It was ‘almost paradise’ in 1985

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

Where were you in 1985? Did you go to the Prom? Poplar Bluff High School had the greatest prom ever. Damon Cox was one of the many who put up the lavish decorations in the gym to the theme “Almost Paradise.” Sheryl Roberts stated, “This is what you look for all year.” Martin Garrett scrubbed up his Ford pickup so that his date Kim Crabtree wouldn’t get her gown dirty. Student council leader and president of the Young Republicans club Robbie Myers spent $1,200 on the prom including a limousine for his date with Carrie Carda.

Then People Magazine showed up. In their June 10, 1985 issue an unnamed reporter wrote the article Putting New Life In The Old Prom. He stated:

“The prom had become uncool in the late ‘60’s but in mainstream Missouri it still flourished. In the small town of Poplar Bluff, gawky young men in stiff tuxedos, ruffled shirts, top hats and canes still took young ladies dressed like Scarlet O’Hara in pastel dresses with too many ruffles and corsages to the American rites of passage of Prom.”

The article included photos of prom couple Rhonda Boyers and Tommy Taylor, Allen Gilmore dancing with his date Sara Meyr, and Kevin Garrett (voted most popular) posing with Suzie Gowan. Sherry Sneathern, Tracey Gallamore and Stephanie Padgett were photographed serving punch and cookies.

The Peoples Magazine article is on display in the “Peoples Room.” The Museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1010 Main Street, Poplar Bluff (formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

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