Centenarians are written in history

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.

A centenarian is defined as a person who is 100 or more years old. Do you know a centenarian? It’s not that unusual. Many of our neighbors have achieved that landmark in their life. As of 2024, there have been 62, some still living. Do you know someone, past or present, who meets the criteria? If so, we want to help celebrate their life. Just fill out a form at the Poplar Bluff Museum or contact us at kati@pbmuseum.org. They will be added to our Centenarian Book. The book contains newspaper articles, photos, obituaries and other documentation relating to our esteemed citizens.

Our oldest recorded centenarian is Phillip Jones. He passed away in 1911 at the age of 111. Two other Butler County residents, Ben Hodge and Tom Kemp, passed away in 1931 and 1932, both at the age of 120. There is an asterisk next to their names indicating that these facts couldn’t be verified by the Federal Census.

The Centenarian Book is continuously updated by Butler County historian and author Kati Ray. The book is on display in the People Room. The museum is open free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.