Train derailment rips up tracks in Wayne County

No injuries were reported after a dramatic derailment in 1975, though several hundred yards of track were ripped apart. In other news today, the Poplar Bluff Chamber proposed incorporating Poplar Bluff’s suburbs into city limits, and a county-run nursing home closed its doors.

100 years ago

Feb. 6, 1925

• The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce recommended an ambitious annexation plan today, based on civic expansion in Cape Girardeau.

“By extending the city limits, the outlying sections would receive the same fire protection, city water and light services and many other conveniences enjoyed by this city,” said President W.H. Meredith. His plan would bring in the Kellytown, Vinigar Hill and Ashcroft Addition communities, which raise Poplar Bluff’s population to 12,000 and increase the city’s assessed valuation. Extensive discussion is expected at upcoming chamber meetings.

Through a similar plan, Cape Girardeau recently buoyed its population to around 16,000.

75 years ago

Feb. 6, 1950

• As the Butler County Farm Home for elderly and disabled patients crumbles, its last residents are moving to other facilities.

Ten elderly residents will be transferred St. James tomorrow, according to an agreement made today between the county and Ferndale Nursing Home. The county will pay Ferndale $30 per person, per month for their care. One senior citizen will instead live independently at his former home, which adjoined the county farm, and a disabled man is being moved to a state institution.

The County Farm was slated for closure after a fire and safety inspection found it dangerously derelict.

50 years ago

Feb. 6, 1975

• The Missouri Pacific Railroad is cleaning up a massive derailment in Wayne County today. Eighteen of Local 715’s 45 cars left the rails early this morning, ripping up several hundred yards of ribbon track and road bed near Granite Pass. No injuries were reported and the derailment’s cause is unknown.

Railroad officials estimated repairs would be made by nightfall.