Cape Girardeau History and Photos

September 11, 2011September 18, 2011

Proud Boy, Big Catfish

Seems like there has been a rash of fishing photos turning up lately. Y’all have gotten pretty good at identifying people, so I’ll post this proud fisherman with a sizable catfish.

Without any concrete evidence, it has the feel of the Capaha Park Lagoon to it. The only clue I have is that the negative sleeve was dated June 24, 1967.

Anybody want to take a stab to put a name on the boy (or the catfish) and nail down the location? I flashed on another fisherman, but it’s not any of these guys. Here’s another example of Capaha Park fisherboys.

September 11, 2011February 26, 2015

Fair Trophies and Cow Milking

These were in the same negative sleeve with the photos of the casting contest, dated Sept. 15, 1967. I guess Chris Sawyer was cuter than these two guys with fair trophies, because this photo didn’t run in the paper, so far as I could find. I don’t know if the trophies were being dropped off for the fair or if someone really cleaned up. The only clue is the name “something” Farms on the door of the pickup. (Click on the photos to make them larger.)

How to milk a cow

This photo of a little girl watching a cow being milked didn’t run, either. I don’t know who she is or who the farmer is. The cows, too, alas, are anonymous.

September 9, 2011December 21, 2011

Diversion Channel Boat Ride

When I wrote about going trotline fishing with Ed and Melinda Roberts this summer, I mentioned that the scenery along the Diversion Channel between I-55 and the mouth of the Mississippi River was different that I had expected. I thought it would be a sterile, straight ditch. It turned out surprisingly beautiful and peaceful. If you’ve always heard about trotline fishing, but never knew exactly what it was, follow the link and watch the video.

My companions were intent on getting their line set out before dark, so everything was shot from a speeding boat. One of these days, I’ll have to rent a canoe or something where I can putter around at my own speed.

Diversion Channel photo gallery

Click on any image to make it larger, then click on the left or ride side to move through the gallery.

September 8, 2011February 26, 2015

Mother Covers SEMO Fair

I had some old scans of the Southeast Missouri District Fair that I was going to post, but then I opened my email to find that Mother had been out to see this year’s fair being set up. She shot these with her Kodak digital camera and uploaded them from her iPad. Not too shabby for somebody who’s going to turn 90 next month. I think she did it all without leaving her car.