Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • “Dr. Box” The Apple Man: Mr. Thomas “Tom” Davidson Reid

    Among Monroe’s beloved colorful characters was a fruit salesman named Tom Reid. When Mr. Reid could no longer walk the streets of Monroe peddling his wares, he ran errands for…

  • From Indian Trails to Modern Highways: A History of (the) Ouachita Parish Road System

    In 1939, a little informational magazine was put together about the history of Ouachita Parish roads and their development. Sprinkled throughout the document are Griffin photos taken all over the…

  • Charter Members of the Monroe Chapter, N.A.A.C.P.

    Monday, I found that the Library of Congress had the records of the N.A.A.C.P., including local level chapters. After consulting with my boss about it, she wrote them inquiring how…

  • The Naming of Lake Beulah

    The Times-Democrat (New Orleans, LA) June 7, 1906, Page 10 The engineering corps of the Municipal Street Railway and Forsythe Park have asked the privilege of naming the beautiful lake…

  • Weaks Iron Works and Supply Company Ad, circa 1911.

    The above ad appeared in a local paper about 110 years ago. It shows pictures of two buildings, owned by the Weaks Iron Works and Supply Company The one on…

  • The Woman’s Shop

    What Fink the Tailor was to men’s clothing, the Woman’s Shop was to women’s fashion. In the 1960’s a branch was opened on North 18th street, which is now the…

  • Fink the Tailor

    Anyone who grew up in Monroe remembers Fink the tailor. A right of passage into adulthood was to go have a suit made at Fink’s. He was one of Monroe’s…

  • D. Masur and Sons Clothing Store, 1935

    Another little clipping I found shows the building that once stood at 101 DeSiard Street. It was a men’s clothing store. So much of Monroe’s history has been lost in…

  • Ouachita Parish Courthouse in 1935

    This shows the current courthouse before the wings were added on the sides. It is still a pretty building!

  • South Grand Street Covered in Snow, circa 1870.

    The above photo has been reproduced several times through the years. I don’t know where the original is, or even if it is still in existence. According to the caption,…