More than 60 people braved rainy weather on Saturday afternoon in Poplar Bluff to witness the dedication of a new monument to the 86 lives lost in the historic tornado that struck the city on May 9, 1927.
The memorial rests on the grounds of the Frisco Depot downtown, an appropriate location due to the fact the previous depot was one of the many buildings wiped out on that fateful day.
Kati Ray, with the Poplar Bluff Museum and Butler County Historical Society, hosted the event. She recognized the many people and organizations who cooperated to make the vision of a memorial a reality.
“It is a community effort to preserve our history,” she said.
Ray paid tribute to Jay Githens and Shon Griffin, whom she credited with the original idea for creating the memorial.
In addition, many community entities played a role in its creation, including the Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum board, the Poplar Bluff Museum, the Butler County Historical Society, the Poplar Bluff Historical Preservation Commission and the Poplar Bluff City Council and city government officials.
Poplar Bluff Monument Works created the memorial.
“The teardrop shape represents the many tears shed for the lives lost and the devastation to our town,” Ray said. “The memorial, including the base, stands 86 inches tall, representing each of those lives lost.”
She recognized those in attendance whose family members were among those who perished in the tornado.
“Buildings can be replaced, but those lives cannot be replaced,” she said.
Poplar Bluff Mayor Steve Davis recounted the events of that afternoon in his remarks.
“On May 9, 1927, on a Monday afternoon between 3:13 and 3:17, a large tornado ripped through Poplar Bluff in this very vicinity and left a swath of destruction over several blocks,” Davis said.
“When the day ended, it was a picture of carnage and much destruction. At least 86 citizens lost their lives, numerous were injured, and many families displaced in a matter of a few seconds.
“That day did not end well for Poplar Bluff. But in spite of all that tragedy and all that darkness, the goodness of those victims and what they stood for, that was not destroyed.”
He also spoke of the meaning of the memorial in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
“Hopefully, this memorial will somehow ameliorate the sadness of that day so many years ago, and it will be an appropriate honor for those who lost their lives,” Davis said.
“This is a beautiful monument for all those to contemplate its reach, and I believe if we could hear their voices at this very moment they would be saying, ‘Thank you for remembering us, and thank you for telling our story.’”
City Manager Matt Winters said, “I think it’s important that we remember our history, especially events like this that helped create and shape Poplar Bluff.”
“To remember those who were lost in the tragedy,” Winters said, “it’s nice to have this memorial in their memory as a symbolic piece of rebuilding our downtown.”
Winters also cited the citizens and organizations who contributed to the memorial. “Many people have contributed a lot of resources, time and energy telling the history of Poplar Bluff.”
Ray also listed the memorial’s donors: Joyanne Githens Bates, Butler County Historical Society, Cape Electrical Supply, Larry & Ann Cotrell, Charlotte Craig, Ron & Laura Dowd, Edmundson, Innes & Warren Law Firm LLC, Jay & Terry Githens, Rose Anne Barbour Huck, Larry Hillis Dodge, Dr. & Mrs. John R. Loughead, Becky W. McRoberts, Steve & Kati Ray, Scott & Erin Sanders, John R. Stanard, Jane Barbour Walters, Angela & Greg West, Bonnie Gray Wolpers Family, and Emily Kinder Wolpers.