The Silver Beavers

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

When a young man walks on stage to receive the coveted Eagle Scout award, he is not alone. There are many adults standing with him bursting with pride. Along with his parents and family, there are scout leaders and community leaders standing tall. The young man couldn’t have done it alone. There are men and women who taught, mentored, counseled and led him to his goal.

Many scout leaders have received training in the program. Some have received so much youth training it could be compared to a college degree in scouting. These dedicated “Adult Scouters” are recognized by the National Boy Scout Council with leadership and training awards but the most prestigious one is the Silver Beaver award. The Silver Beaver is the greatest recognition the National Boy Scout Council can bestow upon an adult volunteer leader.

The Poplar Bluff Museum recognizes our Silver Beavers from this community in the Scout Room. Along with all the scouting memorabilia and Boy Scout achievements, Silver Beaver certificates and medals from adult scouters are on display. We honor Carl Sanders, Dr. Thomas Lawson, Dr. A. L. Bomer, Kenneth Killion and George Stewart in the Scout Room. They are just a few of our hometown Silver Beavers. We encourage other recipients of this award to bring their certificate to the museum and we will proudly put it on display.

The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main Street. Tell them Mike sent you.

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