The End of Travelers Rest Plantation

The Ouachita Citizen, Friday, October 4, 1946, Page 1 TRAVELERS REST MANOR IS RAZED Mrs. McGuire Will Build Modern Home at Site of Landmark "Travelers Rest," the ancient home of the McGuires and one of the oldest man-made landmarks in North Louisiana, has been completely razed to make way for a new and modern home, … Continue reading The End of Travelers Rest Plantation →

West Monroe Landmark Torn Down

Ouachita Citizen, May 26, 1933, Page 1 CITY'S LARGEST BUILDING RAZED: ONE-TIME GATHERING PLACE FOR STOCKMEN NOW ONLY A MEMORY Big Structure, Its Usefulness Ended By the Universal Acceptance of the Motor Car, and Damaged By Elements and Age, is Salvaged for Building Material Another old landmark is gone from West Monroe. For years it … Continue reading West Monroe Landmark Torn Down →

What Plantation?

This is a bit frustrating. I am familiar with the names of plantations, but I don't really know the exact area they stood in. I can tell you exactly where Limerick Plantation stood (on the site of Sherrouse House), but some of the others in that same area, nope. That is frustrating at the moment, … Continue reading What Plantation? →

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to share this cozy photo of Desiard Street in snow, ready for Christmas! have a wonderful Christmas!

City Coney Island

This is the building that housed Tail Gators, across the street from the site of the Downtown Billiards Parlor. The address (as you see in the window) was 519 DeSiard Street. Just LOOK at that car!

Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985

For over 52 years Bayles' Fish Market was a staple in West Monroe. It was THE place to go for the freshest fish! Opened by Mr. Albert Bayles circa 1939, he operated it until his death in 1987. It stayed open for a few more years until it was eventually sold and is now known … Continue reading Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985 →

The History of The Bright-Lamkin-Easterling Home

The land that the above home would be built on, was once part of Henry Bry's Mulberry Grove plantation. The Bry family sold the land to William A. Bright, a railroad baron, to build his home on. The Louisiana Review (New Orleans) April 18, 1890, page 1 Major W.A. Bright, of the H., C. A. … Continue reading The History of The Bright-Lamkin-Easterling Home →

1971 Burning of Crosley Elementary

On June 9, 1971, fire broke out in the copy room of Crosley Elementary School, located at 700 Natchitoches Street. Due to the interior being of wood, the fire quickly spread. Three different fire departments were called in. Before it was over, three firefighters were hurt (one seriously) and the roof and entire second floor … Continue reading 1971 Burning of Crosley Elementary →

Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives

Another thing I have noticed is that several Ouachita Parish High School Yearbooks have been digitized here, mainly from the 1960's - 1980's. You will find Ouachita, River Oaks, Carroll, St. Frederick, West Monroe and Neville. There is even one from St. Matthew! Here is a link to Neville's yearbooks: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22Neville+High+School%22 Just search the name … Continue reading Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives →

Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s.

Well this one is stunning! I decided to see what new items are available on the Internet Archives and I found a glimpse into what Ouachita parish looked like in the 1960s. It seems like someone has uploaded an old Super 8 family movie of a family that filmed a bit in Monroe. Go to … Continue reading Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s. →