Poplar Bluff’s leading lady

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.

Jane Abington Haworth graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1946. She became the “Leading Lady” of Poplar Bluff for decades to come. Her civic pride and commitment to the community are still unmatched today.

As the director of the Bank of Poplar Bluff, Jane was able to make a difference. She held that position for 33 years. She was actively involved in the Downtown Association and the Community Development Association. Jane funded many pet projects such as the courthouse gazebo, and the Founders Bridge. She was a major contributor to the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library and the MoArk Railroad Museum. Jane was one of the founding members of the O’Neal Elementary School PTA, as well as a founding board member of the Poplar Bluff Museum. She donated many historic artifacts, as well as financial donations to the museum.

Jane’s other passions were the Girl Scouts, Beta Sigma Phi, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, AM-VETS Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Confederacy, Democratic Party, Monday Literary Club, Poplar Bluff Garden Club and Willhaven Residential Center. Her favorite activity was dressing up like the “Easter Bunny” during the holiday and the “Love Bug” during Valentine’s Day.

In 1980, Jane was the first woman to be named “Citizen of the Year” by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1981 she was named the “Outstanding Leader of the Year” by the Missouri Municipal League. In 1986, Jane was named the “Senior Citizen of the Year” by the Women’s Business and Professional Association.

The Poplar Bluff High School Class of 1946 dedicated the “School House” exhibit in the museum to their most successful alumni, now known as the “Abington Haworth School House.” This room exhibits all the Butler County school memories, including memories of Jane.

The museum is handicap accessible and open every Sunday free of charge from 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main St., 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.