Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • Shorty the Hot Tamale Man.

    If you were here during the time period of 1931-1969, you may remember the hot tamale man named Vincent “Shorty” Guiterrez. Mr. Guiterrez settled in Monroe from Mexico in 1919.…

  • Balsamo Esso Station – 1963

    Check out this 1963 ad of the Balsamo Esso Station, owned by Mr. James J. Balsamo across from the College in the 4000 block of DeSiard. I am assuming that…

  • The Voter Purge of 1956

    Imagine getting a notice from the Voter’s Registration Office that there is something wrong with your voting registration and you need to come in to the office at the courthouse…

  • Northeast Louisiana State College – Circa 1968

    I am guessing this aerial shot of the college was taken in the late 60’s since the back mentions being an “…Entertainment center of the Gulf Southwest.” That gives me…

  • The New Main Branch

    In 1959, photographer Earl B. Williams went to the brand new Main Branch and thoroughly documented it inside and out. The books weren’t even placed inside yet! You can see…

  • A New Fire Truck for the Monroe Fire Department

    Here is another ebay find. It shows a brand new fire truck that had been ordered by the Monroe Fire Department. The ebay ad says it dated to 1926, but…

  • The Golden Eagle Military Band

    While browsing on ebay a few weeks ago, I saw this photo pop up on my list: I immediately recognized the photo as a member of the Golden Eagle Military…

  • A List of Known Ouachita Parish Funeral Homes

    I decided to make a rough list of known Funeral Homes that have popped up in Ouachita Parish and roughly when they started. I know this list is incomplete. This…

  • When was the White’s Ferry Road Bridge Opened?

    Last month, a patron came in and asked when the bridge was built over D’Arbonne bayou at White’s Ferry. I must admit, I was caught flat-footed. I had never been…

  • Endom Bridge?

    This is another postcard that claims to be the old traffic bridge (Now Endom) in Monroe. Some things seem “off” to me. For one, I really don’t see the railroad…