Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives

Another thing I have noticed is that several Ouachita Parish High School Yearbooks have been digitized here, mainly from the 1960's - 1980's. You will find Ouachita, River Oaks, Carroll, St. Frederick, West Monroe and Neville. There is even one from St. Matthew! Here is a link to Neville's yearbooks: https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22Neville+High+School%22 Just search the name … Continue reading Yearbooks Online at the Internet Archives →

Neville High School Under Construction – 1931

I found this picture in the 1932 Neville Monroyan.

The Future “Killer” Performs in Neville High School Auditorium

Back in 1950, the nationally known "Ted Mack Amateur Hour" came to Monroe. Think "American Idol" but kinder. It is said Ted Mack's show originated the idea for talent shows on air! Anyway, a fourteen year old kid named Jerry Lee Lewis from Ferriday performed on the piano in the show. I have never heard … Continue reading The Future “Killer” Performs in Neville High School Auditorium →

Area High Schools Served as Music Venues

At the end of September, I posted the below list in the Ouachita Parish History Facebook group. I decided to compile a list of ads I found in the newspapers for performances at the local high schools between 1940 and 1967 when the Civic Center was built. I was INCREDIBLY surprised at who came through … Continue reading Area High Schools Served as Music Venues →

Tallulah Bankhead Performs at Neville High School

Can you imagine if Morgan Freeman or Meryl Streep came to perform a play at Neville High School? That is what happened back in 1950! One of the most popular actors of her time, Tallulah Bankhead, came to Monroe to do a one night only play. To give you an idea of her importance, she … Continue reading Tallulah Bankhead Performs at Neville High School →

Eddie Cantor Performs at Neville

The above ad appeared in the News Star in 1950. From about the 20s - 40's, Eddie Cantor was a HUGE Hollywood star! His singing and comedy routines were legendary. Those in the Greatest and Silent generations adored him. Those big eyes were as familiar to America as Jimmy Durante's nose! Eddie founded the March … Continue reading Eddie Cantor Performs at Neville →

Concerts at Neville Auditorium.

I am amazed at the national level talent that came through Monroe in the middle of the last century. I just browsed around searching instances where Neville Auditorium was mentioned in the papers and I was floored. I know this is not a complete list but just look at the names! Neville was one of … Continue reading Concerts at Neville Auditorium. →

Area High Schools Once Had Live Mascots!

Did you know that Neville and Ouachita Parish High School once had live mascots? Above is pictured Shasta the tiger, who was Neville's mascot. Ouachita's lion mascot was called Cheepa, named after the noise he made as a cub! Both animals were kept at the Zoo and used in the zoo's captive breeding program, but … Continue reading Area High Schools Once Had Live Mascots! →

Neville High School – Circa 1950’s

https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A491 Anyone recognize these men and women? None were identified. The clothing looks like the early fifties. We do know it was taken on the steps of Neville High School.

Christmas Festival Program For Neville High School, December 22, 1931

https://louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-orv%3A72 This is a rare little document from our collection. According to the News Star, this was held at Neville High school and after the program the public was invited to tour the brand new school!