Monroe Grammar School Band

The above parade of fifth and sixth grade boys was taken in the mid 1930's on St. John Street. The boys in the band were selected from Sherrouse, Georgia Tucker, Lida Benton and Barkdull Faulk elementary schools. You can see on the right is First Baptist Church and next to it is the old U.S. … Continue reading Monroe Grammar School Band →

Meet The Hasleys

These two photos were found in Dr. E. Russ Williams' collection. They are Phinetta Wooten Newman Hasley and her second husband, David Hasley. You are probably familiar with Hasley Cemetery, which was named for them. It is where both of them are buried. Some of you may not know that Phinetta was a philanthropist on … Continue reading Meet The Hasleys →

Men of First Baptist Church, Monroe

This photo came from the collection of Nan Saulsberry. It shows the men of First Baptist Church of Monroe circa 1915. Only two are identified. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A747

First Baptist Church Monroe

Here is another photo we have showing a group of children with their care givers in front of the doors of First Baptist Church, Monroe in 1964. You can see St. Matthew in the background, looking down Grammont Street. None of the people in the photo are identified. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-bsc%3A30 This second photo shows the interior … Continue reading First Baptist Church Monroe →

Reverend L.T. Hastings Photos

To go along with Tuesday's post, the library has two photos in our collection of Reverend Hastings and one has his wife Cora as well! https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A667 https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A668

Autobiography of Rev. Luther T. Hastings

Last month, I stumbled across this website, which transcribed the remembrances of former First Baptist Church pastor, the Rev. L.T. Hastings. He served Monroe between 1925 and 1949. His time in Monroe seems quite the saga! His beginnings in Monroe remind me of the opposition to Father Gergaud when he first came to Monroe! I … Continue reading Autobiography of Rev. Luther T. Hastings →

First Baptist Church, Monroe Postcard

This is a great shot of the First Baptist Church building when it was brand new. Of course, it is now well over 100 years old! https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A55

Corner of Grammont and St. John

I love this old photo! It was taken looking up St. John street near the intersection with Grammont Street. You can see the old post office, First Baptist Church and the old City Hall.

First Baptist Church of Monroe

This is an old postcard that shows the First Baptist Church of Monroe not long after it was constructed in 1911. It was built on the site of the original church and still stands on the same site.

St. John Street Looking North

From the look of the cars, the above photo would have been taken in the 20's. On the west side of the street we can see the old City Hall, the Virginia Hotel and Ouachita National Bank building. On the East side are First Baptist Church, the Old Post Office, Monroe Office Supply/Durrett's Furniture and … Continue reading St. John Street Looking North →