Back in 1967, Ms. Shirley Cross Russ wrote a thesis for her study at Atlanta University, documenting the movement in Monroe to give library service to the African American community. This is one of the most detailed accounts I have found about the founding of Carver-McDonald Library. You can read it online here: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/30605734.pdf .
Tag: African-American History
The Kings of Casino Park
About ten years ago, there was a push to put a historical marker in Monroe in honor of the 1932 Monroe Monarchs baseball team at the site where they played, where Casino Park once stood. Along with that marker, a book was written called "The Kings of Casino Park". It a great detailed account of … Continue reading The Kings of Casino Park
Two Great Monroe Books
If you are interested in the African-American experience in the Monroe area, I highly recommend the above two books by Dr. James O. McHenry. They are available at the Ouachita Parish Public Library and you can buy them from your favorite book retailer.
School Integration…in 1908?
This article made me smile! Daily Enterprise-Leader (New Iberia) December 19, 1908, Page 6 Whites in Negro School. Monroe, Dec. 19. - Two Italian children are attending a private negro school with a negro teacher, who says they presented themselves and that she sees no harm in it. I found another article (New Orleans Times-Picayune, … Continue reading School Integration…in 1908?
Clark School – circa 1953
In the early 50's Carroll High School was built as the new African-American High School in Monroe. The old Monroe Colored High became Clark School for the younger kids. A teacher at the old Monroe Colored High became the new principal. Mr. B.D. Robinson is a very important educator, businessman and civil rights leader in … Continue reading Clark School – circa 1953
Monroe Colored High School
https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A307 This photo shows the school building probably not long after it was built in the mid 20's. Just a heads up: Some FABULOUS historical artifacts and photos have been donated to us last week! I can't wait to show them to you in the coming days!
Albert Gourville Breard (1892 – 1953) and woman.
https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A424 This little boy comes from the illustrious Breard and Filhiol families. His parents were Robert M. and Heloise A Filhiol Breard. The African-American lady with him is unidentified but was most likely his nanny. Her eyes caught me as soon as I saw the photo. She is decked out in her Sunday finest, wearing … Continue reading Albert Gourville Breard (1892 – 1953) and woman.
Two Unidentified Monroe Portraits
I found these on the Portal to Texas History page. One is a Mealy photo and the other is a Harper photo. This first one is the Harper photo of a middle-aged African American man. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth907704/ The second is the Mealy photo of two young African American boys in knee britches. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth907748/ I wonder who … Continue reading Two Unidentified Monroe Portraits
Ivory Joe Hunter at the Three Mile Inn
Jack Angell founded the Three Mile Inn way back in the 1930's. During WWII, it became an NCO Club for Selman Field. It is said it had a glass dance floor. Local boys would swim under the building to peek under the girls' skirts! This 1953 ad states Ivory Joe Hunter was playing at the … Continue reading Ivory Joe Hunter at the Three Mile Inn
Sidney Saunders Monument, circa 1930
This photo is interesting due to what is in the background! The monument, of course, is the Sidney W. Saunders monument in the Old City Cemetery. What strikes me about it are all the buildings in the background that are no longer there! The only one still there is the Miller Roy Building, which is … Continue reading Sidney Saunders Monument, circa 1930
