The Shooting of W.S. Wade

Written for Louisiana Road Trips back in 2013: August 22nd of 1909 was an exciting day in the little town of Monroe. A fire burned down Capt. L.D. McLain's lumber mill, just north of where the old cotton seed oil mill still stands. It was estimated that the loss would exceed $100,000. People were … Continue reading The Shooting of W.S. Wade →

The Salt Water Natatorium

The Salt Water natatorium was a happy accident caused by Mayor Forsythe. The good mayor had authorized drilling in the Monroe park to look for oil in 1909. Instead, the rig hit a lot of salt water and a little natural gas. Someone lit the gas and it was a novelty to come see water … Continue reading The Salt Water Natatorium →