The Dispenza Grocery

George Dispenza was born in Palermo, Sicily in 1881. When he was twenty, he came to America and settled in Monroe. George opened a store at 117 DeSiard Street, although I found evidence of another store of his at the corner of 14th and Washington. I think the above photo shows him and his wife … Continue reading The Dispenza Grocery →

Tennille Ancestral Home (Limerick Plantation) is Torn Down

Can you tell I have been researching old homes a bit? This one just about makes me want to cry, since Limerick was probably built before 1810. The site is now known as the Sherrouse House next to Tennille Cemetery. News-Star, July 16, 1928, Page 5 Motorists driving out DeSiard road have been watching with … Continue reading Tennille Ancestral Home (Limerick Plantation) is Torn Down →

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to share this cozy photo of Desiard Street in snow, ready for Christmas! have a wonderful Christmas!

City Coney Island

This is the building that housed Tail Gators, across the street from the site of the Downtown Billiards Parlor. The address (as you see in the window) was 519 DeSiard Street. Just LOOK at that car!

Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s.

Well this one is stunning! I decided to see what new items are available on the Internet Archives and I found a glimpse into what Ouachita parish looked like in the 1960s. It seems like someone has uploaded an old Super 8 family movie of a family that filmed a bit in Monroe. Go to … Continue reading Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s. →

Gay’s Menswear

This photo appeared in the News-Star on February 18, 1989.

Sugar Brothers Theater

This building would eventually become the Paramount!

The Lyceum Theater

This movie theater was opened in 1909 in the 100 block of DeSiard Street and was torn down around 1928. The building was only a couple of years old when this was taken! It is only the second photo of this building I have ever seen.

DeSiard (and 3rd?) Circa 1908

One of my newest eBay finds is this postcard, which was cancelled in 1908. From looking at the 1909 Sanborn fire maps, I have it tentatively identified as being taken at the corner of 3rd and DeSiard. You can see 3rd coming in on the right almost out of frame. The brick building was a … Continue reading DeSiard (and 3rd?) Circa 1908 →

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.