Christmas Fiesta Parade Float – 1939

This first photo shows a float lined up waiting to start the parade. From the angle of the photo, they were parked along Elysian Fields, next to the Old City Cemetery. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A544 This next photo shows the same float, now on DeSiard Street between the Palace and the Style Shop. Notice the banner over the … Continue reading Christmas Fiesta Parade Float – 1939 →

The Greek-American Confectionery Company – 1911

The Monroe News-Star, December 16, 1911. GREEK-AMERICAN CONFECTIONERY. One of the well known, old established, and well patronized confectionery establishments in the city is the Greek-American Confectionery which is located at 236 DeSiard street. This is one of the best places in the city to come for home-made candies, etc. A full line of chocolates … Continue reading The Greek-American Confectionery Company – 1911 →

Downtown Monroe, 1972

Who would have thought that two photos of downtown Monroe in the summer of 1972, could be found in the collection of a New York art museum? The Metropolitan Museum of Art no less! Today, on the 151st anniversary of their opening, I thought I would share a Monroe item found in their collection! The … Continue reading Downtown Monroe, 1972 →

Meyer’s Star Emporium

This building was located where Walnut enters DeSiard Street. Most remember the site as where the Style Shop was located. Just a heads up: Tomorrow I will be doing a program on the History of Ouachita Parish Public Library for the Library's Facebook page at 10:30 am. Tune in if you can, or catch it … Continue reading Meyer’s Star Emporium →

Central Savings Bank & Trust Co. Building

This building was built in 1923 at the corner of DeSiard and Jackson Streets in 1923.

The Woman’s Shop

What Fink the Tailor was to men's clothing, the Woman's Shop was to women's fashion. In the 1960's a branch was opened on North 18th street, which is now the location of Fiesta Nutrition Center. The original though, once stood on the corner of Walnut and DeSiard.

Army Day Parade, circa 1945

Every year on Army day in the 1940's, the military would parade down DeSiard Street. This is a photo from the Digital Library That I think shows one of those parades: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A36 You can see the Phoenix Drug Store, People's Homestead, the Alexander Hotel and Primos Cafe in the shot!

The 1948 Water Carnival Parade

This is a photo of a parade entry in Monroe's Water Carnival Parade held by the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1948: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A246 I wish I knew the gentleman driving the Model T! This was held on DeSiard Street and you can see some of the businesses that were there, such as Howard Brothers Jewelry, … Continue reading The 1948 Water Carnival Parade →

DeSiard Street Circa 1926

This shows the 300 block of DeSiard Street, looking west towards the river. The first building on the left was T. John, which was a clothing store. It was located at 328 DeSiard. Of course, the prominent buildings in the shot are the Theater on the right and the Ouachita National Bank Building on the … Continue reading DeSiard Street Circa 1926 →

LSU Glee Club Performs in Monroe – 1918

On March 15, 1918, the LSU Glee Club arrived in Monroe for a performance the next day at the City High School Auditorium. This photo of a street performance: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/state-lhp%3A10138 was shot probably on the 16th in front of Wexler's Cigar Store. It's address was 206 DeSiard Street, which is now a parking lot next … Continue reading LSU Glee Club Performs in Monroe – 1918 →