Jimmie Rodgers Performs in West Monroe!

April 1st, 1930, the "Father of Country Music" himself, performed in a tent show in West Monroe. I never knew this! Here is what the Ouachita Citizen had to say a few days later: Edit: May 19, 2023 - My best guess is that this was held at the old Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds where the … Continue reading Jimmie Rodgers Performs in West Monroe! →

Part Two of the Thomas Reynolds Murder, 1848

Back in 2019, I found an article about a man on trial for the 1848 poisoning death of his father. He had ran to Texas for several years, but was found and brought back for trial. Apparently, he made a jail break! We now have a name for the murderous son. The New Orleans Times-Picayune, … Continue reading Part Two of the Thomas Reynolds Murder, 1848 →

Sterling Plantation

Take a look at this picture of Sterling Plantation taken in 1941 before the plantation burned November 2, 1944! It was built by John Taylor Sterling in the early 1800s and was the seed that planted the town of Sterlington! This is the first photo of it that I have ever seen. It was the … Continue reading Sterling Plantation →

Royal Confectionary Interior

Here is another rare postcard showing the interior of the Royal Confectionary in the 200 block of De Siard Street. Look at that tin ceiling!

The Ball Park and Race Track at Forsythe Park – 1911

Here is a rare postcard showing the old Baseball field and race track at Forsythe park where the old golf field is now! Very few photos of this section of the park exist.

A Burglar at the Slagle Home

In February, I was researching the history of the Masur Museum building, which was originally owned by the Clarence E. Slagle family. Clarence founded the Slagle lumber company. I suspect he was the original builder of the house. He named it Grey Gables, which the Masur family continued to call it when they bought it … Continue reading A Burglar at the Slagle Home →

January, The Tailor Ad – 1929

How about his ad, also from the 1929 phone book. Mr. Ibra B. January needs no introduction. He was the best tailor Monroe has ever seen and was a pioneer in the early Civil Rights movement in Monroe.

Joe Messina Seafood ad – 1929

From the 1929 telephone directory, I saw this little ad. Joe came to Monroe from Cefalu, Italy in 1906 (according to his obituary). For fifty years he ran a local grocery store. He was one of the early Italian immigrants to settle in Monroe and his descendants still are well known in Monroe today!

Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931

I found two old phone books from Monroe for sale on Ebay and bought both for the library. This ad from the 1931 phonebook caught my eye. Keep in mind, America was still under prohibition. To name your syrup, "Moon Shine" had to have been a swipe at the law! I love it! Looking around … Continue reading Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931 →

Everett True Teaches People the Value of Politeness!

Back in the 20's, the News Star ran a comic strip called "Everett True". The plot of each strip was always about Mr. True bringing punishment down on someone who had a severe lack of manners! The usual lesson involved a severe beat down! The News Star even wrote an article once stating True was … Continue reading Everett True Teaches People the Value of Politeness! →