Momo the Monster?
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LOUISIANA, MO. -- July 11, 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the two-week-long scare known as “Momo Mania” in Louisiana, Mo.
Sightings of a strange ape-like creature had been reported along the Highway 79 corridor between Hannibal and Louisiana since the 1930s (including near Frankford in 1970 and north of Louisiana in 1971,) but a sighting in Louisiana on July 11, 1972, by some children drew national attention from the media, scientists and Bigfoot buffs.
The city was overwhelmed by the attention. People drove in from other states to try and catch a glimpse of the creature.
A couple of songs, one that’s still played occasionally on KJFM radio now based in Bowling Green, were written and recorded, which helped turn the story into a legend.
Click here to listen to a tribute to Momo composed, published and performed by Scott Cooper.
For years afterward, Louisiana businesses capitalized by hosting “Momo Days.”
Click here for a link to a Momo Documentary done back in 2008 by a high school media tech/video production class. We haven't been able to contact those involved with the production of the video, but if you were, we'd love to hear from you at 217-222-6206.
Join the Momo discussion on our Facebook page here!
Brent Engle contributed to this story.
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