I think I may have just found a hidden time capsule! At the DAR Chapter House, on the grounds of the Courthouse, sit two benches, in honor of the founding of Fort Miro. I’ve never thought anything about them. Two weeks ago, browsing the old Monroe newspapers, I found an article in the March 10, 1940 Monroe Morning World about the DAR holding a cornerstone ceremony.
Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly where the cornerstone was placed! I don’t see any marker for it around the building. Newspapers state it was buried “nearby” the two stone benches.Other descriptions state “A bronze tablet flanked by two stone benches will be placed on the courthouse square at this time.” However, the article (and a few others) describe what the ladies placed in the brass box:
A sworn statement of the actual location and a plat showing the placement of Fort Miro, made by J.R. Humble.
The first year book of the Fort Miro D.A.R. chapter.
A list of charter members.
The 1940 D.A.R. yearbook.
I haven’t heard that the box had been found and opened in the past, so it may still be buried somewhere on the courthouse lawn!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 