Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Oldest Camellia Trees in Ouachita Parish

I found a fun little article in the September 29, 1963 Monroe Morning World, describing the oldest known Camellia plants in the parish. Three were documented.

The oldest was a plant of the variety known as the Henry Bry, growing at Layton Castle. It was also known as the Woodville Red. It was brought from France in the early 1800’s. Apparently, cuttings of the Henry Bry Camellia were found in many yards of the area.

The second oldest appeared to be at the Logtown plantation (“…Filhiol plantation south of Monroe.”) It was planted by Jean Baptist Filhiol’s son, John Filhiol in 1848. According to the article, “It is now massive in size.”

Finally, the third plant, a variety they called an “Alba Plena” was located in the backyard of 1804 Island Drive. It was originally planted at the “old Breard Home.”

I wonder if any of them are still around?

3 responses to “Oldest Camellia Trees in Ouachita Parish”

  1. Ricky Smith Avatar
    Ricky Smith

    Hi, Lora. My name is Ricky Smith. As a youth I spent a lot of time in the Grayling Bend of the Ouachita River. I became interested in the Grayling Lumber Company that once existed there. Many years ago I was walking along the river bank and discovered small steel disc that were the size of coins. They were engraved or embossed with the name ” Grayling Lumber Company” and a monetary value was embossed on each one, such as 5, 10 or 25 cents. I lost most of these. I gave the last one to David Sherman at the Kha hits Parish Librzry. He was going to archive the coin. This suggests to me that there was a company store. Do you have any information on the store?

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    1. Lora Diane Peppers Avatar
      Lora Diane Peppers

      I’ve never seen one, but that definitely sounds like a store token! That is a rare piece of history!

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      1. Ricky L Smith Avatar
        Ricky L Smith

        Regarding the lumber companies that existed in the Grayling Bend of the Ouachita River. there is one existing structure on the bank of the river that can still be preserved with a photo if anyone is interested. When logs were floated down the river to the sawmill, they had to be captured and brought to the river bank. The structure that I mention is a concrete pillar about 6 foot wide with a gear on top. I think it was likely used to bring the logs to the river bank. The river bank has been eroding over the years. The last time I saw this concrete structure, it was leaning toward the river and covered in vines. In time it will be gone. It is a relic of times gone by.

        I would take a photo of this structure, but I live in Texas. I last saw the structure about 5 years ago, while taking a canoe trip to Logtown. When I was a growing up, we would climb on top of this concrete structure. The top was flat and we could see the rusted gear.

        Earlier this year I donated a bronze sculpture to the Ouachita Public Library. Ms Chatham advised me that it would be displayed at the new library. The sculpture is titled “Summer on the Ouachita”. I hope you will take time to see it.

        Ricky Smith

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