Terry’s Flying Circus

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.

What’s a military museum without airplane and ship models? Kanell Hall truly tells our veterans’ stories through the use of them. World War II veteran Terry Ferguson has spent a lifetime building models. He used them in show and tell visits to schools and the VA hospital. He shared the story of each aircraft with his fellow veterans. Many were former flight crews and enjoyed seeing their planes again.

In 1988, Terry brought his collection to the Poplar Bluff Museum. Every Sunday he would come to the museum wearing his Army Air Corps uniform. Terry would tell stories to the visitors about the many planes on display. There are now 72 World War II aircraft models in the museum. These are only a fraction of the hundreds of planes he has built in his lifetime.

Terry’s love of aviation began with the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a flight crew member on many of the planes that are now on display. Terry flew over 20,000 hours during his impressive career.

Airplane models are not the only ones on display. “Battleship Row” contains 10 ship models built by Mike Shane of historic battleships. Many other models are scattered throughout the museum in individual exhibits. Each one is related to the veteran who is honored in each exhibit.

We are proud to be the caretakers of “Terry’s Flying Circus.” The Flying Circus was a nickname given to the World War I German Ace Baron Von Richthofen’s squadron of colorful fighters. Please come and view this spectacular exhibit.

The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sunday 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.