Pages Past: An American History Book Club

Bossier Parish Libraries 

History Center

2206 Beckett St.

Bossier City, La 71111

Thursday, March 7, 2019

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us for Refreshments and Discussion

If you have not read the book yet and would like to pick up a copy of it, come by the History Center to sign-up. If you have questions call (318)746-7717.

World War II Salvage for Victory Program

J.T. Manry donates printing press for the Salvage for Victory Program; Palin Dealing Library collection: 1997.031.077

During the second World War every man, woman, and child participated in many ways to help in the war efforts and to achieve victory. The following article from the Bossier Parish Salvage Program Chairman D. E. Burchett, appeared in the Planters Press, April 23, 1942, is one example of how the citizens of Bossier Parish contributed to the war efforts.  

“Having been selected by the Parish Chairman, Mr. J. H. Mercer, to head the department of Salvage For Victory, certain material that is now scattered throughout Bossier Parish, it now becomes my privilege along with my duty as an American citizen, to aid in whatever way possible, to see that every person has the opportunity to either donate all scrap as herein below designated or sell the same to the scrap dealer as you like. It does not make a great deal of difference whether you donate your scrap to your community church for its benefit or your favorite charity, the main duty is to get the material into the channels of trade and manufacture of new goods. Our Governor says there is enough scrap metal in Louisiana to construct eight Battle Ships, so whether this estimate is exact or not isn’t the point, our duty is to see that in this time of great need for this kind of material that it gets to the manufacturer.” 

“Much of the shortage in metal as well as other material may and can be averted if we and this means every citizen, only gather the scrap lying around and put it into new and useful material.” 

“This program is not a half-hearted effort to make a show or the fly-by-night program that will pass in a few days, this salvage program will be here as long as the emergency exists, which from all indications from our Government building program will last many months.” 

“Beginning on the 27th day of April and lasting one week, ending May 2nd, the people of Bossier Parish and especially the residents of the rural area, are asked to clean the back yard and barn lot of all metal and scrap rubber, place it in a safe place and see that some thief doesn’t carry it off before the right party comes around.” 

“Beginning on Saturday, May 2, there will be a system organized to pick up all scrap metal in every community, so if yours is not picked up the first week it will be the second week and so on, keeping all scrap going back to be reused” 

“All scrap metal (except tin cans); no use for tin cans yet, all rubber goods, old tires, tubes, and the like, all old rags, paper, (magazines and bound papers will be worth more tied in bundles), all other paper should be packed in boxes or containers to handle easily.” 

“This is our war as well as Uncle Sam’s, so let’s go folks, and get the job done.” 

In the following month Salvage Chairman, D. E. Burchett reported the Salvage for Victory Program was off to a great start with Plain Dealing High School contributing nearly 50 tons of scrap metal, Bossier Parish Highway trucks gathered nearly 40 tons of scrap, and Bossier Parish citizens had sold or promised to sell approximately 75 tons of scrap. 

Visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center to learn more about the history of Bossier Parish during World War II or any other time.

By: Amy Robertson

"First Baptist Church Steeple to Arrive Here Shortly"

From the Bossier Press issue of February 23, 1966, the following announcement about the eagerly awaited arrival of the steeple for First Baptist Church of Bossier City appeared. 

“The long-awaited 152-foot steeple of the new First Baptist Church of Bossier City was reported en route to the city this week and it’s expected to be erected within two to three weeks.” 

“Marshall Walker of the Shreveport architectural firm of Walker and Walker which designed the new $1 million-plus church said the steeple’s three sections were to have been loaded on six railroad flat cars around the middle of last week.” 

“Spotlights to illuminate the base of the steeple are already installed on the front lawn will be installed as soon as weather permits.” 

“A.W. Hogan, president of the Southern builders Construction Co., which erected the new church, said the three sections of the steeple will be hoisted by a long boom crane into position over the sanctuary edifice within two days after arrival. The Completion of the steeple structure after the components are in place will take approximately one week, according to Hogan.” 

“J.D. Miot Jr. of the Carter-Miot Engineering Co. of Columbia, S.C., said he regretted the delay in delivery, but he added, ‘Once the job is completed the enjoyment of the beauty of the structure will very soon overcome and push into oblivion the memory of the temporary disappointment resulting from a completion delay.’” 

“The new church, located on East Texas Street between Benton Road and Airline Drive, opened its doors on Dec. 5.” 

First Baptist Church of Bossier City was first incorporated in 1903 as Ardis Memorial Baptist Church, until 1939 when the name was changed to First Baptist Church of Bossier City. It was located at Hunter Street (now East Texas Street) and East Third Street until it was relocated to its current location, 2810 East Texas Street, in 1965.  

Fire December 10, 2018; Bossier Parish Library History Center collection 2019.004.001

To learn more about the history of First Baptist Church of Bossier City, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Amy Robertson

Movie: "Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero"

FREE

Come watch this family film of the true WWI story of America's most decorated dog.

This special movie event will include activities, giveaways, and snacks.

Sat. March 9, 2019 1:30 pm

Bossier Parish Libraries History Center

2206 Beckett St.

Bossier City, La 71111

318-746-7717

"Town Of Golden Rule Name Booming Trade Center"

From the Bossier Banner-Progress issue of January 1, 1959 the following short description of Plain Dealing appeared.

“Plain Dealing, the simplest name for [the] Golden Rule, passed on from Gilmer’s Plantation to the incorporated village in 1888, has continuously been the guiding motto in the minds of her citizenry since that day.”

“Today, January 1, 1959, we see that same municipality, a fast growing town, featuring that principle in the greatest trade expansion in its history.  There seems to be a real upsurge in the enthusiasm of all of our business firms and with it a real appreciation for the growing sentiment among our people that home trading is by far better especially when we have all commodities easily available and at prices that are certainly not excelled for savings.”

“By way of diverging, it seems that just the wear and tear from Benton north, by far over balances any savings that could be found on the ordinary household buyings.  In this matter we checked with the best prices offered in Shreveport metropolitan area and the balance seemed to fall in favor of Plain Dealing.”

“It isn’t a case of people being strange.  They, like all of us, like to be appreciated and that is just what adherence to the Golden Rule ideal implies.”

“In talking to one of our bustling young businessmen recently, he said. ‘Mr. Phillips we really appreciate the new business we are receiving and we do our best to make them know it.  We just like new friends, too.”

“We predict that this new year will be the greatest in Plain Dealing history in which event we all should be most grateful and in humility offer out thanks to a beneficent Providence.”

Plain Dealing did experience at least one history-making event from 1951 to 1990.  The articles of incorporation for Plain Dealing Dogwood Drive were approved by the Louisiana Secretary of State in November of 1951.  The popular festivities were observed until 1990.

Mary Wheeler Corley collection: 2003.026.112

For more information about Plain Dealing and Plain Dealing Dogwood Drive visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

Documentary: "Beyond Galilee: Shreveport and the Struggle for Civil Rights"