Welcome to the City of Perryville

KEITH HENTE ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian Perryville quarterback Garrett Flentge hands off to Joel Koesterer during Friday's jamboree in Sikeston. [Click to enlarge]

The History

Perryville was first incorporated in 1837. In the early 1800s Henry Burns built a home on South Spring Street, which William P. Fahrty later bought. Thought to be the oldest remaining residence in the city, it is now a museum operated by the Perry County Historical Society.

The Perryville Square is considered a show place of the city, with its newly completed streets, decorative sidewalks, Washington-style light fixtures and aesthetic tree plantings. A brick paved plaza, landscaped seating areas, park benches, a sundial, drinking fountain, directional marker and gazebo have been added to the courthouse lawn.

The first of two stores in Perryville was a log structure on he north side of the square, and the second was a two-story building, the upper story of which served as the first town hall. Later came the Hoose Hotel, which served as a hotel, brewery, and auction block. In 1856, the town reincorporated and bought its first fire engine.

Among Perryville's firsts are a power plant in 1913, and in 1923, the first industrial development effort, which raised $100,000 to build an industrial building that later brought an International Shoe Co. factory.

10 Things You Love About Your City

Debbie Gahan
Hometown: Moline, Ill.
Years in Perryville: 12

1. The people -- Perryvillians are a friendly, caring bunch, ready to help and be supportive, whether it means helping to clean up after an inland hurricane, a tornado or an ice storm. They pitch in and help their neighbors. They're charitable and giving at food drives, blood drives and fundraisers, from Adopt-A-Family at Christmas to Project Graduation to Share the Harvest to the Back To School Fair.

2. Events -- We've got events for every imaginable interest: Mayfest, Seminary Picnic, car shows, tractor caravans, sporting events like HoopFest and the Mayor's Cup, trivia contests, Relay for Life and all the fundraisers that lead up to and support Relay, concerts at the gazebo on the square, concerts and the Entertainment Series at the Park Center. Something is always happening here.

3. Parks -- Perryville has wonderful parks with beautiful amenities, including the Veterans Memorial Field, the Bank of Missouri Soccer Park with its beautiful water feature, and the two concrete hike and bike trail loops. We have the Perry Park Center, a complex that houses a 450-seat theatre for shows, concerts and movies; the Perryville branch of the Riverside Regional Library; the aquatics center with its slide, pool, kiddie pool and party area; racquetball courts; fitness rooms; indoor walking/running track and gymnasium.

4. Schools -- Perry County School District 32 and St. Vincent Catholic Schools offer kindergarten through grade 12 education, while Immanuel Lutheran School serves grades K-8. All three encourage academic excellence, strength of character, spirit and competitiveness. Southeast Missouri State University and Mineral Area College classes are available at the Perryville Area Higher Education Center satellite campus and vocational and adult education classes are offered at the Perryville Area Career and Technology Center.

5. Growth -- Both the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Perry County Economic Development Authority are active in support of our local businesses and industries, and work diligently to encourage economic growth. At a time when other cities and the economy as a whole are struggling, we're looking toward a growing Perryville.

6. Faith -- Perryville has a long and dedicated history of faithful service to God and mankind. Churches from all denominations join together in a Ministerial Alliance working and praying for the good of the community. The doors of churches and the hearts of their members are open.

7. Organizations -- Whether your interest is old tractors, acting, arts, animals, community service, history, politics, military service, or quilting, Perryville has active clubs meeting and working to make quality of life better and more enjoyable.

8. Heritage -- From the coming of the French explorers in 1673, to Spanish control of the land in 1770 and Spanish Land Grants in 1795, to the Lewis and Clark expedition passing through what would become Perry County, to the influx of German Saxon settlers in the area in 1839, Perryville has had a rich, diverse history that is exhibited in its museums.

9. Housing -- Whether your home in Perryville will be your first, starting a family or a career, or your last, retiring for quieter, yet fulfilling life in a warm and friendly small town, Perryville has a house you could call home. We've got wonderful housing resources to buy, rent or lease in a wide range of size and style.

10. Services -- Drive on our well-kept concrete streets. Notice the recycling bins waiting for pick-up. Those are just a few of the exceptional services we provide, along with the usual gas, water, sewer and trash. Visit with our volunteer firefighters and first responders. Watch our hospital as it builds its state-of-the-art second phase of expansion. Step into our brand-new police station. And when fall comes with its leaves, or limbs come crashing down with the wind, the city will pick them up.

THINGS TO KNOW:

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com [Click to enlarge]

1. Utilities
To connect water and sewer services, contact the Utility Department, 573-547-2594, or 215 N. West St. Natural Gas Pipeline Co. supplies natural gas; for electricity, visit the Citizens Electric Co-Op, 123 N. Spring St., or call 573-547-2512.

2. Voting
Register to vote at the Perry County Clerk's office, 321 N. Main St. Call 573-547-2594 for more information.

3. Recreation
Perryville is home to the Perry Park Center, as well as 225 acres of parkland and the Perryville Community Center, which houses the County Senior Program.

4. Recycling
Curbside recycling is offered in the City of Perryville through a partnership between the City and the Perry County Recycling Center at no cost to you. To sign up for curbside recycling call 573-547-5006 and your recycling container will be delivered to your home. Residents are allowed one or two containers per household.

City Officials
Deborah Gahan, mayor
Tracy Prost, city clerk/acting city administrator
Donna Strattman, city treasurer
Keith Tarrillion, police chief
Charlie LaRose, fire chief
Larry E. Riney, Ward 1 alderman
Al Oliver, Ward 1 alderman
Curt Buerck, Ward 2 alderman
Randy Leible, Ward 2 alderman
Paul Flentge, Ward 3 alderman
Gary Schumer, Ward 3 alderman