More Information on George Byron Hamlet

I got curious in January and decided to search for Mayor Hamlet's name on Google. I found this great little website that talks about what happened to George after he left Louisiana! https://www.bhpconservancy.com/post/from-shackles-to-stature-the-unveiled-legacy-of-the-douglass-hamlet-dynasty-pioneers-politicians

Critters’ Creek

Early in 1979, Mr. Melvin Ward entered into an agreement with the city of Monroe to build a water park in Chennault Park. Construction began that spring, with a planned opening of July 1, 1979. (The park actually opened on July 21st) The crown jewel of the park would be a large water slide at … Continue reading Critters’ Creek →

The Rhythm Nightclub Fire of Natchez, MS

You may be wondering why I would talk about a fire that happened in Natchez, MS on a Ouachita Parish history blog. There is a Monroe connection. On the night of April 23, 1940 Walter Barnes and his Royal Creolians were performing at the night club for an estimated audience of 700 listeners. The Rhythm … Continue reading The Rhythm Nightclub Fire of Natchez, MS →

February 25, 1984 Black History Month Parade

Carroll High School Drum Majors Daniel Kidd and Todd Johnson lead the band down DeSiard during the 1984 Black History parade, 41 years ago today.

Ouachita Parish Runaway Slave ads

These have been collected over the years from area newspapers. It was quite common for the local law enforcement to advertise captures of runaway slaves in local newspapers, and hope word got back to their enslavers. If they were not claimed, the captive would be resold. I have always wondered how many of these men … Continue reading Ouachita Parish Runaway Slave ads →

Marbles Barbecue

Mention the above restaurant around long time Monroe resident Boomers, Silent or Greatest Generations and I guarantee a smile will creep over their face and their mouth will start watering! 1923 News-Star ad. By the 1930s, he had moved to 1000 Breard St. For more than fifty years, Marbles Barbecue was the best place in … Continue reading Marbles Barbecue →

Obituary of Frank W. Barrington

I was VERY surprised to find an obituary for Prof. Barrington in state white owned papers. This was found in the March 6, 1896 New Orleans Times Picayune on page 9. It is a very glowing tribute to one of Monroe's greatest educators and the founder of African American education in the parish.

Contributors of Ouachita Parish book

A colleague pointed this out to me late last year! Back during the Bicentennial in 1976, a group of prominent local African Americans researched and compiled a comprehensive history and biography of Ouachita Parish African Americans. The book was called, "Contributors of Ouachita Parish: A history of Blacks To Commemorate the Bicentennial of the United … Continue reading Contributors of Ouachita Parish book →

Pierce’s Pharmacy – The First Black Pharmacy in Monroe

This is an ad from the News-Star in the mid 1920's for the first African American pharmacy in Monroe, founded by R.O. Pierce.

Men of the F.D. Thompson Post American Legion

This photo shows the first members of the F.D. Thompson post American Legion just after WWII. I have never found out who the men were in the photo. Thank you to all who have served!