"THE NEW (IN 1915) TRAFFIC BRIDGE"

Dedication of the Traffic Street Bridge 15 Jan 1915. Bossier Parish Library Collection; 0000.001.051

The January 14, 1915 issue of the Bossier Banner announced the opening of the new traffic bridge.

“Work on the new traffic bridge across Red River at Shreveport, erected by this parish and the City of Shreveport, was completed on the 8th and the bridge was opened to traffic Tuesday morning of this week.”

“Mr. Ira G. Hedrick of Kansas City, retained by the builders as consulting engineer, stated before a joint meeting of the two bodies, held in Shreveport Monday, that the bridge was one of the finest of its kind in the South, that the work had been carefully done, and that the contractors should be complemented for erecting such a substantial structure. The actual cost of the bridge, he said, was around $350,000.”

“According to contract the bridge was to have been completed by April 8th of last year. It will be seen that the contractors were 274 days late in completing the work, but because of high water, the sinking of the barge on which the pile driver had been erected and the loss during the high stage of the water of about $3000 worth of steel they were penalized for only fifty-nine days, at the rate of $50 per day. Had they finished the work by December 8th they would have received a bonus of $3000.”

“Former Mayor J. H. Eastham and former Commissioner C.G. Rives of Shreveport were named as members of the committee to act with the Police Jury of our parish and the City Council of Shreveport in conferring with that city’s Chamber of Commerce regarding a formal celebration of the opening of the bridge.”

This bridge was built specifically for vehicular traffic whereas earlier bridges had been built for railroad trains. The old traffic bridge was torn down in the 1960s to make way for I-20.

To find out more about the bridges that connect Bossier to Shreveport visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

Upcoming Movie Screening: "Race"

Upcoming Program: The Musical Legacy of Bossier Parish

"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RED LAND SEMINARY"

The August 26, 1859 issue of the Bossier Banner featured an article about the establishment of Red Land Seminary.

“Mr. Editor:--At a meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Red Land Seminary, held on yesterday, the following preamble and resolutions were read, adopted and ordered to be published in the Bossier Banner:”

“Whereas, we, the Trustees for Red Land Seminary, Bossier Parish La., have viewed with pleasure and perfect satisfaction, the examination of the students in their various branches of study, and being sensibly convinced that their progress has been very rapid through the past term, during which they have been under the care and guidance of Mr. T.W. Abney.”

“Resolved, that the thanks of this Board be tendered to Mr. Abney for the very able, judicious and indefatigable manner in which he has discharged his laborious duties during the term, and also for the thorough and practical course which he had adopted in system of education.”

“Resolved, that the very ready manner in which the students have acquitted themselves today, is a striking and significant testimonial of his capacity as teacher and his powers of impartation.”

“Resolved, that we heartily approve of his course as a teacher, and sincerely desire him to remain in connection with the school.”

“Resolved, that the thanks of the Board, be tendered to the managers of the barbecue, and especially to the fair ladies who contributed their quantities of sweet-meats.”

“Resolved, that this Academy, situated as it is in a high and healthy region of country, watered by never failing springs, surrounded by noble heart citizens, who are determined to and will have a school, and having large and comfortable buildings for the accommodation of students, we take pleasure in recommending it to the favorable consideration of all who feel an interest in the cause of home education.”

Signees were S.A. Boggs, Pres., R.E. Wyche, B.H. Nelson, J.J. Scott, Augustus Martin, Martin Martin, John Campbell and John G. Allen, Sec.

There’s more about the Red Land Seminary at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center. Visit us soon to find out.

By: Ann Middleton

"SAWYER DOWNS JUMPS TRACK SITE"

Architect's rendering of Louisiana Downs Racetrack
Bossier Chamber of Commerce Collection 1998.047.211

Here at the History Center we recently needed information about the race track that was in Bossier Parish before Louisiana Downs. The January 25, 1973 issue of The Bossier Press provided just what we needed about the race track.

“Sawyer Downs Racetrack officials announced Tuesday that the track site will be relocated to a 291 acre site just outside and east of Bossier City.”

“The groundbreaking on the new location will be held on Feb. 20, according to John Wolcott, president of Sawyer Downs, Inc., and he also said the name will be changed to Louisiana Downs.”

“‘We have submitted this change of location to the State Racing Commission for its approval,’ Wolcott said. ‘Concurrently we have requested the State Racing Commission’s approval to change the name of our racing facility to Louisiana Downs, which we feel will be more appropriate or the expanded facility we will construct.’ “

“The racetrack’s former site was on the Benton Road near the Bossier Parish Courthouse, but it was said to be too inaccessible for traffic. The state program to widen Hwy. 3 to Benton from Bossier City was indefinitely delayed.”

"The new location will be centered in an area bounded by Hwy. 80, I-22, I-20 and Red Chute Bayou.”

“About the new site Wolcott stated, ‘Although this requires a significant additional capital investment on our part, we believe the benefits to the state, the Parish of Bossier, and to the racing industry are overriding.’ “

Louisiana Downs officially opened on October 30, 1974. More information about the race track can be found at the Bossier Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

Miss USA 1958

As Shreveport prepares to host the upcoming Miss USA pageant this month, who remembers the 1958 Miss USA from Bossier City? Miss Eurlyne Howell (left in photo) was a 1957 graduate of Bossier High School and attended Centenary College. After being crowned Miss USA, Eurlyne competed in the Miss Universe pageant, finishing 3rd runner-up.

Eurlyne ventured into acting with a 7 year contract with Warner Brothers in Hollywood. She appeared in TV shows like Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, and Bourbon Street Beat (as Arlene Howell).

Eurlyne married Paul LaCava in 1959 and the couple honeymooned in Mexico City.

This photo is from our Bossier Chamber of Commerce collection - 1998.047.203. 

Miss Anita Thomasson is on the right. This photo was taken on "Eurlyne Howell Day" - July 31, 1958. 

Eurlyne was presented with the key to Bossier City by Mayor Jake W. Cameron.

"A FOREIGN VISITOR"

Bossier Parish Cotton; BPLHC Collection ED015.013

The May 6, 1920 issue of The Bossier Banner told of a special visitor to the newspaper’s office.

“A caller Monday afternoon was Mr. Arthur Vlanna Filho, a nineteen year old youth from the city of Belle Horizonte, capital of the state of Minas, Brazil. Mr. Filho came to Benton with Messrs. A. Curtis and J. T. McDade, of Ward One and is at present stopping with Mr. Curtis as his guest for some weeks. He is here to study the North American’s manner of growing and harvesting cotton—that chiefly, but will give attention to the growing of other crops and will also study the use of traction engines and other means of power most commonly employed on farms here in the United States.”

“While in the Banner office, Mr. Filho explained that at present his government is giving much attention to the advancement of agriculture. Last year was begun the practice of sending to the United States one student from each agricultural college that he might further his studies in his chosen calling in a foreign land. As an index of the growth of agricultural schools in the South American country, thirty youths were sent to the United States last year and forty-five this year. This young man and a number of his fellow students entered the State University at Baton Rouge, about four months ago. They came to study our methods of culture of various crops and also to give attention to any and all things that would be of benefit to one engaged in agricultural pursuits or animal husbandry. Their first task, however, was the study of English—and we must admit Mr. Filho indeed converses well for one having only a course and experience of four months.”

“Some of the crops to be studied are sugar cane, cotton, corn, rice, wheat and oats, though little of the last two crops are grown in his country, he said. But great numbers of sheep, goats and cattle are raised, and at present the introduction of Jersey cattle and the establishing of dairies is being given attention. According to Mr. Filho, some of the crops of Brazil are coffee, tea, cocoanuts, cocoa, rubber, Brazilian nuts, etc. Also, the country has vast resources in the forests of pine, cedar and cypress.”

“The caller is a son of a manufacturer in the South American city and is apparently of the gentility of the country—of good standing and considerable means, perhaps. He stated that he likes the United States, has met many good people whom he finds hospitable and inclined to help along a stranger in a strange land. But, with all that, he remains loyal to home and hopes that the day may be speeded when he may return there, competent to at least assume partial change of affairs on his father’s plantation, where he hopes to grow much of the fleecy staple.”

“Upon leaving Bossier Parish Mr. Filho will proceed to the agricultural and mechanical college located near Austin, Texas, to study tractor engineering. And our well wishes go with him.”

To learn more, visit the Bossier Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

"TRAINING CAMPS FOR YOUNG MEN"

In its May 4, 1922 issue the Bossier Banner ran an article about military training camps for civilians.

“Second Lieut. W. V. Logan, of Vanceville, (address—Benton, Route 2) has been officially informed that there has been allotted to Bossier Parish a quota of men for the Civilians Military Training Camps, which will take place July 27th to August 26th next, at Camp McClellan, Ala., for infantry, cavalry, field artillery and engineers, and at Fort Barrancas (Pensacola), for coast artillery.”

“The offer is open to male citizens between the ages of seventeen and twenty-seven years, and in

giving further information we quote from the communication that has come to Lieut. Logan,

which includes additional age limits to those of prior military experience.”

“The maximum age limit for applicants who have had prior training in the Regular Army,

National Guard and the Organized Reserves, especially veterans of the World War, is thirty-five

years.”

“Citizens’ Military Training Camps are conducted by the War Department under the National

Defense Act. This is the basic law for the Army of the United States, which consists of the

Regular Army, the National Guard and the Organized Reserves. The Government pays the

expenses of those attending, including transportation to and from camp, uniforms, food and

medical attendance.”

“The object of these camps is to bring together young men of high type from all sections of the

country on a common basis of equality and under the most favorable conditions of outdoor life,

to stimulate and promote citizenship, patriotism and Americanism; and through expert physical

direction, athletic coaching and military training, to benefit the young men individually and bring

them to realize their obligations to their country.”

“Those desiring further information on the subject should address: Chief of Staff, 87th Division,

Poland and Dauphine Streets, New Orleans, La.”

According to Wikipedia, these camps were held annually each summer during the years 1921 to

1940 and differed from National Guard and Organized Reserve training in that the program

allowed male citizens to obtain basic military training without an obligation to call-up for active

duty. It is estimated that 400,000 men had at least one summer of training.

To learn more about how Bossier Parish responded to military obligations visit the Bossier

Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

This Month in Bossier Parish History

Bossier Parish History Month

May: Through the years!

May: This is a time for cheerful celebrations for the graduating classes throughout Bossier Parish. Here's a glimpse of past graduates!

Bossier High: 1917, Ethel Dalrymple was the              Plain Dealing High: 1925

Valedictorian of the first graduating class.                    Seniors holding class banner

2011.100.002 Cliff Cardin Collection                           1998.055.003 Virginia Crawford Collection      

                 

                                                                                                              

Benton High: 1933, Harry Johnson (middle                 Princeton High: 1955, first graduating class

row far left) was Valedictorian at 14 years old.             with Walter H. Martin as principal.                   

0000.001.008                                                                  2004.003.003 Walter H. Martin Collection

               

May 4, 1936: Giddens Castle Destroyed by Fire.

Shreveport Times, May 5, 1936 The Giddens Castle of Bossier Parish was destroyed by fire. The Castle was built in 1928 by Tandy K. Giddens to replicate a castle on the Rhine River in Germany. In 1933 the castle was turned into a nightclub.

May 9, 1966: Pictures of construction work for Interstate 20 (I20) through Bossier Parish.

0000.002.028                                                                         0000.002.032                           

                         

0000.002.030                                                                            0000.002.027

May 11 & 18, 1984: Justin Wilson, a well-known chef, cookbook author, and T.V. host,  visits the Bossier Parish Library as part of the Summer Reading Program.

Shreveport Times: May 11, 1984           ShreveportTimes: May 18, 1984