Here is another treasure from Nan Saulsberry! It is a report she did on the area's historic homes. The building's that are mentioned: O'Kelly House, Lower and Upper Pargoud Plantations, Fort Miro DAR Chapter House, Layton Place, Ingleside, Colonial Dames Museum [Isaiah Garrett Law Office], Boscobel, and the Filhiol Home. Keep in mind, some of … Continue reading Early Monroe Homes Report, 1966
Men of First Baptist Church, Monroe
This photo came from the collection of Nan Saulsberry. It shows the men of First Baptist Church of Monroe circa 1915. Only two are identified. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A747
Ouachita Parish History Mural
Back in 1958, Frances Flanders, Director of the Ouachita Parish Public Library, was in the middle of construction of the new Main Branch Library. Ms. Flanders wanted a statement piece to hang over the circulation desk of the new library. With the permission of the library board, Ms. Flanders commissioned Hubble Reed McBride, a Dallas … Continue reading Ouachita Parish History Mural
Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name
Back in 1953 a movement began in West Monroe to change the name of Natchitoches Street to Main Street. The DAR vehemently opposed the suggestion. You see, Natchitoches Street was part of the original trail/road between Fort Miro and Natchitoches during Filhiol's residency. Those who wanted the name changed argued that Natchitoches was too hard … Continue reading Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name
Siesta Apartment-Hotel – 1963
This rare postcard shows the Siesta, which operated at 5200 DeSiard Road (Street). The building still stands today, although the pool was long since filled in and covered. It is now known as the Economy Inn, right across the street from the Waterfront Grill!
Your Hometown Tycoon Game
About a month ago, this board game came up for sale on eBay. I had never heard of it! Apparently, in 1992, a company did a take off on the popular game of Monopoly. They did these board games for several towns around the country, Monroe included. They solicited ads to appear on the board … Continue reading Your Hometown Tycoon Game
Selber Brothers Department Store Groundbreaking – 1967
It was recently announced that the Main Branch of the Ouachita Parish Public Library will be moving next year into a building that was once part of the Twin City Mall. I remember the building as the original location of Stein Mart. Older residents will remember it as the old Selber Brothers Department Store. Here … Continue reading Selber Brothers Department Store Groundbreaking – 1967
Jimmie Rodgers Performs in West Monroe!
April 1st, 1930, the "Father of Country Music" himself, performed in a tent show in West Monroe. I never knew this! Here is what the Ouachita Citizen had to say a few days later: Edit: May 19, 2023 - My best guess is that this was held at the old Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds where the … Continue reading Jimmie Rodgers Performs in West Monroe!
Part Two of the Thomas Reynolds Murder, 1848
Back in 2019, I found an article about a man on trial for the 1848 poisoning death of his father. He had ran to Texas for several years, but was found and brought back for trial. Apparently, he made a jail break! We now have a name for the murderous son. The New Orleans Times-Picayune, … Continue reading Part Two of the Thomas Reynolds Murder, 1848
Sterling Plantation
Take a look at this picture of Sterling Plantation taken in 1941 before the plantation burned November 2, 1944! It was built by John Taylor Sterling in the early 1800s and was the seed that planted the town of Sterlington! This is the first photo of it that I have ever seen. It was the … Continue reading Sterling Plantation