"BUILDING TO CONTINUE IN PLAIN DEALING"

The October 18, 1946 issue of The Plain Dealing Progress announced that three brick buildings in Plain Dealing were nearing completion and that others would follow soon.

“The first chapter of Plain Dealing‘s greatest building surge is soon to become history as the final touches are being added to three very essential structures, those of Gleason and Spears’ Ford Plant, Dr. Scott Coyle, medical clinic and Dr. G.S. Acton, dental clinic. The former two are located at the juncture of Palmetto Avenue and Highway Ten, while the latter is situated on Lynch Street in mid downtown.”

“Considering the dearth of materials that has plagued the contractors, H.G. Hodges, B.J. Purcell and Henry Grall, very gratifying progress has been made and the buildings will indeed be a credit to our growing town.”

“With this opening chapter of Plain Dealing’s new growth relegated to the past, the setting of a new and possibly greater chapter seems clearly in the making. With the big Bolinger lumber plant and yards in south Plain Dealing soon to break ground and plans for the greatly expanded soap factory on the opposite flank taking shape, also, residential section soon to be started by J.B. Turnley and W.H. Lester and possibly subdivisions opened up on the Kelly and Peyton estate in east Plain Dealing, all should find themselves in a most optimistic mood concerning the near future of this North Bossier city.”

Learn more about the cities and towns of Bossier Parish by visiting—online or in person—the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

Mary Wheeler Corley Collection; 2003.026.041E

"MILITARY DRAFT FOR FARMERS"

Richard Clarence Bradford WWI Draft Registration Card
Mr. & Mrs. Paul McKim Collection; 2002.035.108.009

In its September 26, 1918 issue The Bossier Banner discussed drafting farm laborers for military service.

“There was a meeting of farmers of Caddo, Bossier and other parishes last Thursday at the office of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.  The object was to discuss the labor situation, and to arrive at an understanding with reference to the drafting of farm laborers for military service.  Speeches were made by several members of the Parish Council of Defense and a number of farmers.”

“Judge J.C. Pugh seemed to think that all farmers should be exempted from the Army and finally said:”

“However I really do not believe that any man of the last draft will ever be able to smell gunpowder in this war, because the news we are now getting from over there indicates that our boys will have the Huns licked to a standstill before any more reinforcements reach them.”

“But Mr. W.H. Hughes, Jr., an extensive planter of Elm Grove, took a larger view of the situation, and spoke in a patriotic tone, as follows:”

“I intend to fill out my questionnaire and place myself as being eligible for Class I.  And I will do the same thing by every man who works on my plantation.  If I make out his questionnaire and believe him to be good soldier material.”

“Our country is at war and it is our duty to go, and to send every man available for military service. There are enough men who cannot fight to raise the crops, and I do not believe that my farm will produce any less by reason of the absence of those of us who go to the front and fight.  Those who are left will have to work harder, that’s all.”

“Mr. Hodges hit the point exactly.  Because a man has large farming interests there is no reason why he should be allowed to remain in the rear and accumulate a fortune while others are at the front defending his fortune.  He has more at stake, financially, than the poor man—and should be made to fight.”

Fifteen days later, on November 11, 1918, World War I ended and Judge Pugh was proved correct.

WWI Postcard from B. Herbert Britain to his family while on a ship returning to the U.S.A.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul McKim Collection; 2002.035.118.003

To find out more about how Bossier Parish participated in both World Wars pay a visit to Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

This Month in Bossier Parish History

This Month in Bossier Parish History

October: through out the years

Oct. 3, 1895: Benton High School had an attendance of 45 pupils and was under the direction of Prof. A.S. Dale.  

Bossier Banner: Oct.3, 1895

1900 Benton School

0000.001.039     Bossier Parish Library Collection

Bossier Banner: Oct.24, 1895

1902 Benton School 
 0000.001.039     Bossier Parish Library Collection

Oct. 8, 1908: The recommendation of the Federal Engineers at Vicksburg for the appropriation of $30,000 for the completion of the levee. This was the first levee work accepted by the National Government.

Bossier Banner: Oct. 8, 1908

1900’s—1910 ‘s

"Building Red River levee"  with mules 

  0000.004.118  Scandland collection

"Building Red River levee" 

men constructing

 levee with mules 

 0000.004.119  Scanland collection

Oct. 14, 1859: The Circus is Coming!

Bossier Banner: Oct.14, 1859

Elephant in Plain Dealing Circus Parade. 

Methodist church in background. 

Corner of Mary Lee (Hwy 2) and Lynch Streets.

1997.062.126 Bryce Turnley Collection

Marching band at Dr. Bell's office,  

NE corner of Palmetto Ave. and Lynch St.

1997.062.075 Bryce Turnley Collection

  

4 horses pulling decorative wagon/calliope.  

Mary Lee Street (Hwy 2) 

Methodist church in background.

1997.062.023 Bryce Turnley Collection   

Two elephants in a Circus parade in Plain Dealing. 

Looking north on Lynch street from Palmetto Ave.

1997.062.106

 Riders in carrying flags in Plain Dealing Circus parade

1997.062.093 Bryce Turnley Collection

"STRING BAND FOR PLAIN DEALING"

The Plain Dealing Progress announced in its May 9, 1935 issue that : “The Plain Dealing community will have one of the best string bands in the south within the next few months if the plans that are now under way materialize. This community band is to be made up of all types of musical instruments and will be under the direction of the Wilholt String Band of Hope, Arkansas.”

“The Wilholt String Band is made up of three members who are able to play any type of musical instrument, wind or string. These people have given several recitals in this community and their music has been deeply appreciated by all who have had the opportunity to hear them.”

“The music lessons are taught at the amazing low price of 25 cents per lesson. The lessons will be given each week and individual lessons will be given to each member of the music school. Later in the series of lessons, all members will be brought together once each week for lessons in group instruction.”

“Charles Kelly and his brother who live in the Alabama settlement have taken lessons under the director of this band when they were teaching at Hope, Arkansas. After twenty lessons these boys are able to play the violin and guitar. They have been playing with the Wilholt Band here in Plain Dealing. Mr. J.C. Wilholt, manager of the band, states that all students that they have are able to play their instruments by note after taking twenty lessons.”

“A special drive is being made in the Plain Dealing community to get as many people as possible to enroll for instruction. All ages of students will be accepted in the school. Many people in Plain Dealing are able to play some kind of musical instrument and if this talent can be brought together and moulded [sic] into form, a folks band can be developed that will be of considerable importance.”

“Instruction will begin on the fourteenth of this month. Classes will be taught at the school building or one of the churches in town. Anyone interested in enrolling in this school should get in touch with A.E. Robinson, agricultural teacher at Plain Dealing.”

To find out more and to hear a recording of the North Louisiana String Band visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

Upcoming Program

Plants of the Caddo Indians

Daniel Mills

Bossier Parish Libraries History Center Meting Room

Monday, November 5th

6:00 p.m.

 Ages 8 & up

FREE

Come learn from Daniel Mills, naturalist at the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, Caddo Parish, about common plants used locally by the Caddo Indians for food, medicine, and wares.