Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • Armistice Day Celebration Program, November 11, 1937

    This one is incredible! It is a program of the Disabled American Veterans group for Armistice Day, celebrated at the old Monroe Colored High School. Some of the names of…

  • Christmas Festival Program For Neville High School, December 22, 1931

    https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A72 This is a rare little document from our collection. According to the News Star, this was held at Neville High school and after the program the public was invited…

  • Campaign Postcards

    Another part of our political collection are some old postcards candidates mailed to registered voters. This one is for Monroe Mayoral candidate, Elmer Slagle (he didn’t win!) https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A80 How about…

  • William Care Garnett – First Principal of Monroe City High School?

    I would say William C. Garnett would count as Monroe High School’s first principal. In the mid 1890’s Garnett appeared in Monroe and began work as the Assistant Principal at…

  • Voting ballots of Ouachita Parish

    Among the items my colleague has found going through the vertical files are some very old political items. Among them are some old sample ballots: April 7th, 1931 Democratic Primary…

  • 200 Block of DeSiard, circa 1920

    What you are looking at is a view up DeSiard street circa 1920. It is the 200 block of DeSiard. To get a sense of where you are, Art Alley…

  • Monroe Natatorium Salt Water Pipe.

    https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A61 This postcard shows one of the pipes that filled the Natatorium pool, probably taken in the 1910’s. If you look close, you can also see the steam/gas coming out.…

  • A Political Postcard featuring Mayor A.A. Forsythe

    https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A62 This is a postcard from our collection showing a rooster and a photo of Mayor Forsythe. Why a rooster you may ask? The symbol of the Democratic party was…

  • A List of Past Principals of Ouachita Parish High School

    I got curious last week and decided to compile a list of all the Principals who have served OPHS. I started all the way back in 1894 when the Original…

  • Ouachita Parish High School’s First Principal

    Meet Mr. Henry E. Chambers, OPHS’ very first principal! I was shocked when his photo came up associated with the school. Henry Chambers is well known in my department for…