The 16th of last month, I lead a beginning genealogy lecture at one of the local libraries. We were having technical difficulties with the projector set up, and IT was called. I continued my talk. We were discussing the lack of documentation of African American cemeteries in the area, when one of the IT people … Continue reading A Cemetery Puzzle
Author: ouachitaparishhistory
Genealogy librarian with 28 years experience in the library field.
John Peyton Parker
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed this carte de vise photograph come up for sale on eBay. It was signed on the back and front saying it was a portrait of John P. Parker from December, 1877. I couldn't let it go and paid way too much for it. I am a sucker for … Continue reading John Peyton Parker
An Early Map of Northwest Ouachita Parish
How about an 1848 landowners map of northwestern Ouachita Parish? It is based on an earlier 1813 map! https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A751
Claire Chennault, President and Madam Chiang Kai-shek
The State Archives in Baton Rouge has a Claire Chennault collection which they are digitizing for the Louisiana Digital Library. Two photos have been uploaded to the collection, showing the General with the President of China and his wife. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/lsa-chennault:collection
Early Monroe Homes Report, 1966
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
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 