Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985

For over 52 years Bayles' Fish Market was a staple in West Monroe. It was THE place to go for the freshest fish! Opened by Mr. Albert Bayles circa 1939, he operated it until his death in 1987. It stayed open for a few more years until it was eventually sold and is now known … Continue reading Bayles’ Fish Market – 1985 →

Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s.

Well this one is stunning! I decided to see what new items are available on the Internet Archives and I found a glimpse into what Ouachita parish looked like in the 1960s. It seems like someone has uploaded an old Super 8 family movie of a family that filmed a bit in Monroe. Go to … Continue reading Monroe and West Monroe in the 1960s. →

West Monroe State Bank

I think this building stood right next to what is now the Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast on Trenton Street, West Monroe. That is from a 1913 Sanborn Fire Insurance map. It could also be the Hatchell Building which was the West Monroe State Bank at one time. It just doesn't look quite right to … Continue reading West Monroe State Bank →

Mystery Building in West Monroe

Does anyone out there recognize this building, supposed to have been in West Monroe? West Monroe, Louisiana | Louisiana Digital Library It has the look of the Hatchell's Building on Trenton, but some things are off. It is a head scratcher!

Crystal Springs

The above photo, taken around 1922, was used on the front cover of the "Images of America: Monroe and West Monroe Louisiana" book. This spring was located between Kiroli Park and Good Hope Road in West Monroe. It was owned by Dr. Henry David Catlett. In 1925, it was rumored that the nearby Hasley Cemetery … Continue reading Crystal Springs →

Unique Cleaners and Tuxedo Rental Service

I bought this rare postcard off of eBay a couple of months back. This building stood in West Monroe at 401-403 Cypress Street. It started out as Vogue Cleaners in 1935 and in 1943 it became Unique Tuxedo Rental and Cleaners. They had several branches all over the Twin Cities and it was THE place … Continue reading Unique Cleaners and Tuxedo Rental Service →

Carey Holmes – “A Friend to All”

How about this one? https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/ulm-p15140coll27%3A184 It shows a grocery store at 907 Cypress Street in West Monroe that was there in the 1930's. Ads in the News-Star state they would do deliveries in town if they totaled $2 or more!

Antique Alley History

Great little history video showing the story behind several of the buildings and stores along Trenton Street in West Monroe, known as Antique Alley. https://youtu.be/L0QgbVydGbw

West Monroe State Bank/Hatchells Building

The above photo is of the West Monroe State Bank building, which is now known as Hatchell's Building on Trenton Street in West Monroe. It was built around 1900 by G.B. Haynes. The building is now being remodeled as retail space and apartments.

Trenton, LA

This is the only view of Trenton, LA that I have ever seen. It was taken in April, 1874 during a major flood. None of the buildings in this photo stand today. The area is now nothing but houses and is part of West Monroe. 8-25-2023 update: An April 29, 1949 Ouachita Citizen article identified … Continue reading Trenton, LA →