A romantic drive on Highway 67 North ended with a car theft in 1924. The unfortunate driver was left concussed while authorities sought his date and an unknown passenger, who they believed were in cahoots. This crime would likely have failed if attempted 50 years later — a new Troop E headquarters in that area neared completion in 1974.
__100 years ago__
Oct. 2, 1924
• A man on a romantic drive ended the evening concussed and robbed. Deputies believe his date was in on the scheme.
Though the victim, Clarence Johnson, was unable to give a “connected account of (the) affair” when interviewed, police deduced Johnson took a female friend named Dessie Johnson for an evening ride and let her drive his car. She stopped to pick up a man Johnson didn’t know, and this passenger took the back seat as they continued north from Poplar Bluff.
When they were well past civilization, he struck Johnson in the head from behind.
Johnson came to on the side of the road and stumbled toward civilization until a taxi driver chanced by. He brought Johnson to a Poplar Bluff hospital, where he remains today as he recovers from a severe concussion and several lacerations to his head.
Deputy Sheriff Clyde Hogg believes Brown and the unknown passenger conspired to steal Johnson’s car. No sign of them was found today.
__75 years ago__
Oct. 2, 1949 — No issues available.
__50 years ago__
Oct. 2, 1974
• Delays slowed but haven’t stopped construction of the new Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E headquarters. The facility is rising along Highway 67 North near Poplar Bluff and expands Troop E’s office space from under 3,000 square feet to 14,000. The project’s total cost is $693,000, including radio equipment and towers, a pistol range and furnishings.
Contractor David Ross told the Daily American Republic the building should be “substantially finished by Christmas.” This was echoed by architect Ralph Oberlechner, who noted additional features like the emergency generator may not arrive until next spring.