A Historical Author With Deep Roots in Monroe

Sylvester Q. Breard, "Syl" to his friends, was a regular patron of the library. Being descended from one of Monroe's earliest families, he had a deep love of local history. Before he passed away in 2018, he wrote two published local history books that you can look at in the Genealogy Department of OPPL. The … Continue reading A Historical Author With Deep Roots in Monroe →

Sycamore Hall

The last photo from the Tensas Delta book was one I recognized instantly! I have written about Sycamore Hall before. This was one of the most beautiful homes that ever graced Ouachita Parish. Unfortunately, it was lost in a fire.

Tallyho Riding: Courtship in the Late 1800’s.

Have you ever heard of Tallyho riding? No? Me neither. This little article in a rare copy of the Monroe Morning post, appeared in a 1929 issue. It had been clipped for the Special Collection transportation files several years ago. In the same file was a clipping of a photo from the Monroe Morning World … Continue reading Tallyho Riding: Courtship in the Late 1800’s. →

Sycamore Hall: Monroe’s Lost Mansion

In 1868, John Theodore Ludeling, Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, built a mansion on Riverside Drive (known as Front Street then), at what is now Hudson Lane. It came to be known as Sycamore Hall, named (so the legend goes) for a giant sycamore tree growing on the site. After John died, local … Continue reading Sycamore Hall: Monroe’s Lost Mansion →