Generations of ‘Tall Tales’

The Poplar Bluff Museum tell many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

In 2021, Donna Farley, editor of the Daily American Republic newspaper, approached the Poplar Bluff Museum board. She wanted to know if they could submit some stories about its exhibits.

“What a great idea,” I thought. I began writing the “Tall Tales” weekly column and soon compiled all the articles into a book about Poplar Bluff history.

During my research, I discovered that in the 1960’s George R. Loughead wrote a series of newspaper articles about Poplar Bluff history which were also published in the Daily American Republic. Those articles became the basis of his 1987 book, “Early History of Butler County Missouri.”

George Loughead came to Poplar Bluff in 1926. He had previously been the superintendent of schools in several other communities and served as the Poplar Bluff superintendent of schools until 1960. He also served as the president of the Butler County Historical Society after retirement, where he began writing his “Tall Tales.”

Loughead’s articles are on display in the Peoples Room of the Poplar Bluff Museum. His book is also on file in the museum’s reference library. The museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge Sunday 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

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