Bossier Photo Donation Fair

"ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM STATE LIBRARY AGENT"

Return slip from Louisiana Library Commission
Jeannine Pasini Beekman Collection 2009.044.050

The July 23, 1936 issue of The Planters’ Press had some very good news to share with its readers.

“In a tiny country schoolhouse in Louisiana 100 adults are struggling with the elements of ‘reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic’ that most children learn in grammar school.  Many of these students had never attended school until two years ago and they have an average of less than a seventh grade education.  Their eagerness to learn is pathetic.  Their teacher must be a combination of a walking encyclopedia and a patient Griselda to answer all the questions they ask.”

“They have ten books to share among them.  The more fortunate members of the class are given the books to read and report to the others but, when a book is taken home, the student usually cannot resist the temptation to share his treasure with his friends and family and so it is a long time before the report is made.”

“One of the ten books is a volume of popular poems and they are learning to know and love ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’, the Twenty-third Psalm, Tennyson, Longfellow and Whittier.  They are reading the story of Jean Valjean (from ‘Les Miserables’) and finding in his misfortunes some of the tragedy of their own lives.  They are reading ‘The Road Ahead’ and finding its criticism unjust because ‘it doesn’t tell the truth about America.’’’

“Their teacher walks four miles every night to and from the class and many of them walk much farther than that.  When the books come, they asked to come half an hour early every night so that they could have longer for the class.”

“There are many classes like this all over Louisiana, as reports of adult education teachers show.  In an effort to find out what books adult beginners could read, Columbia University asked the cooperation of the Louisiana Library Commission in distributing the books to the classes.  About 10 books were loaned to each class.”

“’ I believe a long step forward will be taken when our adult students are given books to read,’ wrote one teacher.  ‘We have accomplished but little when we teach a man to read if we give him nothing to read.  That, it seems to me, is like showing a hungry man food he cannot have.’”

“The Louisiana Library Commission hopes in the coming year to meet as far as possible, the needs for books for underprivileged adults.”

The Louisiana Library Commission, forerunner of the State Library of Louisiana, was created in 1920 by the Louisiana legislature.  In 1925 the Commission joined with the Carnegie Corporation to set up a network of libraries across the state.  Today all 64 parishes have a public library.  Visit the Bossier Parish Libraries to find out when Bossier Parish got its public library.

By: Ann Middleton

Second Saturday Screening

PAGES PAST: AN AMERICAN HISTORY BOOK CLUB

For more information and to register call 318-746-7717 

or come by the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

"REMEMBERING HOW BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE GOT ITS NAME"

The October 21, 1948 edition of The Planters Press reminded its readers of how Barksdale Air Force Base got its name.

“The name of Barksdale Air Force Base came from a World War I ace, Lieut. Eugene Hoy Barksdale of Rankin County, Miss., who lost his life in 1926 while testing an army plane at Dayton, Ohio.”

“He did not have to take the risk himself, but it was characteristic of the distinguished flier never to ask another to face danger which he himself would not face.”

“His life sized portrait is in the officers’ club at the base, some of the material for the painter’s use having come from word picture by Gen. Jerry Brandt, now retired, but once commanding officer of Barksdale Air Force Base, who was a buddy of Lieutenant Barksdale in the first world conflict.”

“Born at Goshen Springs, Miss., Lieutenant Barksdale flew with the British Royal Air Force during the First World War and participated in the Sommes, Amiens and Cambral offensives.”

“He died Aug. 11, 1926, when the parachute became entangled in the rear flying brace wires of an airplane from which he had been forced to jump. His grave is in Arlington Cemetery.”

“Located in Bossier Parish, three and one-half miles from Shreveport, Barksdale Air Force Base consists 20,886 acres which was donated to the United States government by the city of Shreveport. The reservation is nine and one-half miles long and 5 miles wide.”

“The base was officially dedicated Feb. 2, 1933 when 131 visiting planes landed on the new runways for the ceremonies.”

“The property was acquired by the city at a gross expense of approximately $1,650,000. Many months were required to acquire the 135 tracts in the site from 800 individual owners.”

“From 900 to 1,100 men, primarily from Shreveport, were employed at the height of the building period during June, July and August, 1933. Of the initial $3,500,000 invested, $1,400,000 was spent for labor.”

“The buildings are of French Colonial design and those of a large and public labor are fireproof. The homes of officers and non-commissioned officers are of hollow tile covered with tinted stucco.”

To find out more about Barksdale Air Force Base’s exciting history visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

This Month In Bossier Parish History

December: Through the Years

Dec. 1, 1945: The Times: Sawed-off shotgun and nine loaded shells were taken from Henry Methvin, one-time companion of Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde, following his arrest at a Bossier Night club.  The night before he was arrested in another Bossier night club for fighting.

The Times: Dec. 1, 1945 Image of the shotgun and shells taken from Henry Methvin. 

The Times: March 18, 1945 Henry Methvin goes on trial for the murder of an Oklahoma Officer. 

The Times: Sept. 21, 1935 Henry Methvin granted pardon for betraying Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. 

Dec. 6, 1888: Pioneer High School's laying of cornerstone ceremony.

Bossier Banner: Laying of the Pioneer High School's cornerstone took place in Plain Dealing.  Dec. 19, 1888.

Plain Dealing School opened on January 1, 1889.  Was divided into primary, intermediate, and high school departments: divided into primary, intermediate, and high school. The school seems to have been opened on the 6th day of January, 1889. This date is fixed upon by an entry in a diary kept by the late Hon. L. T. Sanders, which stated; "Janie went to school this morning".
Original photo of Pioneer High School established c.1888

2018.010.050  Wilton and Mary Corley

Cornerstone of Pioneer High School dated 1888. Stone block from Pioneer High School, engraved with: "Pioneer High School/ Constructed Dec. 19th A.D. 1888/ SJ Zeigler JE Johnston} Founders"

1998.086.001   Plain dealing High School Collection

Dec.12, 1929: James Rodgers from Plain Dealing submits his "Dear Santa" letter to The Plain Dealing Progress. 

James Rodgers' Dear Santa Letter

Second grade class of Mrs. Bessie Caldwell, 1923 Plain Dealing.

2000.064.027 

Maurice  McCall Collection    

Dec. 17, 1954: Bossier High School’s Christmas Tree was filled with the “White Christmas Plan” where students collected food, clothing and toys to distribute to families in the community.

The Times: Bossier High School students surrounded by presents that where collected for the community. 

Emmett Cope, principal: 
1954 Bossier High School Yearbook. 







          

Bennett McDowell: 

1954 Bossier High Yearbook  pg. 31

Margie Smith: 

1954 Bossier High School Yearbook pg. 32

Dec. 25, 2018    

Happy Holidays!

from the Bossier Parish Libraries Historical Center

Christmas card addressed to Mr. Harry C. Edwards

2009.044.116 Jeannine Beekman Collection

"WHEN BARKSDALE FIELD WAS THE BEST AIR DEFENSE IN THE NATION"

3rd Attack Group A-12 Planes in 1935
Eunice DeField collection: 2002.027.009

The Planters Press issue for February 28, 1935 announced that Barksdale Field was the best air  defense base in the United States.

“Bossier City is now the home of one of the leading aerial defense bases of the entire nation.  This became a fact yesterday when the remaining three planes and about 300 officers and enlisted men arrived at the Field from Fort Crockett, Texas.”

“Col. Gerald C. Brant, new Barksdale Field and Third Wing Commander, with his wife, arrived in Bossier City Tuesday.  Although his official duties begin March 2d, he is expected to begin organizing his staff at once.”

“Forty planes arrived at Barksdale Field from Fort Crockett several days ago.  The Third Wing’s motor transport left Galveston early yesterday.  Approximately 150 enlisted men made the trip from Galveston to Barksdale Field aboard a troup [sic] train, and 135 men accompanied the motor convoy.  Some 205 enlisted men and officers made the trip here by private automobiles.”

“It is understood that Major Millard F. Harmon will be retained on the staff as commander of the Twentieth Pursuit Group.  Major Earl Naiden, in all probability, will have the title of Group Commander.  Orders were issued Tuesday by the War Department for the removal of Lieutenant William P. Sloan from Luke Field, territory of Hawaii, and First Lieutenant Nelie J. Coultee from Allbrooks Field, Balboa, Canal Zone, to Barksdale Field.”

Bossier Parish Library History Center Collection: 2001.007.161

“Barksdale Field is the largest airport in the world, embracing some 22,000 acres.  Its buildings are magnificent and it is an ideal field for training the air men of the nation.  It is a source of gratification to residents of Bossier City to know that the personnel at the Field have been credited in the manner which the Field merits.”

Barksdale Field 1935
Neil Yarborough collection: 2006.034.028-1

To learn more about how Barksdale Field became Barksdale Air Force Base, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.












By: Ann Middleton

"DARING AIR SHOW AT BARKSDALE FIELD"

Aerial view of Barksdale Field 1934
Eunice DeField collection; 2002.027.003

The Plain Dealing Progress announced in its November 1, 1934 issue a daring air show that was scheduled to take place at Barksdale Field on Sunday, November 4, 1934.

“The army air corps’ most daring formation flyers have been given permission to demonstrate tricky close formation flying at Barksdale Field in the charity air show to be staged Nov. 4 it was announced Wednesday by Captain Oliver Gothlin, operations officer in charge of the program.”

“They are Captain Claire Chenault, Lieut. Heywood Hansell, Jr., and Private ‘Red’ Williams, all stationed at the air corps tactical school at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Ala.”

“Captain Chenault is the leader of the skilled army trio. Daring maneuvers have been demonstrated by them at many of the leading airshows, including the recent Shushan dedication in New Orleans.”

“Piloting three small pursuit planes of the same type as those stationed at Barksdale Field, the three flyers will put their ships through a dozen or more daring maneuvers, flying within arm’s length of each other. Captain Chenault, Lieutenant Hansell and Private Williams have been flying together for the last several years, the enlisted pilot formerly holding a reserve officer’s commission.”

“Besides the thrilling event of these flyers, many other interesting events have been planned to make the air show the most complete military demonstration ever seen in Louisiana. More than 65 army planes will be seen in mass formation, simulated attacks by pursuit on enemy bombardment, aerial gunnery, bombing and trick flying.”

“Proceeds from a small admission charge to the field’s paved hanger way will be divided among the community fund of Shreveport and Caddo Parish and the army relief fund. Special permission from the war department has been obtained for the demonstration.”

Established in 1932, Barksdale Field became Barksdale Air Force Base in 1948, concurrent with the establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate military branch.

To learn more about the growth and development of Barksdale Air Force Base visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

And remember to mark your calendars and join us for our Holiday Open House on Friday, December 7, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 PM at 2206 Beckett Street.

"PLAIN DEALING HIGH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR BEING SOLD"

Plain Dealing High School 60th Anniversary Birthday Calendar
Mary Rodgers Liberto Collection:2003.035.018

The December 1, 1949, issue of The Plain Dealing Progress urged residents to purchase an unusual calendar.

“In every home in this area it is expected that there will be found one of the 1949, 60th anniversary birthday calendars of the Plain Dealing High School. This calendar contains 1,600 names of your friends and acquaintances, with the month and day of their birth, besides a page containing the names of all those who gave their lives in the great World War II. This list will be found on the June month and is meant to be a permanent record.”

“At once, it should be known that this calendar is what it is called—an anniversary-birthday calendar, and is in no sense to be confused with the usual annual timetable calendars. It should be definitely borne in mind by all that no sheet is to be torn off, as in ordinary calendars. The whole arrangement is planned that even ten years from now you will have the calendar with every month of the year 1949 in it with the birthdays intact.”

“The school had its first year in 1889 and 1949 is the 60th anniversary of that date. So to have made a 1950 calendar would have been entirely out of line for future records. The cornerstone was laid in December 1888, which means that 1889 was the first school year.”

“A unique feature in this calendar is the staggered arrangement. The 1000 copies are divided into 12 groups, one-twelfth starting with January, each other group starting with February, and down the line. In this way, if your name is found, say in July, or any other month, you can select one with that month on the first sheet. This also gives each advertiser the same favor that any other has.”

“The calendars will be in charge of the local school and future announcements will come from there. Now they can get the calendar by the payment of 50 cents.”

“Please remember that no month sheet is to be torn off. It is not at all to be used as a day of the month reference, but as a birthday reference and a 60th anniversary memorial—1889-1949. It is by far the most complete calendar record we have seen and every home should have one.”

To see a copy of this special calendar, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

EAST BANK DISTRICT (OLD DOWNTOWN BOSSIER) HISTORY WALKING TOUR

EAST BANK DISTRICT (OLD DOWNTOWN BOSSIER) HISTORY WALKING TOUR

A Bossier Parish 175^th Anniversary Event, in conjunction with the East Bank Shop Small Market, Small Business Saturday. 

Bossier Parish Libraries History Center Outreach Specialist Pam Carlisle will conduct a one-hour tour to share stories from the historic buildings clustered area around the new East Bank Plaza, 665 Barksdale Blvd. Learn about the fascinating history of what was Bossier City’s bustling downtown, which is coming to life again as the East Bank District. Participants in the tour will receive a Bossier Parish 175th Anniversary T-shirt as supplies last.

Sat. November 24, 2018

Tour offered Twice: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

East Bank Plaza, 665 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City, La. 

FREE

Call Pam Carlisle at 318-746-7717 at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center for more information.

Rain Date: If East Bank Shop Small Market is cancelled due to bad weather, tours will be held Sun. Dec. 2 during HeART the Art festival, departing East Bank Plaza at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"GALA EVENT TO COVER 10 DAY PERIOD"

The opening of the Big Chain complex was documented in the October 15, 1953 issue of Bossier City Planters Press.

“The Big Chain Bossier City Community Shopping Center located at the intersection of the Old Minden Road and the Benton Road, one block off Barksdale Blvd., will hold its gala opening Tuesday, Oct., 13^th.”

Mayor Burgess E. McCranie with the Bossier City Planning Commission
City of Bossier City collection: 2016.019.009

“Mayor Burgess E. McCranie of Bossier City and Col. Samuel Smith, commanding officer of Barksdale Air Force Base will cut a ribbon in front of the Big Chain section of the million-dollar development at its opening at 9 a.m. Tuesday.”

“A total of $3,999.99 worth of door prizes will be given away over a ten-day period, Ed Wile, President of the Big Chain, announced.”

“On the first day of the opening a $250 RCA television set will be given away plus $100 toward installation of the set.”

“Also, 15 baskets of groceries worth $15 apiece will be given away each of the 10 days.  All of this will be nationally-known merchandise, Wile added.”

“In addition, a $12.50 Parker Pen set will be given away each day for the first five days.  Also, a $2.50 Betty Crocker cookbook will be given away one a day for the first five days.”

“On Saturday, Oct. 17, a $700 pair of chinchillas, complete with pen and set of instructions on how to raise will be given away as a door prize.”

“On Tuesday, Oct. 20, a brand new, never-before-marketed $214 5 ½ horsepower 1954 Johnston [sic] outboard motor will go to someone as a door prize.  Wile said that only men and boys could register for this prize.”

“On Saturday, Oct. 24, a $299 Deepfreeze unit with 100 packages of frozen foods will be given away.”

“Various other prizes during the 10-day opening will also be given away.” 

Other businesses joining the Big Chain Grocery in the complex were Bossier Bank and Trust Co., F. W. Woolworth, White’s Cleaners, Buckelew’s, Shreveport Refrigeration Co., Inc., Bell Brothers Shoes and Naremore’s Bossier Drug Store.

Big Chain started in Shreveport on the corner of Texas and Edwards Streets on November 6, 1922.  The Bossier Big Chain Center was designed by architects Sam L.G. Wiener and William B. Wiener.

To learn more about Bossier businesses, come to the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

Holiday Open House in Honor of Bossier Parish's 175th Anniversary

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 7, 2018

Time: 1-3 pm

WHERE: Bossier Parish Libraries History Center

2206 Beckett St., Bossier City, LA 71111

The History Center’s 2018 Holiday Open House will be presented in Honor of the culmination of Bossier Parish’s 175^th Anniversary year. Please come to enjoy our holiday decor, exhibits, music and refreshments. For children (and the young-at-heart) there will be a  special Bossier Parish 175^th make-and-take anniversary craft and ‘old-fashioned’ giveaway items. FREE and open to the public of all ages. 

Call 318-746-7717 for more information.  

"UNUSUAL PAY-OFF FOR FOOTBALL BET"

LSU's 1910 football team
2001.031.013;Katherine Poole Antrobus collection

The Planters’ Press shared the following incident in its October 27, 1938, issue.

“Deputy Sheriff Ira Harbuck paid off a football bet Monday at noon when he trundled a wheelbarrow in which the winner of the wager, Jimmy Swords, was riding from the front of the Court House up through the town of Benton and back again.”

“The two had bet on the outcome of the State University-Vanderbilt football game, played last Saturday night down in Baton Rouge.  Being a staunch Centenary fan, Ira naturally couldn’t see LSU at all.  Well, he lost.”

“Several of their friends contrived to borrow a wheelbarrow and ‘dress it up’ in LSU’s colors.  A placard reading as follows: ‘I won, he lost’ was prepared and Jimmy carried it proudly as the bet was being paid off.”

“The big crowd attracted by the novel ‘stunt’ proved about as embarrassing to Jimmy as to Ira, for ‘tis said that Ira managed to make the ride a most uncomfortable one what with finding all the holes and rough spots from the Court House up town and back.”

“One pleasant diversion during the affair took place at the D.H. Stinson home.  Tax Assessor T.J. Caldwell, a graduate of LSU, and an ardent football ‘rooter’ for the Tigers, stopped the parade to call his ‘Friend Dewey’ outside ‘to see what happens to fellows who bet against LSU.’  When Dewey appeared with a shotgun the Tax Assessor’s dignity deserted him and he flattened himself out on the sidewalk in nothing flat, to the amusement of all present.”

“Since that time the Assessor hasn’t been so active in promoting football bets—in fact, he’s declined to make a similar wager with Health Director H.N. Barnett, a loyal Vandy man, who’s betting Tennessee upsets the Bayou Tigers this weekend.”

For more light-hearted Bossier humor that appeared in the local newspapers, visit Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

This Month in Bossier Parish History

November: Through the years

Nov. 3, 1921: Oil wells soon to be in Plain Dealing.

Bossier Banner: Nov. 3, 1921

Oil tanks and derricks owned by W.E. Hall Unknown location

2014.040.010

Lynn Lasiter Collection

Oil Field workers.It is believed that Will and Frank Hall were the boys in the photo, and that W.E. Hall is the gentlemen the youngest boy is sitting with him.

Unknown location

2014.040.009 

Lynn Lasiter Collection

"Pete's Mule Team". Pete Shaver was Charlcye Shaver Skov's father. He lived in Bossier City and worked in Oil City.

2014.049.005

Alice  Watts Collection

Nov. 7, 1878: Robert Emmet Wyche was elected Sheriff

Bossier Banner: Nov. 7, 1878

Robert Emmet Wyche1870-1880  

1997.062.053-2

Bryce Turnley Collection

Nov. 16, 1948:  J. Hill Fullilove ( 01 Aug 1876—16 Nov 1948)

He was the father of the “Pecan Industry”  in North Louisiana. He planted  is first orchard on his 1,400 acre plantation in Bossier Parish. He was recognized throughout the United States as an authority on pecan growing and was president of the National Pecan Growers Association. 

The Shreveport Builders Pg. 45-46

1998.068.005   

Melba F. Manio  Collection

Pecan Tree

1999.053.085 

Scott Brandt Collection

Nov. 25, 1929: Texas Street Bridge was approved free of cost to the communities. 

Shreveport Times: Nov. 25, 1929

Work on the bridge was set to start on July1, 1931

C. 1931 Texas Street Bridge under construction

2006.034.010

Neil Yarborobough collection

Nov. 28, 1929: Children write in their "Dear Santa" letters

The Plain Dealing Progress: Nov. 28, 1929

Princeton High School's first grade class learning how to write "Dear Santa Letters". 

Mr. Walter H. Martin is Principal. Picture as the date of: December 15, 1967.

2004.003.009

Walter H. Martin Collection