The Third Masonic Temple

How about this postcard of the third Masonic Temple. It was on the corner of DeSiard and 4th. Sadly, it was torn down.

Walnut Street From the Air

This is an awesome photo! https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/ulm-p15140coll27%3A155 What blows me away is how many of the buildings are still there! In the immediate foreground with the black roof is the old Sugar Opera/Poolside shop. It is currently being renovated into a boutique hotel called the Hotel Monroe. Across the street next to the water tower is … Continue reading Walnut Street From the Air →

1915 Monroe Shriners Initiation

Another magazine photo I found shows some local men being hazed as they are initiated into the Shriners. The News-Star's front page article on that date was about the Shriner's convention that day and reported about 30 men were initiated into the Shriners. I will be away on vacation the next couple of weeks so … Continue reading 1915 Monroe Shriners Initiation →

1961 Rodeo Parade on DeSiard Street.

I found this photo in an old magazine. It shows some area Shriners riding horseback down DeSiard Street in the 1961 Monroe Rodeo Parade. The man with his back to the camera is identified as Noble M.A. "Doc" Ehrhardt. One of the men riding in the front may be Assistant Rabban Ed Clark, who was … Continue reading 1961 Rodeo Parade on DeSiard Street. →

DeSiard Street Paving – 1923

What you are looking at is the 300 block of DeSiard Street being paved. This was a big deal when it was finished in late 1923! You can see the men are working around the trolley tracks! The area looks quite a bit different now. You will notice first off the big white building that … Continue reading DeSiard Street Paving – 1923 →

Masonic Records of the Western Star Lodge, No. 24, F&AM

Minute Books Several weeks back, a member of the Western Star sent me this e-mail: For your reference or those who might be interested, attached is a listing of minute books and sign-in registers which are housed in the lodge building on Stubbs. These books may be viewed by appointment at the lodge and in … Continue reading Masonic Records of the Western Star Lodge, No. 24, F&AM →

1907 Confederate Reunion in Monroe

This photo was taken on January 19, 1907, in front of the Masonic Hall on Walnut Street. It was the 100th anniversary of Robert E. Lee's birthday. The men, from left to right, are identified: Wm. H. Duff, Co. I, 25th La. Inf. and Co. B 16th & 25th La. Regts. Consolidated. H.W. Awl, Co. … Continue reading 1907 Confederate Reunion in Monroe →

The Third Masonic Temple

The Masons have a long history in Ouachita Parish. One of the prettiest buildings in it's time was the Masonic Temple on the corner of 4th and DeSiard Streets. This was taken circa 1923.