Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • The Safari Lounge

    How about this rare photo? It is the Safari Lounge inside the Italian Village, located at 2400 Louisville Ave. Very 50’s décor!

  • Elvis in Monroe – 1974

    I found a few candid shots and a description of Elvis’ visit to Monroe back in 1974. It comes from an Australian fan site! https://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1974-march-7.html My Dad has told me…

  • Etta Moten Performs at the Carroll Auditorium

    Never heard of Etta Moten? Neither did I until I looked her up. Ms. Moten was the first black actress to appear on screen in a roll other than as…

  • Fats Domino at the Red Dog

    I would have LOVED to have seen this! Fats was among the first inducted class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among that first class who have also…

  • Zion Traveler Church Fellowship, circa 1945

    This photo from our collection is only identified as Zion Traveler Baptist Church. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A35 It shows people seated around tables eating, wearing their Sunday best. From the clothing, it appears…

  • Citizenship Award Winner

    From the library’s Junior Chamber of Commerce collection is this little gem of a photo. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A262 The two men are W. Carroll Royce and C.B. “Bert” Braun. However, you may…

  • A Mealy Photo Mystery.

    In the time around the Civil War, the Larkin Jamar family moved to Richland parish from Alabama. One of them went to Monroe to have E.W. Mealy take his photograph…

  • The Twin Cities Prepare For War

    Imagine the U.S. at war against a country which could send enemy planes to fly over major cities with bombs. That is exactly what the country was facing during WWII.…

  • The U.S. Waterway Dredge Boat

    This dredge boat traveled up and down the Ouachita dredging the river to make it navigable in 1921 when they were building the locks and dams system. This picture shows…

  • Episcopal Church Postcard – Circa 1929

    Grace Episcopal Church has always been a beautiful building in the Garden District (Corner of North 4th and Glenmar). This building is still there although it has been greatly expanded…