Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name

Back in 1953 a movement began in West Monroe to change the name of Natchitoches Street to Main Street. The DAR vehemently opposed the suggestion. You see, Natchitoches Street was part of the original trail/road between Fort Miro and Natchitoches during Filhiol's residency. Those who wanted the name changed argued that Natchitoches was too hard … Continue reading Natchitoches Street West Monroe Almost Had a New Name →

Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931

I found two old phone books from Monroe for sale on Ebay and bought both for the library. This ad from the 1931 phonebook caught my eye. Keep in mind, America was still under prohibition. To name your syrup, "Moon Shine" had to have been a swipe at the law! I love it! Looking around … Continue reading Norris Syrup Company Ad – 1931 →

1927 Flood in South Riverfront Street, West Monroe, LA

https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-pho%3A745 This one is labeled South Riverfront Street, West Monroe. After you cross Endom Bridge, turn left and you are on South Riverfront. I really don't know exactly where this was taken but it is just horrifying to look at!

Walking Tour of old Cottonport

A few years ago, the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group created a pamphlet guide to the historic buildings and sites in the Antique Alley area of West Monroe. The pamphlet is online here: https://www.downtownwestmonroe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Walking-Tour-Brochure_FINAL.pdf . It is chocked full of historic data! I encourage you to print out the guide and take a walking tour … Continue reading Walking Tour of old Cottonport →

A Lost Grave at Travelers Rest Plantation

I have a personal subscription to Newspapers.com and have noticed that they have now digitized the Ouachita Citizen from 1925 to 1976. While playing around with search terms, I found an article in the April 16, 1931 edition which talks about Travelers Rest plantation. The following paragraph caught my eye: Perhaps the outstanding historical spot … Continue reading A Lost Grave at Travelers Rest Plantation →

The W.L. Morris building in West Monroe

Take a look at this old photo of the W.L. Morris building I just found in our files! It stood on Commerce street at the corner of Natchitoches (Alley Park now). Beautiful!

Arthur Allen Lasyone and the West Monroe Gravel Pit

Like a lot of you, I went to the Kitchen estate sale a few weeks ago. I bought the below picture due to it being taken in West Monroe. I really don't know much about it. When I think West Monroe gravel pits, I think of the one that is now Restoration park. I can't … Continue reading Arthur Allen Lasyone and the West Monroe Gravel Pit →

The Beginnings of the Brown Paper Mill

Today, this facility in West Monroe is known as Graphic Packaging. Back in 1924, a newsletter out of Delaware called "The Super Calender" did a profile about the brand new West Monroe Mill that had just started operating. I found a copy of this newsletter on Ebay and bought it for the collection. You can … Continue reading The Beginnings of the Brown Paper Mill →

West Monroe Mayor Robert L. Rinehart

Carrying on from Tuesday's post, another photo that caught my eye in the bathroom foyer was a photo of West Monroe early mayor Robert L. Rinehart! A very distinguished looking gentleman!

The Crosley Family

While visiting Antique Alley, I happened to go into the public bathroom in the old Union Oil Mill building. Hanging on the wall of the foyer were several historic photographs of West Monroe, including these two. Please excuse the photo quality. I was using my phone and trying to get at an angle where there … Continue reading The Crosley Family →