks alike in the downtown area still remains.

How fitting, then, it would be for the downtown area to be included on the National Register of Historic Business Districts. I am sure everyone agrees. I know that I do.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau