Love and honor: The Kennedy saga

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.

In 1932, the Daily American Republic recognized Walter and Clara Kennedy as honored and beloved citizens. They were true pioneers in Poplar Bluff, impacting the early days of our town.

In 1882, Walter Kennedy came to Poplar Bluff from Ireland. He was descended from Irish royalty. He soon married Clara Thompson. Walter opened the first photography shop in town. The only other photographer south of St. Louis was Dwight Burnett. Walter learned his trade from Burnett. His first studio was in a tent. In the early days of the craft, one had to make their own plates and paper. Walter was soon making 1,000 prints a week. He eventually opened an upstairs studio on Main Street.

The first postcards in America were like travelogs for visitors. People sent them to friends showing where they had been. They consisted of photos of towns, streets and buildings. These postcards also showed the prosperity of the local towns. All of the early postcards from Poplar Bluff were Kennedy photographs. He documented every street and building in town.

Clara Thompson was one of the first teachers in Poplar Bluff. She began teaching as a substitute while still in high school. When she moved to Poplar Bluff, Clara saw a lot of opportunities as a teacher. There was no real school system in place. She felt that she could really contribute to the community by developing educational programs in this small town. She soon began teaching at the Benton School. After 44 years in the classroom, Clara retired. She was so respected as an educator, Poplar Bluff named their newest school after her. In 1922, the Williamson-Kennedy School (W-K School) was opened. Hattie Williamson was the other honoree.

In 1932, Walter and Clara Kennedy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Both of their biographies are recorded in “Deems History of Butler County,” on file at the Museum. Their portraits and story are on display in the People Room, as well as Walter Kennedy’s portfolio of historic photographs. The history of the W-K School is told in the Abington Haworth School House Room.

The museum is free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.