This next photo is the Salt Water Natatorium from an angle I have never seen before. You can clearly see the Pavilion off to the right. I think in the background you can see the Ouachita River, which gives you an idea how close it was to the river!
Tag: Forsythe Park
The Naming of Lake Beulah
The Times-Democrat (New Orleans, LA) June 7, 1906, Page 10 The engineering corps of the Municipal Street Railway and Forsythe Park have asked the privilege of naming the beautiful lake which will be the chief attraction and ornament of the city when the park is completed, and have, out of compliment to the wife of … Continue reading The Naming of Lake Beulah
Windmill at Forsythe
Did you know that Forsythe Park once had a big windmill? It was built to hide something. In the February 20, 1930 issue of the Monroe News-Star was the following article: Windmill at Forsythe Monroe citizens yesterday read with approval that the city is building a rustic windmill enclosing the salt water well at Forsythe … Continue reading Windmill at Forsythe
Chlorine wading at the Forsythe Pool
Anyone remember having to do this? https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/state-lwp%3A166 This was right before you got in the pool at the Forsythe park. It was to kill any germs and bacteria that may be on your feet!
An unusual view of the Salt Water Pool
This photo: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/lsu-sea-pvc%3A639 probably doesn't look like much to you. It shows a mostly empty swimming pool. What caught my eye, was that it was the Salt Water Natatorium out at Forsythe back in 1922. It shows very clearly how deep the pool was. They were having problems with harmful insects breeding in the water … Continue reading An unusual view of the Salt Water Pool
Parks of Monroe
This is a great paper by the WPA. It recounts the history of Forsythe, Bernstein and Stoval (aka Casino) parks. Casino park, of course, is where the legendary Monroe Monarchs played. https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-wpa%3A14
Riverside Pavilion at the Saltwater Natatorium
This is a great closeup of the pavilion that once stood at the old natatorium. From the clothing, I would guess this dates to the teens. The pavilion was used as a theater and party venue until it burned. Notice the gas lamps used to light the pool at night!
Veterans at the American Legion
Photo Number 742, Ouachita Parish Public Library Photo collection Over the next few days, I will be posting some photos that we need help identifying. If you recognize anyone in the photos, come by the library on 18th or give us a call at 318-327-1373. This one appears to be a group of veterans posed … Continue reading Veterans at the American Legion
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
Forsythe Park Racetrack
Did you know Forsythe Park once had a horse racing track? This clear photo was found in the photo archives of Ouachita Parish Public Library. Before this clear photo, I had only seen grainy newspaper clippings! It is said if you look real close,at the Municipal Golf Course, you may see the slight rise of … Continue reading Forsythe Park Racetrack
