While they were on their way to Anna, Mills and Brock decided to make a pit stop in Poplar Bluff. Their impromptu landings and joyrides were known as “Barnstorming.” When they arrived, locals greeted them as the first aviators to land there. However, their welcome was colder than they had hoped.
With little money, they pressed on to their next stop in Anna. After another quick show in Cape Girardeau, they made it to the County Fair, where things took a tragic turn. During their performance, their aircraft—a makeshift flying machine—crashed. One pilot lost his life, and the other was seriously hurt. This incident highlighted the dangers of barnstorming, pushing the government to take action.
In 1926, Congress passed the “Air Commerce Act,” creating the “Bureau of Air Commerce,” a forerunner to today’s FAA. This was a crucial step in making air travel safer.
Over the years, Poplar Bluff has embraced aviation. In 1939, the “National Aeronautical Association of U.S.A.” awarded a charter to the “Poplar Bluff Aero Club,” which started with 25 members. The story of these early aviators was later featured in the “Daily American Republic” as part of the city’s 100th-anniversary celebration. The club’s charter is now displayed at the Poplar Bluff Museum, which is free and accessible to everyone.
This journey shows not just the thrill of early aviation but also the importance of safety regulations that came from those reckless beginnings. Today, the aviation industry has strict guidelines that help ensure safer flights for everyone.
For those interested in aviation history, the Poplar Bluff Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and celebrates the town’s connection to the skies.
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