The Story

The Wright-Dalton-Bell-Anchor Department Store building stands as a testament to Poplar Bluff's resilience and determination to rebuild after the devastating 1927 tornado. Located at 201-205 S. Main Street, this impressive brick structure with terracotta embellishments was constructed in 1927-1928 to replace the original four-story Wright-Dalton store that was destroyed in the tornado.

The department store's history dates back to 1885, when it originated as the Wright and Dalton hardware business, co-founded by merchant James L. Dalton and the Wright brothers. Over the decades, the business evolved and expanded, becoming one of Poplar Bluff's premier retail destinations. James L. Dalton was not only a successful merchant but also an inventor, creating the Dalton Adding Machine in Poplar Bluff.

Following the 1927 tornado that devastated much of downtown Poplar Bluff, the owners moved quickly to rebuild. The new structure, completed in 1928, featured a modern design for its time with shaped parapets and decorative terracotta elements that added elegance to the downtown streetscape. The two-to-three-story rectangular brick building represented the latest in commercial architecture of the late 1920s.

The store operated under various names over the years, including Wright-Dalton-Bell-Anchor Department Store (often abbreviated as W-D-B-A Department Store). It served generations of Poplar Bluff residents as a full-service department store, offering everything from household goods to clothing and furnishings.

The building's architectural significance and its connection to Poplar Bluff's commercial history led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to the community's heritage and its role in the post-tornado rebuilding effort that shaped modern downtown Poplar Bluff.