LOUISIANA, Mo. — The Louisiana Area Historical Museum is observing the 50th anniversary of the first sighting of Mo Mo the Missouri Monster in Pike County. Pictured is Connor Harrison imitating the creature outside the museum at 304 Georgia. Inside, patrons will find a window display and a free story about the beast. In July 1971, Joan Mills and Mary Ryan were returning to St. Louis on Highway 79 when they stopped for a picnic northwest of Louisiana. They claim a huge, hairy “half-ape, half-man” came out of the woods. It had a horrible odor and made gurgling sounds. The women got away and the incident was largely kept quiet by authorities, but additional sightings in Louisiana a year later brought national attention. Mo Mo is still the source of stories, a song, movies, television programs and conversation. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.