Elderly Former Enslaved Man Passes Away

Any mention of an enslaved person gets my attention, since so few of their stories remain. On the front page of the Southern Broadcast, Saturday, January 9, 1937, was the obituary of a 93 year old man named Thomas Jefferson. He had been the former personal body servant of Daniel Armand Breard, Sr. I will … Continue reading Elderly Former Enslaved Man Passes Away →

Monroe Colored High School Annex – 1936

Here is another clipping from 1936. I have never seen this before!

Fats Waller at the Savoy – 1936

I have been able to get my hands on a rare collection of Monroe African American newspapers from the mid 1930s. My jaw is continually on the ground from what I am finding! I'll be sharing some of the treasures in the next few posts. One of the first things I have found is an … Continue reading Fats Waller at the Savoy – 1936 →

The Monroe Monarchs

Did you know Monroe hosted the 1932 Negro League World Series championship game? The great Satchel Paige and several other Hall of Famers played in those games right here in Monroe against the Monroe Monarchs team. Want to know more? Watch this great video about the Monarchs here: https://ladigitalmedia.org/video_v2/asset-detail/LSWI-3424-MonroeMonarchs

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 →