Mahalia Jackson Comes to Monroe

In 1970, the Queen of Gospel herself, Mahalia Jackson sang at the Monroe Civic Center. Mayor Jack Howard presented her with a Pacemaker Bracelet and rolled out the red carpet for her. Mrs. Irma DeTiege took her around town and they made visits to several local pastors in the area. Among the songs Mrs. Jackson … Continue reading Mahalia Jackson Comes to Monroe →

Dedication Program for the Monroe Civic Center

On September 2, 1967, the Monroe Civic Center formally opened to the public. I found the following program for sale on Ebay and bought it. The small strips were flaps on the end of the back page/cover. I will be donating it to the library for preservation. Front Cover Inside First Page Inside second page … Continue reading Dedication Program for the Monroe Civic Center →

Stevie Wonder Comes to the Civic Center

Did you know that the great Stevie Wonder came to the Monroe Civic Center in 1970? Yep! Among the hits he sang that night were : "Yester-You, Yester-New, Yester-Day", "My Cherie Amour" and "Up-Tight". Our public computers still don't have internet access, but staff computers can get on the net. Please be patient with us, … Continue reading Stevie Wonder Comes to the Civic Center →

Latest News on the Library

Just a little update and some juicy info I found! We hope the library computers and phones will be up next week sometime, but nothing is definite. What is definite, we will have to close the libraries in order to process and shelve all the books that have been checked out since the malware attack … Continue reading Latest News on the Library →

My First Concert at the Monroe Civic Center

The News-Star, March 14, 1991, Page 7A Allow me to be a little maudlin today. One of the biggest hair bands during my high school and college years was Poison. I was a hair band fan, thanks to my boyfriend at the time being a metal head. Back in early 1991 I was finishing up … Continue reading My First Concert at the Monroe Civic Center →

Civic Center Postcards

Ignore the first hit in this search list. This shows the seven postcards we have in our collection that show the Civic Center just after it was built in the late 60's. There is even one showing the fountain in all it's glory! https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/search/mods_subject_topic_ms%3A%22Civic%5C%20centers%22

Miscellaneous Photos and Documents on Ouachita Parish

And to go along with yesterday's post, Vernon Parish Library also has a collection of miscellaneous photos and documents they have put on Flickr. https://flic.kr/s/aHsiVtCZhU There are some things on here I have never seen before. Photos of Layton castle, the Cooley House, The Jewish Temple...even a copy of the Dedication Program for the Civic … Continue reading Miscellaneous Photos and Documents on Ouachita Parish →

Monroe Civic Center

Written on the back of this rare postcard (Ouachita Parish Public Library Photo Collection, Photo No. 803): Monroe Civic Center Monroe, Louisiana Largest conference and entertainment complex in Louisiana. To open September 1, 1967, the $5.5 million project includes a 2250-seat theatre, 7200-seat arena, and a multi-purpose conference hall with ample exhibit and banquet space. … Continue reading Monroe Civic Center →