This is the building that housed Tail Gators, across the street from the site of the Downtown Billiards Parlor. The address (as you see in the window) was 519 DeSiard Street. Just LOOK at that car!
Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985
For over 52 years Bayles' Fish Market was a staple in West Monroe. It was THE place to go for the freshest fish! Opened by Mr. Albert Bayles circa 1939, he operated it until his death in 1987. It stayed open for a few more years until it was eventually sold and is now known … Continue reading Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985
The History of The Bright-Lamkin-Easterling Home
The land that the above home would be built on, was once part of Henry Bry's Mulberry Grove plantation. The Bry family sold the land to William A. Bright, a railroad baron, to build his home on. The Louisiana Review (New Orleans) April 18, 1890, page 1 Major W.A. Bright, of the H., C. A. … Continue reading The History of The Bright-Lamkin-Easterling Home
1971 Burning of Crosley Elementary
On June 9, 1971, fire broke out in the copy room of Crosley Elementary School, located at 700 Natchitoches Street. Due to the interior being of wood, the fire quickly spread. Three different fire departments were called in. Before it was over, three firefighters were hurt (one seriously) and the roof and entire second floor … Continue reading 1971 Burning of Crosley Elementary
Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives
Another thing I have noticed is that several Ouachita Parish High School Yearbooks have been digitized here, mainly from the 1960's - 1980's. You will find Ouachita, River Oaks, Carroll, St. Frederick, West Monroe and Neville. There is even one from St. Matthew! Here is a link to Neville's yearbooks: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22Neville+High+School%22 Just search the name … Continue reading Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives
Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s.
Well this one is stunning! I decided to see what new items are available on the Internet Archives and I found a glimpse into what Ouachita parish looked like in the 1960s. It seems like someone has uploaded an old Super 8 family movie of a family that filmed a bit in Monroe. Go to … Continue reading Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s.
The Murder of Frederick Ludeling
Tuesday I mentioned that Frank Stubbs' eldest son murdered John Ludeling's son Frederick near the Cedars plantation on Riverside. I now realized that I have never written about it on this blog! Here are the facts as I know them, mainly from the Ouachita Telegraph, March 25, 1881. Let me preface this by saying the … Continue reading The Murder of Frederick Ludeling
The Cedars – Plantation Home of the Stubbs Family
This one surprised me. The above home was built by Frank P. Stubbs, Sr. on Front Street (now Riverside Drive) circa 1853. This is a very historic home. A few years after it was built, Stubbs sold part of his land next door to Judge Ludeling and he built Sycamore Hall next to it. Somewhere … Continue reading The Cedars – Plantation Home of the Stubbs Family
Sycamore Hall Burns
What got me interested in researching today's post and next week's two posts was thumbing through the Genealogy Department's copy of Sycamore Hall by Sylvester Breard on Wednesday. I am pretty nosey by nature and in the past I have researched this building. When I don't find anything on a particular topic, sometimes months or … Continue reading Sycamore Hall Burns
Three Grand Openings in One Day!
November 16, 1925 was a great day in northeast Louisiana history. A grand opening banquet was being held for the Hotel Virginia in downtown Monroe. It was Monroe's newest and grandest hotel, filled with all the luxuries available at the time. A banquet was held for guests and area residents at the time to introduce … Continue reading Three Grand Openings in One Day!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 