Letter to the Editor

Welcome wanted

Monday, May 6, 2002

As a past resident of Sikeston, I continue to be concerned with the future of this city. I've not lost all contact with the city, for I work for the Missouri Department of Transportation. We are located in the new Industrial Park on Highway 61 North.

The department's neighbor, just south of us, is the old "Pobst Place," as I'll refer to it. I've wondered about the house place, its nice barn and what will eventually happen to it.

My mother used to drive the bus route for the New Dawn State School. She had the northern route to Oran, Vanduser and other communities. One of the students used to live in the row of tenant houses that no longer exist, just south of the Pobst Place in the grove of trees. Even though this has been close to 30 years ago, every time I drive by there, I not only remember the tenant houses, but also remember the student. These are just memories, I know.

The reason I'm writing is because lately I've noticed a sign stating "city property" in front of the house. I would like to see the city make a visitor's/welcome center out of it. I've been to Natchez, Miss., several times and their visitor center is made from an old house. It's a lovely historic reminder of their heritage. The Pobst Place is a wonderful example of our rich farming culture. Last fall, the cotton was just gorgeous in this area. In my opinion, the house, barn and outbuildings are very much worth saving.

I know the old Depot is a wonderful asset to the community. I have no idea what the city plans to do with the house and farm buildings, but I do wish it could be saved. It's a peaceful site to see from our second story window.

Again, this is just my thoughts being conveyed to you. Please consider the possibility of saving the structures and maybe even making the grove of trees a new roadside park. I don't think we have enough of those parks anymore.

Good luck to the "Pobst Place - Welcome Center" and good luck to the city. I think it's an excellent combination.

I think the current visitor's center serves its purpose, but the Pobst Place is an investment worth making - for the future and the past!

Sincerely, Debbie Deal Strobel