Semo becomes a destination in 1925

Poplar Bluff hailed new tourism opportunities in 1925, as the state park system grew alongside its road network and put Southeast Missouri on the map for vacationers. The region also celebrated new life in 1950 and begrudgingly saved an old bridge in 1975.

100 years ago

Jan. 7, 1925

• The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has declared Southeast Missouri the “Land of Outdoor Delights” following a spree of land purchases by the state. Missouri’s Game and Fish Department plans to establish preserves and state parks within its new lands, including Keener Spring. The areas are already being made more accessible to tourists thanks to road work.

The Post-Dispatch published a road map with its article, putting towns like Greenville, Poplar Bluff, Winona and Eminence on the path of the ideal scenic road trip.

75 years ago

Jan. 7, 1950

• Baby Gene Munroe Howard was born at 12:01 a.m. New Year’s Day, making him the first baby of the year in Poplar Bluff and the landslide winner of the DAR’s First Baby of the New Year contest.

Howard was born in his family’s home on D Street, weighing 7 lbs. He has two siblings. The family will receive prizes from multiple local stores and businesses.

His closest competitors arrived in this world at 10:05 p.m. Dec. 31, 1924, then 3:56 a.m. and 4:08 a.m. Jan. 1.

50 years ago

Jan. 7, 1975

• The Poplar Bluff City Council narrowly decided to convert an old railroad bridge into a pedestrian path, necessitating extensive safety improvements.

The bridge was constructed for the Frisco Railroad in 1901 and abandoned in 1967. A city councilman recommended selling the uninsured structure for scrap instead of renovating it, and City Manager David Pence estimated repairs would cost up to $15,000. A consulting engineer pitched a more manageable figure of $5,000.

The council voted 3-2 in rejecting a sale offer on the bridge. Plans will be drawn up for making it a walkway while discouraging motorcycles.