Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Category: Uncategorized

  • Eli W. Mealy: Monroe’s Premiere Photographer

    The following article appeared in the 1893 World’s Fair Edition of the Monroe Evening News.  The Evening News was one of the two predecessors of the modern News-Star, the other…

  • The Monroe Ramada Inn

    I remember this building as a kid. It stood next to Interstate 20, right off of Hwy. 165. It always stuck out, due to a story my dad told me…

  • Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss

    The following article appeared in the Ouachita Telegraph, Saturday, November 4, 1871, Page 2, Column 4.  I believe Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss’ remains were moved in the late 1890’s, along…

  • 1907 Confederate Reunion in Monroe

    This photo was taken on January 19, 1907, in front of the Masonic Hall on Walnut Street. It was the 100th anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s birthday. The men, from…

  • An Account of a trip to Morehouse Parish

    I found this very interesting due to the prominent Ouachita parish names and events alluded to in this article. Richland Beacon-News Saturday, May 18, 1895 Page 1, Column 6            …

  • I 20 Overpass Construction Circa 1966

    This photo is from the Ouachita Parish Public Library photo collection. It shows the I 20 overpass over the Ouachita River during construction. Students are walking to the “new” Ouachita…

  • The beginning of B’Nai Israel

    The first organization of our Jewish congregation has it’s roots deep in the Civil War: New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, LA) August 31, 1861, Page 2             The Louisiana…

  • Grand Street Circa 1910

    This is a great shot up South Grand Street around 1910. The big pretty white building on the left was built in 1906, the same time the streetcars were put…

  • 1839 List of Letters

    Back in the 1800’s, people didn’t have mailboxes for home delivery. You had to come to town to get your mail. Names of those who had mail waiting on them…

  • Y.M.C.A. Building

    The above building was built in 1903 on Jackson Street, across the street from the Jewish synagogue. It was the original Y.M.C.A. building. Today, the site is a parking lot…