David adopts a museum

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 1988, David Johnson went down to the Poplar Bluff R-I School District office and bought the abandoned Mark Twain School for $1.00. He felt like he just rescued an old puppy from the dog pound. David turned over the keys of his “adopted” building to Sam Giambelluca, but he felt like the old scruffy building was still his baby. With David’s help, Sam turned the old Mark Twain School into the Poplar Bluff Museum and Sports Hall of Fame. Together they brought the facility up to modern building codes and into the 21st century.

The museum is a living thing to David. The wooden frame is her skeleton, the plumbing is her circulatory system, the wiring is her nervous system, the windows are her eyes, the lights are her ideas and the exhibits are her memories. David nurtured the “old girl” through good times and bad. He applied preventative medicine to her, keeping her in good health in her old age. David was frugal with the museum’s budget when it came to building costs. Through his “good old’ boy” network, he spent the donated funds wisely. When asked where he got the materials he just winked and replied, “Don’t ask.”

David is part of the museum. He is living history. Being the last original museum board member, David is an exhibit unto himself. He knows every story of every person featured in the museum and every artifact. Although he is not on display in any exhibit, every item is resting on his creations. Each display case, cabinet, wall, door knob and nail are his tapestry of artwork. You can also find David participating in every local fair, festival and event. He is on numerous non-profit committees throughout town working to the betterment of our community. We are grateful he can devote some of his time to our modest museum.

When you visit the museum, enjoy the well-manicured surroundings that house each exhibit. If David is on duty as the docent, be sure to challenge him for some stories, you won’t be disappointed.

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!