Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • Gift of the Ouachita: A Film about the History of Ouachita Parish

    Did you know that there is a film on the history of Monroe and the surrounding area? Back in 1955 or so, Dr. George Brian, a theater professor at Northeast…

  • West Monroe Meat Market

    This business was in the 200 block of Trenton Street in West Monroe, and was owned by G.L. Mills.

  • West Monroe 4th of July Parade, 1904

    This was identified, “First Prize in parade on Trenton Street, July 4th, 1904, Mrs. Louise Williams, Mrs. Silvia Cooley.” In the background can be seen the G.B. Haynes building, which…

  • Early Map of Cottonport

    This is a map of West Monroe before it was West Monroe! Back in the 1800’s it was known as Cottonport. You can see Cypress Street which is still there.

  • Doc’s Meat Market

    Monday of last week I shared a picture of the outside of Doc’s Meat Market, owned by G.C. “Doc” Moore on Commerce Street in West Monroe. This is the same…

  • R. P. Benson, Jr. Feed Sale and Livery Stable

    On the back of this photocopy was written, “200 Block Trenton, West Monroe, LA”.

  • McClure Saw Mill

    This one was located in West Monroe along the river. Ouachita had a thriving timber industry at one time.

  • Minnie Market Ruffin

    Minnie Markette was born in MS in the year 1870. On Dec. 26, 1895 in Water Valley, MS, she married Tom Ruffin. The couple had no children. After her husband…

  • Myrtle Rodgers

    Myrtle was born in Alabama and moved to Louisiana as a young girl. She received her degree from Northwestern and masters from LSU. Upon completion of her degree, she taught…

  • Sallie Graham Lacy Humble

    Sallie was born in August 30, 1863 at Boscobel plantation to John Randolph Lacy and Emma Prothro of St. Maurice Plantation on the Red River. She was educated under Thomas…