Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Author: Lora Diane Peppers

  • Jerry Lee Lewis

    In a small, nondescript building located in the 400 block of DeSiard Street, was a dance/pool hall named Blackie’s Club, located above the People’s Clothing store. One of the biggest…

  • Another Photo From the LA Purchase Ball Reenactment, 1953

    This one made me smile! Who is that under that fake beard? Yes, that is former Governor and TV/Radio station founder, James A. Noe! I would guess the “King” was…

  • Claire Lee Chennault

    I’m just SO excited! I’m getting way ahead of the department by posting this, but I couldn’t wait! I took these two photos with my cell phone, so sorry about…

  • Howard Griffin, Inc. Receipt

    The second Monroe related paper I found was a receipt from Howard Griffin, Inc. with my Dad’s name on it! Mom and Dad weren’t even married yet! I wonder if…

  • The Monroe News-Star/ Monroe Morning World Receipt

    My Mom received from a sister, a box of her father’s papers from the late 1960’s. He lived in a small town in Central Louisiana. While going through them, I…

  • First African-American Firefighters in Monroe – 1874

    Did you know that Monroe had an all-black Fire Company crew during Reconstruction? They organized in early 1874 and since the Ouachita Fire Company, No 1 had just gotten a…

  • The Klan Wanted to Have a Parade in Monroe on Mardi Gras Day.

    In early February of 1925, Mayor Arnold Bernstein and Commissioner Will Atkinson received the following letter from a member of the Monroe KKK: Monroe, Louisiana,February 7th, 1925 To the Honorable…

  • “Twain” by William Gilbert Faulk

    Last year in my favorite antique store on Antique Alley, I found this little book. I bought it, thinking the library did not have a copy. We did. I have…

  • First Church of Christ Scientist

    This congregation first organized in Monroe in the late 1909. After bouncing around in several buildings in Monroe, they built an edifice on the corner of Auburn and N. 2nd…

  • Frances Hotel Rumpus Room

    Did you know the Frances Hotel had a beer bar? Yep! It was put in after prohibition. Later, a ladies cocktail room was added. The bar was made of mahogany…