Cape Girardeau History and Photos

June 13, 2010March 5, 2021

Betsy Gill Missing 45 Years

There will be a candlelight vigil for Elizabeth (Betsy) Gill at the site of the former Cape Girardeau Mississippi River bridge Sunday, June 13, at 8:15 p.m. The vigil will mark the anniversary of the toddler’s disappearance in 1965.

Here is a photo of her just before she went missing and a composite photo of what she might look like today.

Betsy’s sister, Jean, produced this moving video using family photos, illustrations and a haunting folk tune.

Messenger of Love

In looking through some of The Missourian’s archives, I came across a bizarre twist: Philip Odell Clark, who murdered Zola Clifton, his ex-wife’s grandmother, claimed from prison that he had hit Betsy with his car the night she disappeared. He had been drinking and was afraid to turn himself in, so he disposed of her body.

Phillip Odell Clark

I shot this photo of Clark coming out of the house where he had killed Mrs. Clifton and held family members and this paperboy hostage overnight. I later spent about 12 hours in a Cape County jail cell with him taping an account of his life. At no point did he ever mention Betsy Gill.

He was killed by another inmate while in prison. As far as I know, authorities didn’t put much stock in Clark’s claim.

June 10, 2010April 1, 2012

Cape Central Music

I didn’t have much to do with Central High School’s music department. I could barely play my radio, let alone an musical instrument.

Mother used to make the argument, “Learn how to play the piano and you’ll always be popular at parties.” Somehow or another, I don’t think it would have made much difference in my case.

I ran across these two photos of Dale Williams, head of the music department. The 1964 Girardot was dedicated to Mr. Williams (1926-1964) and to Joycelyn Hook (1946-1963, Girardot Literary Editor Elect).

I couldn’t find anything in The Missourian archives that gave any more information about the circumstances of their deaths. Joy was mentioned in a story April 5, 1963, for winning two of three A Division debates she was in. It looks like she might have been partnered with Helen Miner.

Music at Central High School

When I was in Cape last fall, I toured our old high school, now a junior high school. I shot these photos in the music department.

Gallery of Music Department Photos

Click on any image to make it larger, then click on the left or right side to step through the photos.

June 8, 2010

KFVS Radio Tower

The old KFVS Radio tower on Highway 61 just as you’re coming down the hill toward Cape lets you know you are just about home. I’m always glad to see it still standing. I hope it’s designated some kind of landmark so it’ll be preserved.

Site of old KFVS-TV antenna

The last time I was home, I saw that the land where the original KFVS-TV tower was located was being cleared. I tried to see if the big concrete anchors for the guywires were around, but they must have been pulled out or buried.

What was KFVS’s sign-off song?

Trivia question that’s been bugging me for years. Every night, KFVS Radio would sign off with the same song. When you heard that come on, you knew it was time you’d better be getting your date home.

I think it might have been Wonderland by Night, but I’m not sure. Anybody want to hazard a guess? Better yet, does anybody KNOW what it was?

June 7, 2010

Lee Dahringer Ties One On

I recognize Lee Dahringer, Central High School Class of 1965, trying to tie a tie, but I have no idea why he’d doing it or why I’m taking his picture. Lee was active in Central’s drama clubs, so maybe it was for a role in something or other. (Note his Senior ring.)

Who is helping him?

The next picture poses even more questions:

Who is the young lady who has come to his rescue? Lee is gazing meaningfully into her eyes, but she seems to have hers closed.
Even more perplexing is the mysterious hand coming into the frame from the left. I can’t tell if it’s propping the young lady up or pushing her toward Lee.