Coming to America

The Poplar Bluff Museum has tales of us, our family and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within the museum walls.

Michael Saracini was born in a small Italian village in 1863. He was a poor farmer trying to raise his family. His brother Antonio had immigrated to America and told him it was the land of opportunity.

Michael wanted the American dream too and in 1895, he joined his brother in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

He left his wife in Italy, promising to bring her over when he could afford to.

It was going to be hard work. Michael didn’t even speak English.

He worked hard at his brother’s fruit stand located on South Main Street. Three years later, Michael was successful enough to purchase his brother’s business and bring his wife to America. He bought a home and started raising his family.

Michael expanded the fruit stand into Poplar Bluff’s first candy store. He also sold ice cream, toys and fireworks. Since Poplar Bluff was still a pioneer town, the fur trade was very profitable. Michael began selling furs too.

The Saracini Confectionary became very popular.

This was just the beginning of Michael Saracini’s American dream. In 1924, he built a “little store” on the corner of Main and Sixth streets. It included a nine-room family home upstairs.

It was supposed to be a shoe store but “Mr. Mike,” as he like to be called, still sold candy and ice cream.

He was open on Sundays, unlike most business’ in town. Being located across from many churches on Main Street, he would sell sodas before Sunday school, and ice cream after church.

The Methodist minister jokingly said the tithes were “leaking across the street” during the hot summer months.

Mr. Mike retired in 1947 at the age of 84. His daughter Mary took over the business.

She ran it just like her father. She always told the children “Don’t spend your Sunday school money here.” If she thought they were skipping church, she would send them back.

She became a crossing guard for the children and home delivery service for her elderly customers.

Mary even bought a piano and gave lessons in the store. In 1979, Mary retired and closed the family store after 55 years. She was 87 years old.

Michael Saracini is an American tale. He had achieved his American dream, coming to America and being successful in Small Town USA.

The Saracini store still stands on Main Street just across from the First Methodist Church. It is a ghostly reminder of days gone by when it was the happiest place in town.

Many Poplar Bluff residents still fondly remember walking down the brick street to get a treat at Mary’s or Mr. Mike’s.

Michael passed away in 1961 at the age of 97. He left behind 61 descendants who were beginning their journey in the land of opportunity as Americans.

The Saracini store’s 10-foot, antique wooden fountain bar is one the treasures of the Poplar Bluff Museum.

It is the centerpiece of the Butler County Historical Society room. Behind it is the 13-foot mirror also from the store. The family’s incredible story is told in several news articles.

The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, free of charge, at 1010 Main St., Poplar Bluff (Formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mr. Mike (Shane) sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.