Dash to the Past — Careless drivers a growing hazard

If modern drivers irritate you, remember: they could be worse. Poplar Bluff police reported a spate of accidents in 1924 caused by careless driving, speeding, and unlit headlights. The mayor proposed stop signs to help curtail traffic violations.

In other news, a plan to dam the Current River was officially rejected in 1949, and civic improvement efforts paid dividends in 1974.

100 years ago

Nov. 15, 1924

• Poplar Bluff’s leaders want stop signs installed after a series of careless driving accidents, most recently a hit and run.

Mayor N. Davis and Police Chief Hendrickson told The Daily Republican today, “Several motorists...have become careless with their head and tail lights and have also forgotten to watch their speed.” One speeding, unlit driver cut the corner of Main and Broadway last night, struck a pedestrian, and rushed away. The pedestrian was badly bruised and is recovering at home.

Davis intends to suggest installing stop signs at various Main Street intersections during the next city council meeting.

75 years ago

Nov. 15, 1949

• Plans to dam the Current River have officially run dry. Army Engineers Chief Maj. Gen. Lewis Pick stated, “The Congress would not authorize funds for the work with the opposition shown by residents.”

The Army Engineers’ proposal to dams the Current River drew considerable controversy from locals, landowners, conservationists, and members of the state government because the resulting reservoirs would’ve flooded tens of thousands of acres, putting small towns, farms and protected land like Big Spring and Alley Spring underwater. A town hall meeting on the project held last month turned into a 24-hour protest against it.

Several regional business sectors supported the dams for Current River flood control and potential tourism revenue.

50 years ago

Nov. 15, 1974

• A massive civic improvement effort paid off for Poplar Bluff residents today. The Insurance Service of Missouri announced it re-rated Poplar Bluff from seventh to sixth class for fire insurance, lowering the rates by 6.6% for property owners.

The decision came after improvements to the water department, fire department and streets, all funded with a one-cent sales tax. Around $500,000 was used to modernize and expand the Poplar Bluff Fire Department. Another $1.5 million went towards the largest street repaving project in the city’s history. City Water Department distribution facilities were also upgraded.