The Story

After the tornado of May 9, 1927 destroyed the original Holcomb foundry and machine works at 623 South Fifth Street, owner William Allen Holcomb moved quickly to reconstruct one of Poplar Bluff's established industrial enterprises.

On May 13, 1927, just four days after the disaster, the Daily American Republic reported that the Holcomb plant would be rebuilt without delay. The original structure had been almost completely destroyed, but the company intended to continue its foundry and machine-shop operations.

By June 29, 1927, work had begun on a modern reinforced-concrete replacement. The newspaper described plans for a two-story main building measuring approximately 60 by 80 feet, together with a one-story rear addition measuring 30 by 60 feet. Monolith Builders Company of Kansas City was identified as the contractor.

An advertisement published on May 9, 1928, the first anniversary of the tornado, celebrated the company's reconstruction and described its reinforced-concrete facility as larger and better than before.

Industrial Operations

The rebuilt works continued to provide a wide range of manufacturing, repair, and industrial supply services. A 1928 advertisement documented brass and gray iron casting, including castings for manholes, catch basins, water-main components, curb boxes, and meter boxes. The company also advertised welding, forging, sheet-iron work, machinery repair, mill supplies, steam engines, farm machinery work, and industrial fittings, making it an important part of the city's industrial economy and a support to businesses, mechanical equipment, and infrastructure throughout the surrounding region.

The Holcomb Family

William Allen Holcomb remained associated with the business until his retirement in 1940. His son, Frank Hoysardt Holcomb, subsequently directed and eventually owned the operation. Frank had graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1909, attended the University of Missouri's School of Engineering, and earlier worked as chief electrician for the Wabash Railroad.

A December 31, 1954 newspaper feature documented Holcomb's heavy hardware business at 623 South Fifth Street, describing an extensive inventory of tools, welding supplies, plumbing equipment, electrical supplies, industrial fittings, belts, and pulleys. The feature's exterior photograph, showing the words "HOLCOMB MACHINE WORKS" across the facade, is the image shown above.

Frank Holcomb remained the owner of Holcomb Machine Works until his death on March 3, 1957. The later history of the business and the building has not yet been established, and the present condition of the building has not been verified.

Historical Significance

The rebuilt Holcomb Foundry & Machine Works represents both Poplar Bluff's industrial heritage and the city's recovery following the devastating 1927 tornado. The company's reconstruction within months of the disaster reflects the determination of local businesses to restore industrial activity, and its continued operation through the 1950s demonstrates the lasting importance of machine shops, foundries, and industrial supply businesses to the regional economy.