History of Rocky Mount

Bossier Parish Community College collection: 1997.006.116

Following is the history of Rocky Mount according to a contributor with the initials S.M.N. published in the May 23, 1895 issue of The Bossier Banner.

“The first settler of Rocky Mount was Mr. William Young, who came here in 1849, and built some cabins on the branch north of Rocky Mount. The next year he put up a log house on the hill, which is still standing. The old cabins were removed, and converted into a meat house.”

Dr. Clifford Hill Irion

“Mr. Eldridge Singleton built in 1853 or 1854 near the old fig tree in Dr. Irion’s orchard. He afterwards sold out to two Jews, named Keyser, who put up a store. After the death of one of the Jews, the store and land was sold to Mr. Noah Phillips, who built a dwelling house across the road, which was afterwards occupied by Mr. J. H. Hughes. This house was removed, and now forms a part of Capt. W. J. Hughes’ store.”

“Dr. Marlow and Mr. Philips built a house in 1853 near Mrs. Hollingsworth’s, which is now the Methodist parsonage.”

“Afterwards nearly all of Rocky Mount was sold to two brothers, Messrs. J. H. and A. B. Hughes.”

“Messrs. A. B. Hughes, B. W. Stewman and R. D. Speight put up a store in 1855, between Capt. W. J. Hughes’ store and Mr. J. H. Hughes’ dwelling, which was torn down and now forms a part of the store at Hughes’ Spur. In this same year (1855), Mr. Philips built for Mr. A. B. Hughes, the dwelling which is now occupied by Mr. Carter.”

“Mr. J. H. Hughes erected a store in 1856 near where Dr. Irion has a shop. He and Mr. William Crawford merchandised there until the breaking out of the war. This store has also been removed.”

“Rocky Mount was first called Keyserville, but when in Mr. Phillips possession, he named it Rocky Mount, on account of its situation.”

“The first post office was established in 1855. In this year the first school house was built, which was afterwards burned. The school house we now use is near the old spot. The first teacher at Rocky Mount was Mr. Wm. Robertson, nephew of Mr. J. W. Martin, who was one of the old citizen.”

“Messers. James Talbert and H. R. L. Winfrey put up the first saw mill on the branch between the school house and Mr. J. H. Hughes’. Mr. Talbert also erected the first blacksmith shop near Mr. J. H. Hughes’ dwelling.”

“Dr. Nelson was the first physician in Rocky Mount. After him came Dr. Arnett. He had for his office a portion of Mrs. Hollingsworth’s dwelling, which was afterwards improved by Mrs. Curry. Dr. Tigner was the third doctor, and had for his office a portion of Mr. J. H. Hughes’ house. Dr. Wilson came about 1856.”

“The Presbyterians were the first denomination to hold services at Rocky Mount. They
organized at the old school house, but before the war they built a church, which is still

Capt. William Josiah Hughes

standing.”

“The Baptist church is a branch of old Cana church, and was built in 1880.”

“Capt. W. J. Hughes has improved Rocky Mount some by having sever- small dwellings
erected.”

“The Hughes, Leaphearts and Capt. Fish’s family were the leading families of Rocky Mount.
Most of the old settlers have passed away and sleep in the Rocky Mount cemetery.”

To learn more about Bossier Parish history come to the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center,
2206 Beckett St., Bossier City.

By: Amy Robertson

Fallen Heroes

The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in U.S. history and necessitated the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance to take place on May 30, 1868. Logan called this day of remembrance Decoration Day where citizens were asked to decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers. Decoration Day eventually became known as Memorial Day and, while it originally honored only those lost during the Civil War, after World War I the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May which went into effect in 1971.

Henry Homer Dalrymple in his WWI uniform
Johnette Parham collection: 2002.004.025.

With Memorial Day coming up this Monday, I want to tell you about one of Bossier Parish’s fallen heroes. Pvt. Henry Homer Dalrymple was born July 21, 1892, in Bossier Parish and was from the Midway community which is approximately 9 miles east of Benton. Pvt. Dalrymple lost his life serving in the first World War and is among the countless fallen remembered on Memorial Day.

Unfortunately, the first indication his family received about his death was when letters to Homer were returned to sender with the notation “return to writer: deceased.” The Dalrymple family quickly reached out to the War Department to confirm if it were true…had their beloved son and brother died? The War Department did not have any news of his death and informed the Dalrymple’s that an inquiry would be cabled to the commander abroad and they would advise the family as soon as possible.

Later they received a telegram from the War Department stating, “Deeply regret to inform you that Private Henry Homer Dalrymple, infantry, is officially reported as killed in action; date undetermined” (appearing in the October 24, 1918, publication of the Bossier Banner).

Then, the following letter was sent to the Bossier Banner and published on February 6, 1919:

"Germany, 12 December, 1918.
Mr. G. W. Dalrymple, Shreveport, La.
Dear Sir: I regret to inform you, in response to your inquiry of October 12th, that Henry H. Dalrymple was killed in action. He was always one of the best soldiers I had in the platoon, and was an acting sergeant when the accident occurred. He was killed by a direct hit with a high explosive, and his badly mutilated body was buried about a half kilometer from a village named Vaux, near Chateua [sic] Thiery [sic]. The date of the incident was July 1, 1918. Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Yours, Earl H. Brockman,Captain Infantry, U.S.A."

Pvt. Henry Homer Dalrymple was laid to rest in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, Department de l’Aisne, Picardie, France.

During World War I, mothers would display a gold star on service flags in their homes and on armbands to represent the loss of a son or daughter killed in war service. These women were known as Gold Star Mothers and became a federally chartered organization in 1928. The Gold Star Mothers lobbied Congress for a federally sponsored pilgrimage to Europe for mothers with sons buried overseas. President Calvin Coolidge signed the legislation, in March 1929, authorizing Gold Star Mothers and widows with next of kin buried overseas to travel to Europe with all expenses paid by Uncle Sam.

The Office of the Quartermaster General determined that 17,389 women were eligible to make the pilgrimage. Among these women was Homer’s mother Lydia Harriett Smith Dalrymple who made the pilgrimage sometime in the early 1930s.

Lydia Harriett Smith Dalrymple (left) on her Gold Star Mothers Pilgrimage
Also Harry Gray and Della Gray Sorrells. Johnette Parham Collection: 2002.004.055.

It is with a grateful and heavy heart that we remember all of the fallen heroes who, in service to our great country and with ardent patriotism, have valiantly paid the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom, may they never be forgotten.

To learn more about Bossier Parish history, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center at 2206 Beckett St., Bossier City, La.

By: Amy Robertson

Donkey Baseball: Sports Fad of the 1930s

Donkey Baseball game between Plain Dealing Lions Club and Sparcolene, May 11, 1934.
Bryce Turnley Collection: 1997.062.119

The 1930s were a dark time for our nation as we suffered through the depression. The great thing about humans is we always find a way to enjoy life, even in tough times. In 1934 an alternate method of playing baseball was founded by the self-proclaimed “father of donkey baseball,” Ray L. Doan of Muscatine, Ia. This form of baseball was so popular, and amusing John Waters directed a short written and narrated by Pete Smith in 1935. (If you're interested in watching this short simply Google “Donkey Baseball 1935.”)
The game was played on a standard softball field. Every player was on a donkey except for the pitcher, the catcher, and the batter. Once the batter hit the ball, he mounted a donkey and attempted to run the bases. The outfielders can dismount their donkey to grab the ball, but they must always hold the reins, and they must mount the donkey before throwing the ball. Should a player forget to hold the reins or to remount the donkey before throwing the ball, the opposing team would be given a base.

On May 10, 1934, the following article, “LIONS WILL HAVE GALA DAY FRIDAY AT PLAIN DEALING: Donkey Ball Game To Be on Varied Program of Day in Plain Dealing” appeared in The Bossier Banner.

“The Plain Dealing Lions Club will sponsor a ‘gala celebration,’ entitled, ‘Whoa Da, Mule!’ tomorrow (Friday), which should be of much interest to people throughout the parish, because of its varied entertainment features.”

“There will be baseball games, a parade, music, dancing and other amusements, all under the supervision of the Lions Club. The program is scheduled to get under way at two o’clock in the afternoon with a ‘Donkey Parade.’ Following this event, a donkey baseball game, played form the backs of these stubborn animals, will be staged by members of the Club.”

“Then, at 3.30 o’clock, the Plain Dealing baseball team will engage the fast-stepping Sparcoline [sic] club, of Shreveport, in a regulation nine-inning game.”

“During the parade and at the ball games music will be furnished by the Plain Dealing Boys Band, a musical organization in which the town takes much pride.”

“To close the day’s festivities a dance, beginning at nine o’clock, at the Bell Hotel, and lasting until the early hours of the morning, will be held. Music for this event will be furnished by a well known colored band, it has been announced.”

"Above are members of the team in the donkey baseball game played recently at Plain Dealing, virtually all of them being members of the Plain Dealing Lions Club. Left to right are Cecil Kelly, President of the Club; Dr. W. F. Bell, Lions Club "Tail-Twister;" Ben Keeth, local Southern Cities agent; F. G. Phillips, Plain Dealing school principal; O.C. Coleman, Town Marshal-Elect; W. T. "Preacher" Carruth, a prime mover in the interesting donkey day festivities; Mayor F. D. McKellar; J. M. Graham, one of the Club's most enthusiastic members; John J. Doles, local bank cashier; Dr. George Acton, local dentist; T. B. Barron, Southwestern Gas and Electric Company's local manager and Secretary of the Lions Club; Mack Philiips, publisher of this newspaper; Bill DeMoss, local merchant. The young lady shown in the center is Miss Almeta Coyle, popular Lioness and Lions Club 'sweetheart' who rode a donkey in the parade staged in connection with the ball game. Kneeling in front of the group are (left) Crawford Womack, captain of the Sparcolene baseball team of Shreveport who played here on that day; and Glenn Crawford (right) captain of the Lions Club baseball team."
 Bryce Turnley Collection: 1997.062.118 

If you follow the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center on Facebook you have probably seen the pictures that have been posted of donkey baseball being played in Plain Dealing. If not, you can follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BPLHistoryCenter. This is a great way to see pictures and read about local history, as well as keep up with our upcoming events.

To learn more about this and other local sports visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City.

By: Amy Robertson

June's Second Saturday Screening

Every Second Saturday of each month is Movie Time at the Bossier Parish Libraries 

History Center.

FREE  movie & popcorn

June 8, 2019 at 1:30 pm

2206 Beckett St.
Bossier City, La.
318.746.7717

Waller Elementary and a Lady Named Pearl

Pearl Taylor Waller (1874-1960)

Have you ever wondered how the names of streets and schools are chosen? Some are obvious, like Martin Luther King Drive, while others are not so obvious unless you dig into the history of the area. This week, I want to tell you about Pearl Taylor Waller, who Waller Elementary is named in honor of.

Pearl Taylor (Waller) was born on October 9, 1874, in Haynesville, La. On December 24, 1896, she married Judge Tarpley Waller of Haynesville where they lived until they moved to Bossier City in 1923. (By the way, Judge is his first name, not his role or title.) One year later Judge passed away. Judge had been a good businessman and he owned a lot of land, some of which he earned oil and gas royalties from.

After being approached about selling the land that Waller Elementary School is located, Pearl decided to donate a large section of land for the purpose of building schools and other such needs for the community. Her copious donation provided not only the land in which Waller Elementary sits on, but also that of Rusheon Middle, Kerr Elementary, Waller Baptist Church, and other Bossier City landmarks. According to her granddaughter, Barbara Gray, “she was interested in education and wanted to do what was right for the community.”

Waller Elementary School opened to 600 students spanning grades 1-6, on March 13, 1950. The school had 18 classrooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria and was under the administration of Principal Donald E. Shipp. Over half of the students were dependents from Barksdale Air Force Base.

By September of 1951, Waller Elementary became overpopulated due to a growth spurt in Bossier City; particularly around Waller Elementary, as that section of Bossier City became more developed attracting people to relocate to this part of town, and the number of children from Barksdale was higher than expected. The superintendent R. V. Kerr and the school board found it necessary to move  261 students to other schools to bring the average classroom size down to less than 40 per classroom. Thanks to a Federal School Aide Grant the Bossier Parish School Board was able to complete a 16 room addition by 1952.

In 1954, Waller Elementary began providing education to children in the 7th grade as well and had an enrollment of 1285 students. Then, in 1955, the Bossier Parish School Board ordered enough library books to make Waller Elementary School eligible to become accredited. Waller reported having the highest enrollment of any elementary school in the state with approximately 1400 students enrolled. According to state law, a school must have a minimum of five books per enrolled student to qualify for accreditation. This meant that Waller would require 7,000 library books to meet this qualification.

W. M. Waller, the nephew of Pearl and Judge Waller, served on the Bossier Parish School Board and was the one who made the motion to buy the required number of books and for the board to take the necessary action of transferring a few teachers in a move to acquire the school’s accreditation.

Don’t you know Pearl must have enjoyed watching the constant growth and improvement of not only the school named in her honor but also the growth of the community that she loved and generously gave to.

There are also streets that bear the names of the Wallers’ descendants in the area where they owned land, including Patricia Drive, the street that Waller Elementary is on. Yjean Street is also named after a Waller descendant, and Bobbie Street is named after Pearl and Judge Wallers’ granddaughter Barbara Gray who was lovingly called “Bob” by her family.

On Jan. 6, 1960, Pearl Taylor Waller died in a local hospital after a long illness, but she left an indelible mark on Bossier City with her thoughtful donations which helped the city to flourish.

To learn more about the history of Bossier Parish schools visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City, LA.

By: Amy Robertson

June Book

Pages Past:

An American History
Book Club

At the Bossier Parish Libraries

History Center

2206 Beckett Street

Bossier City, LA
318.746.7717

6:00 - 7:30 pm

June 6, 2019

Stop by the History Center today to sign-up and to borrow a copy of the book chosen for June's discussion. 

This Month In Bossier Parish History

May: Thought the years

May 3, 1938:  A meeting was held to form a Loins Club in Benton. The appointed officers          for the Lions Club until  July, when the Lions fiscal year begins , will be: A.M. Wallace,            T.A. Tidwell, and Ford E. Stinson. May 5, 1938:  The Bossier Banner

    *Please enjoy various photos and artifacts from the Lions Club though out Bossier Parish.

The Plain Dealing Press: May 5, 1935

C.. 1950’s  Minstrel Committee - Lions Club. Back row: H.L. Fuller, Willie White, H.O. Coffey. Front row: Darrell George, Ira Harbuck, B.E. McCranie, J.L. Cathey, Jr.

2016.019.014  City of Bossier City Collection

 Bossier City Lions Club members competed for various awards given by the KWKH radio statio. They are from left to right, Paul Dyson, Hop Fuller, Ira Harbuck, and Jack Dyer. In many way the early Lions Club promoted business and social changes in Bossier City.

2006.034.012-1 Neill Yarborough Collection

C. 1950’sOriginal photograph of a Lions Club gathering. 8 men are seated a table, while 7 other men stand behind them. A Lions gong is in the center of the table. In pencil on reverse, " President, Officers & Directors Lions". No names are given.

2016.019.005  City of Bossier City Collection

C.1942 After winning against Fair Park High School: 39 to 0, the Bossier Lions Club took the team (Bearkats) and their dates. To Columbia Café in S'port for a late after game dinner.    1999.064.029  Billy Davidson Collection

Membership Certificate for Lions Club (T.A. Tidwell)

2002.035.053 Paul McKim Collection

Top Left: Pin. 1981. Louisiana Lions Club district 8, Phoenix. 2000.022.023. Top Right: Pin. 1988. Louisiana Lions Club district 8, Denver, Colorado 2000.022.020.  Bottom Left: Pin. 1989. Louisiana Lions Club district 8, Miami. 2000.022.019.  RightPin. Louisiana Lions Club. 1977 International, New Orleans, LA. 2000.022.014

May 12, 2019: Happy Mother's Day!!

C.1900’s Huey Lee and his mother, Margery Brittentine Lee and my great-great uncle Huey Lee..  Mr. Huey Lee was the grand-father of Bossier Parish Library Reference. Librarian Adrian Lee of Plain Dealing.   1997.110.001  Adrian Lee Collection

C.1800’s Mary Clark Hughes was the daughter of Daniel Clark and Malinda Martin Clark. She maried William Josiah Hughes on September 26, 1866. For years they lived in Rocky Mount where she became the mother of William C. Hughes, John F. Hughes, James A. Hughes, and Belle Hughes. She died two years after her husband, in 1923. their first home still stands and is now a museum to early Bossier residents.

1997.002.024

 Jennie Lee Gleason and baby Audrey.  Handwritten on back of photo, "1914 - picture made. Date of Birth Oct. 24, 1913.      1999.163.009   Audrey Davis Collection

C.1900-1910’s "Uncle Sam and Aunt Cassie with their adopted children." Bossier adoption records reveal that Sam and Cassandra Ealy [or Eley] adopted a child  named Lee on December 11, 1905. Cassandra Ealy is buried in the Bellevue Cemetery. Sam's last known residence was Texarkana. Aunt Cassie and Sam with adopted children.  Sam and Cassy Ealy appear in the 1900 US Census for Bossier Parish.

0000.004.009 Scanland Collection

C.1940’s Marie Heath with her sisters, mother, and aunt. Left: Bennie Lee Heath Ribb; mama [Elizabeth Rebecca "Ida" Stroud Heath]; Laura May Heath; Maxine [this is Marie's aunt, must be on mother's side. All paternal aunts would have passed away by the time of this photo]; Neola Elizabeth Heath - far right: Marie

2003.009.010   Thelma Strayhan Brando Collection

1960-1970; Unidentified family photo

0000.014.011   Pearl Rials Collection

May 18, 2019: Congratulations Class of 2019!

Graduation/Commencement  ceremonies  are celebrated in May through out the Parish. Please enjoy the photos of fellow classmates  from various  years and schools.

Class of 1925: Plain Dealing High School Graduation Photograph.  Students hold a banner reading "Class Twenty-Five PDHS".

1998.055.003  Virginia Crawford Collection

Class of 1932: Bossier City High School graduating students

L.G. Smith, Neil Yarborough, Kenneth Fargurson, Reeves Norris, J.R. Key, John Givens, James O’Da___, Ceicli Am___, Bab C___, Willie Smith, J___ Humphery, ___ Mae Green, ___ Chandler, Katherine Mares,  Maurice Miller, Maxine Hooke, Morgan Freeman, Helen Norris, Mary Pullen, Mary E. Smith, Justine Hoyer, Helen Parham, ___ Bishop, ___ Killinger, ?, ?

Due to the condition of list, some names and or surnames are illegible.  Order of names compare to student placement is not noted. 

2017.013.002 Nancy Day Collection

Class of 1933:  Benton Graduating class. Members from left to right are (bottom row) Marjorie Jones, unknown, and Bobby Montgomery; (middle row) Harry Johnson (14 years old also valedictorian) Kate Stafford Johnson, unknown, unknown, and Gennie ? Taylor; (top row) unknown, unknown, Sydney Adger, and James Brice.

0000.001.008

Class of 1942: Elm Grove High Graduating Class

1999.104.006  Rev. Glen Nelson Collection

Class of 1954: Princeton High School First Graduating Class . Walter H. Martin is Principal.

2004.003.003  Walter H. Martin Collection

May 30, 1935:  Kickapoo Plaza opened for business. The amenities include: Camp grounds, café, grocery,  service station, auto accessories, and a bar. Located at the intersection of Minden-Shreveport and Benton-Bossier City roads (Highway 80 and Benton Road.

Plain Dealing Progress

                     

              

   Plain Dealing Progress: May 30, 1935

Kickapoo Plaza Courts

Kickapoo Café on Benton Road in Bossier City opened in 1935 and closed in 1984

2006.034.006 & 2006.034.006-2 Neill Yarorough Collection

 1950: Original Postcard of Kickapoo in Bossier City, Corner of Highway 80 and Benton Road.  The Kickapoo Plaza Courts consists of 94 cabins, 6 types of Trailer Parks, Service Station, and Café.

2001.007.084

May 31, 1964: Airline High School received the mascot name of the “Vikings” 

The Student council submitted a list of names for the classmate, the majority voted “Vikings” . The school’s colors were chosen the dame way: Columbia and Navy Blue

The Times: May 31, 1964

1960’s Airline High School  

First principal: Bob Hornman.  First athletic coaches; John Ropp, head football coach and athletic director:  J.C. Howell, basketball coach;  and Jack Gray football assistant coach.  The Times: Feb 21, 1964.          1998.047.180A  Bossier Chamber of Commerce

First row R to L: Pete Geren, Priscilla Estess, Marcia Griffin, Secon Row: Kim Garthwaite, Lani Ray, Jennifer Hennen, Mike Wirt, John Piazza.  Third Row; Jane Isler, Kay Lynch, Katie West, Lee Thomas, Carmen Eatman, Jane Foreman. Fourth Row: Carl Adkins, Mary Fo Potter, Donna Wright, Martha Thomas, Thrisha Dvorak, Jane Cooper, Gary Dunlap.  Fifth Row: Pattie Adams, Rudy Estess, Nancy Wendt.     1965 Airline High School Yearbook

1965: Airline High School Yearbook

Temporary Student Council: sets policy, adopts first constitution and  traditions for coming years.

Members-At-Large (Standing) Carman Eatmen, Connie France, Kay Lynch, Jennifer Hennen.  Officers: (Seated) Ray Dunn, Chaplin; Donna Wright, secretary; Jane Isler, Vice-President; Nancy Wendt, President; Pattie Adams, Treasure; Bobby Martenson, Parliamentarian .

 1965: Airline High School Yearbook

Student Council elected for the coming year: Front Row (L to R) Ina Williams, Molly Roth, Beth McKenzie, Anita Spratt, Linda Allen, Nancy Wendt, Ralph White, Meta Lynch. Larry Sutton, Diane Rape, Carol Clugston.  Secon Row: Cindy Manning, Brookie Hudson, Karen Abercrombie, John Piazza, Pat Cobb, Nancy Tuck, Connie France, Kathy Fearns, Kathy Stewart, Kay Lynch.  Third Row: Linda Swan, Carmen Eatmen, Gary Dunlop, Kirk Matthews, Linda Moore,  Tom Daniel, Jane Isler, Ronnie Miley, Jennifer Hennen, Sally Dupris.  Fourth Row: Vicki Ates, Marsha Bryant, Leigh Hyudson, Randy Wendt, Johnny Thomas, Sharon Perdue, Lance Beckett, Annette Ivy, Nancy Elrod, Wynette Horton.  Fifth Row: Patti Adams, Ray Dunn, Steve Smits, Bobby Martensen, Becky Allen

1965: Airline High School Yearbook

Barksdale Field’s Role During WWII

Barksdale Field, 1934; Eunice DeField Collection: 2002.027.003

Before the United States Air Force was formed on September 18, 1947, Barksdale was known as Barksdale Field and was a part of the United States Air Corps a division of the U.S. Army. Barksdale Field was the largest military airfield in the world, dedicated on February 2, 1933.

In 1939 war broke out in Europe, and Washington called for an immediate expansion of its military capabilities. Along with the rest of the U.S. military branches, Barksdale started to prepare for war. As a result of the war raging in Europe, the personnel strength doubled at Barksdale Field by the end of that year.

In 1940 Barksdale Field was converted into an Air Corps Flying School, playing an essential role in World War II. In which there were four specialized flying schools established under the Southeast Air Corps Training Center. These flying schools were the Advanced Flying School two-engine (TE) pilots; Advanced Flying School TE Bombardier; Advanced Flying School TE Navigation; and Advanced Flying School single engine pilots.

After Barksdale Field was placed on war status in December of 1941, they transitioned from a training base to an operational base. In February of 1942, the Third Air Force assumed jurisdiction over Barksdale with a mission to train bombardment groups for combat service. Later that year the mission at Barksdale changed again, this time from operational training to replacement training. The Second Air Support Command Headquarters made Barksdale Field it's home in March 1943. Within a year, the remaining 335th Medium Bombardment Group was operating 95 airplanes and furnishing 65 crews per month for the combat theaters.

In the summer of 1943, the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) arrived at Barksdale, who along with the nurses provided vital services toward making Barksdale an exceptional airfield.

Just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 44th Bombardment Group was established at Barksdale Field. This unit created and trained America’s most famous B-24 organizations, including itself.

Unfortunately, accidents happened but when they did, they provided training on how to respond. On July 7, 1942, two accidents took place one involving a B-24D the other, separate accident, was of a B-26 Marauder, both planes experienced collapsed nose gear. These and other similar occurrences during the War brought about the slogan “Two a day, the Barksdale way.”

Beginning in 1944, Barksdale Field also served as a training center for the Army Air Corps Military Police during World War II, which included airfield defense. The vastness of Barksdale Field provided military police in training with a realistic experience when they simulated scenarios for both European and Pacific theater operations.

Barksdale Field also served as a training base for the Free French Air Force, where several hundred French airmen trained. The French Air Force received combat crew training in the Martin B-26. Every Friday Barksdale would fly the French tri-color flag while the French airmen trained.

In 1943 soldiers built and tended what was known as the largest Army Victory Garden; towards the end of the war German POW’s were brought from Camp Ruston to Barksdale to maintain the garden. German POWs could also on occasion be seen tending to the roads and maintaining the grounds.

On August 9, 1945, one of the bombardiers trained at the U. S. Air Corps Bombardier School at Barksdale Field, Kermit Beahan, dropped the lethal atomic payload on Nagasaki, Japan. The War was finally ended on September 2, 1945. After the war ended, Barksdale Field became a peacetime training center becoming the home of the Air Training Command from 1946-1949.

If you enjoy learning about history, you won’t want to miss Reverend Siegfried Kunz’s talk, “World War II and its Aftermath Through the Eyes of a German Boy.” Where Rev. Kunz will tell his riveting and heartbreaking story as a child refugee with his family, ethnic German minorities in Eastern Europe during and just after World War II. Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6:00 pm at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City.

By: Amy Robertson