Almost Yesterday

Wednesdays at 7:31 a.m. & 5:18 p.m.

Hosted by Frank Nickell

Southeast Missouri State University

Almost Yesterday is a glimpse into the rich history of our region. Dr. Frank Nickell takes listeners on a journey to specific moments in time, such as the first radio broadcast on KFVS, the history of Farmington’s Carlton College, and the short-lived safari on a Mississippi River island. A gifted storyteller and local historian, Dr. Nickell’s wit and love for the past are combined with sounds and music that augment his narrative.

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Almost Yesterday received First Place in the "Special Programs" category at the Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards Banquet in Kansas City, Missouri.

Local support for Almost Yesterday comes from Heartland Custom Flooring.

Almost Yesterday: Franck's Gardens

By Frank Nickell • Sep 3, 2019

Jackson Road, Cape Girardeau. 1864 — Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the landscape of Cape Girardeau featured a number of special places where residents could relax and enjoy a pleasant change of scenery. In the middle of the nineteenth century Franck’s Gardens on the hill along Jackson Road, now Broadway, was such a place.

Almost Yesterday: Nell Holcomb School Established

By Frank Nickell • Aug 27, 2019

August 29, 1960 — Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that residents in the northern area of Cape Girardeau County established a new school which would bring together the students from six one-room country schools in the area. The country schools were crowded and located in wood-frame buildings that dated back to the 1800’s.

Almost Yesterday: Cape Girardeau Celebrates "Taft Day"

By Frank Nickell • Jul 30, 2019

President Taft was the first chief-of-state to visit Cape Girardeau. — Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like almost yesterday that President William Howard Taft visited Cape Girardeau. His purpose was to promote the deepening and stabilization of the Mississippi River channel.

Almost Yesterday: KFVS Radio Makes its Debut

By Frank Nickell • Jun 25, 2019

KFVS-12 beginnings were humble - Oscar W. Hirsch's living room, the location of KFVS Radio's first broadcast. — Southeast Missouri State University

It was more than 90 years ago but it seems like Almost Yesterday that KFVS Radio first went on the air.

It was the evening of June 22, 1925. Hundreds of citizens of Cape Girardeau gathered in front of the house at 318 South Frederick Street. The street was closed to traffic and the crowd gathered on the sidewalks and the yard and the living room of the Oscar W. Hirsch home. The windows were open and individuals pushed forward to both see and hear this historic event. Peg Meyers' Melody Kings was encircled by a curious audience.

Almost Yesterday: Cape Girardeau Municipal Band Begins

By Frank Nickell • Jun 4, 2019

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Band was first formed in 1900. The group was originally called "Schuchert's Cornet Band." — Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that a group of young men in Cape Girardeau, Missouri decided to start a band. Under the leadership of Captain C. F. Schuchert, twelve young men who were musically inclined – and had instruments - came together and became a popular group, performing at parades, picnics and public events. In their first years they were identified as “Schuchert’s Cornet Band.”

In 1910 Captain Schuchert’s son, Clarence, assumed leadership of the band and changed the name to “Schuchert’s Concert Band.”