Legacy Preservation Enterprise

As part of furnishing the historic Abraham Byrd House, we've been researching period correct bedding, and we discovered something fascinating.

While many antique beds are commonly called rope beds, these are actually sacking bottom beds. Instead of rope woven through holes in the bed rails, these beds use heavy canvas, or sailcloth, secured with eyelets and linen cording attached to wooden pegs. The canvas created a smooth, supportive foundation for a bed tick or mattress.

True rope beds are constructed differently. Their rails are drilled with holes so rope can be woven into a web to support the mattress.

Sacking bottom beds were commonly used from the late 1700s through the mid 1800s, making them a perfect fit for the Abraham Byrd House. Our newly installed sacking bottoms are another step toward accurately interpreting everyday life in 1827.

Next up... mattresses. We have a feeling our volunteers may be tempted to give them a try.

Join Us! Please share!

Happy Fourth of July from Legacy Preservation Enterprise.

Today, we are reminded that preserving history begins in our own communities. Historic places are more than buildings. They are reminders of the lives, traditions, and stories that continue to shape who we are. Every generation leaves a legacy worth remembering.

We are thankful for dedicated volunteers and board members like Melody Hagans, whose enthusiasm and commitment help bring these places to life. Her handmade Fourth of July wreaths now welcome visitors to the historic Abraham Byrd and Frizel-Welling Houses.

We hope you have a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday!

Today, on Juneteenth, we reflect on an important chapter of our nation's history and honor the resilience, contributions, and legacy of enslaved African Americans.

As an organization dedicated to preserving historic places, we recognize that many of the homes, farms, and communities that shaped our region were built and sustained through the labor, skill, and sacrifice of people whose stories have too often gone untold.

Preservation is not only about protecting buildings. It is also about acknowledging the full history of those who lived, worked, and endured within them.

Today we honor the generations of enslaved men, women, and children whose contributions helped shape the communities we inherit today. May we continue to learn from the past and ensure these stories are remembered for future generations.

We were honored to attend Cape Girardeau County Historical Society’s recent presentation reflecting on the past 100 years and sharing an inspiring vision for the next century.
Thank you to Director Carla Jordan and Archivist Alice Ireland for an engaging and insightful program. We appreciate the important work being done to preserve our community’s history and look forward to what’s ahead!

Every community leaves footprints. This book helps tell the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Cape County and the surrounding area. A great addition to any local history collection!

Beverly Hahs' book "Footprints of a Community" is now available in paperback at Amazon.com. Cost is $30. For those of you who do not use Amazon, the Cape Girardeau County History Center will host an open house on July 12 and will have both the hardback and paperback versions of her book available. Beverly will be there to autograph her books, also. She will have books at the History Center on July 3rd, too. Come get them while they last!