The Saga of Sawyer Downs - Part 2

Architectural Rendering of Louisiana Downs C. 1970s
Bossier Chamber of Commerce Collection: 1998.047.211

It wasn’t until November of 1971 before the remaining shareholders were able to carry on with the plans to open Sawyer Downs. The request for a permit was made by the president of Sawyer Downs, John F. Wolcott, who explained to the Louisiana Racing Commission that Kemmons Wilson, (founder and chairman of the board of the Holiday Inns of America), was the chief financial backer and that they had $5 million set aside to complete the construction once the permit was approved. The Louisiana Racing Commission chose to defer action on the application until April, which was just one month before Gov. McKeithen's’, term in office would be over. You may remember from part one of this story that Gov. McKeithen was adamantly opposed the opening of Sawyer Downs.

Before April arrived, the Louisiana Racing Commission voted to renew the operating permit for Sawyer Downs, which inevitably was revoked by Governor McKeithen two days later after firing and replacing every member of the Louisiana Racing Commission that voted in favor of the permit. Despite the current opposition, Sawyer Downs president, John Wolcott, announced that they would carry on with their plans for the racetrack to be in operation by April of 1973. Meanwhile, a bill to allow for a local option, where the residents of Bossier Parish could vote for or against a pari-mutuel racetrack, was signed by Governor Edwin Edwards on June 20, 1972.

July 25, 1972, Sawyer Downs once again applied for the pari-mutuel racing permit and approval for racing dates for the fall of 1973 and the spring of 1974 which were quickly approved, pending the local option election. Within hours of this approval, the Bossier Parish Police Jury approved a resolution to hold an option election on August 19. The voters approved the operation of the controversial Sawyer Downs. Having removed many of their obstacles, Sawyer Downs planned to begin construction by the end of the year with grander plans for the facility than before.

1973 rolled around, and the construction had not begun because the racetrack organization had decided that the current location, approximately one mile from the Bossier Parish Courthouse was too inaccessible for the volume of traffic expected. They proposed a new site on Highway 80 (the current location of Louisiana Downs) and the Louisiana Racing Commission gave them a hearing on the changes. In the hearing the Louisiana Racing Commission not only approved the location change, but they also approved changing the name form Sawyer Downs to Louisiana Downs.

President John Wolcott announced the changes and the date for the groundbreaking ceremony which would be on February 20, 1973. Louisiana Downs finally opened for operation on October 30, 1974. On opening day Louisiana Downs drew a crowd of over 12,585 people, many of whom were from out of town, mostly Texas and Arkansas. Their inaugural meet was an 8-race event, with the first race at 1:05 pm.

Louisiana Downs Grandstand 1974
Bossier Chamber of Commerce Collection: 1998.047.220

In 1978, Vincent J. Bartimo, the president and general manager of Louisiana Downs, asked the Sawyer family permission to name a race worth $50,000 and up the Earl Sawyer Memorial Purse, stating “I think if it wasn’t for him this track would not be here today.” The Earl Sawyer Memorial Purse would become a permanent fixture of Louisiana Downs.

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

By: Amy Robertson

The Saga of Sawyer Downs - Part 1

Earl P. Sawyer was a native of Hamburg, AR, but he came to Bossier City in 1945, where he lived the last 24 years of his life. Sawyer was a wealthy entrepreneur known for organizing the Tri-State Oil Tool Company Inc., here in Bossier City, along with his partner Gary H. Burnham. He was a prominent member of the Palmetto Country Club where he served in various positions on the board including president for at least four consecutive years from 1960-1963.

Sawyer also owned a horse-training facility in Mansfield, La., and was already well-known throughout the Ark-La-Tex as a horse trainer. In 1962, he invested $100,000 into a new horse-training stable with an arena just 2-miles south of Benton, La. on Benton Road. This new facility, known as Earl Sawyer Quarter Horse Ranch and Arena, covered nearly 40,000 square feet with the ability to accommodate all-weather horse shows. After completion of the new facility, he relocated his horse training facility to the new location and began hosting shows there in 1963. His entrepreneurial spirit combined with his love for horses birthed what would become Louisiana Downs.

Earl Sawyers Arena grew in popularity and was transformed into an oval and straightaway. On June 12, 1965, it opened as Sawyer Downs and became the south’s newest and most modern quarter horse and thoroughbred racetrack. Modern features seen at Sawyer Downs were electric timers, photo finish cameras, and automatic starting gates. A judges’ stand was erected atop a 50-foot tower behind the new grandstand that could seat 2,500 spectators, with a modern concession stand underneath.

Its inaugural meet held that day was an 8-race event ranging from distances of 250 to 550 yards. Both quarter horses and thoroughbreds competed in the opening events which ran under the American Quarter Horse Association and the Louisiana Racing Commission. These races were held bi-weekly and were very popular drawing in large crowds that filled the grandstands.

Earl Sawyer applied to the Louisiana Racing Commission to allow pari-mutuel wagering at Sawyer Downs and the commission issued a letter of intent to okay his request. But first, the track would have to meet specific requirements such as an enlarged grandstand, fence rails to protect the horses, and a clubhouse to name a few of the requirements. Sawyer began making the necessary changes, and on April 4, 1966, the Louisiana Racing Commission granted Sawyer Downs a 90-day racing season for pari-mutuel betting from October 11, 1966, through February 11, 1966.

Meanwhile, Sawyer purchased more land and worked to secure financing for the necessary updates the Downs needed, which included a visit from movie star Gene Autry. Rumor has it Autrey came to see Sawyer Downs, and to consider being an investor in the racetrack, but he wanted the largest slice of the pie when it came to ownership, and Earl Sawyer was not willing to agree to these terms.

By June of that year, Sawyer announced the construction on Sawyer Downs expansion would begin soon. The new and improved facility would have the ability to stable more than a thousand horses, would include jockey quarters, a 3,000-foot runway for airplanes, a press box, judges’ quarters, a clubhouse with two clubs, as well as 18 suites that would be available for lease. Sawyer Downs became incorporated and started to offer stock in the company. After incorporating Sawyer Downs increased the size of its Board of Directors by adding six seats to the board. Two of the new board members included actor Dale Robertson and Joe Bill Adcock, baseball player for the California Angles.

Unfortunately, finances, religious opposition, and politics were working against Sawyer Downs, and in August of 1966, the racetrack had no choice but to ask the Louisiana Racing Commission to allow them to reschedule their opening from October 11, 1966, to April 1, 1967. In October of 1967, Governor John McKeithen blocked the permit that had been issued to the track and ordered that no racing permits of any kind could be issued without his personal approval. None-the-less the racetrack re-applied in August of 1968 for a new permit which was denied. It would be April of 1969 before Sawyer Downs could make a new request.

Before Earl Sawyer could realize his dream of re-opening Sawyer Downs as a pari-mutuel betting racetrack, he suffered a heart attack. On the morning of July 4, 1969, Earl P. Sawyer died at the age of 62 at Bossier General Hospital.

Come back next week to finish reading this saga of Sawyer Downs. As always, to learn more about Bossier Parish history come to the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 2206 Beckett St., Bossier City.

By: Amy Robertson

Southeastern Native American Views About the Cosmos

Benton Courthouse Ball

The interior of the old Bossier Parish Courthouse at Benton. James M. Henderson, the clerk of court at that time, is seated. Grace Larkin, who would briefly succeed Henderson upon his death is wearing a dark coat. Gladys Thompson is standing next to Grace. Collection ID: 0000.005.019

Bossier Parish Courthouse at Benton C. 1910s
Bob Burford Collection: 1997.070.002

Bossier Parish Courthouse at Benton C. 1910s
Abney Dell Scanland Flynn Collection: 1999.136.046

In 1888, the parish seat for Bossier Parish was moved from Bellevue to Benton. In January of 1892, the Bossier Parish Police Jury entered into a contract for the construction of the new Bossier Parish Courthouse to be built in Benton at the cost of $23,684. This courthouse was the third one in Bossier Parish history, but it was the first one built in the new parish seat of Benton. The lot in which it was built on was donated to the parish for $1. Gibson and Oliff Construction were the builders, and Seaborn H. Young was the brick-maker and building inspector. The courthouse was accepted by the Bossier Parish Police Jury as being completed on May 9, 1893. For the dedication of the new courthouse, a grand ball was given there on June 10, 1893.

The following article describing the ball was published in The Bossier Banner on Thursday, June 15, 1893.

“Last Thursday night, one entering the Court room of our beautiful new Court House, which was brilliantly lighted, was reminded of Hans Anderson’s descriptions of Fairy-Land.”

“Bossier has had many delightful balls and her fame for the elegance of them extends beyond the confines of the parish, but none has been more enjoyed than the one given last Thursday night.”

“The ladies were dressed with such elegance and taste as betoken refinement and culture – their tasty and varied toilets were the admiration of all present. The gentlemen, neatly attired, bore themselves with a grace and gallantry peculiar to our Southern born men.”

“It made the hearts of the old beat in unison with those of the young, to hear the music played in dance measure, and see one couple after another glide through the intricate figures of the different dances. The beauty and grace of our daughters of the South are displayed nowhere to a greater advantage than when rendering homage to Terpsichore.”

“It was a delightful entertainment in every respect, and as such was a charming display of that characteristic hospitality for which our people are celebrated. Everything was properly arranged and this proved to be the most enjoyable affair of the season, long to be remembered by those, who, amid the flow of unity and good cheer, gave substantial evidence of their appreciation of the occasion.”

“It was late when good nights were said and feet were turned homeward, while the unanimous verdict was that it was a complete success.”

People came from as far as Palestine, Texas to attend the grand ball to dedicate the opening of this glorious new courthouse which served as the Bossier Parish Courthouse for the next 79 years. It was 1972 before the fourth and current Bossier Parish Courthouse was built on a 15-acre tract of land that was donated by the James Edward Burt, Sr. estate in honor of their father.

To learn more about the history of the Bossier Parish Courthouse or for a list of those in attendance at the ball, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 2206 Beckett St., Bossier City. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BPLHistoryCenter.

By: Amy Robertson

July Second Saturday Screening Selection

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

History Center.

FREE  movie & popcorn

July 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm

2206 Beckett St.
Bossier City, La.
318.746.7717

July Book Club Selection

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

July 2, 2019

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

Bellevue 1875

Louisiana legislature carved Bossier Parish out of Claiborne Parish on February 24, 1843, fixing its boundary roughly from Red River to Dorcheat Bayou. The first members of the Bossier Parish Police Jury were William Crowley (President), B. J. Williams, Joseph Graham, and Isaac Lay with James C. Scott serving as the clerk. Until the courthouse was built, the Police Jurors met in homes. The courthouse was to be built in a central location in the Parish, which was Freedonia, the Parish seat at that time. During the second meeting of the Bossier Parish Police Jury, held July 8, 1843, the jurors changed the name of Freedonia to Society Hill, and a month later the name was changed to Bellevue.

Upon the first official federal census of Bossier Parish in 1850, the population was 6,962. By 1870, the population of Bossier Parish was up to 12,675. Today the population of Bossier Parish is approximately 127,634, and we are considered one of the fastest growing areas in the state.

The State of Louisiana decided to perform a state census in 1875, due to some political party disagreements concerning the accuracy of the 1870 census results for Louisiana. As a result, the writer was inspired to write the following article, which appeared in The Bossier Banner on June 5, 1875. This article paints a picture of life in Bellevue during that time.

William Henry Scanland, Sr.
Editor and Proprietor of The Bossier Banner
Abney Dell Scanland Flynn collection: 1999.136.034

 “As the census is being taken, we are fearful that our CITY may not occupy the position it should in the statistics; for the reason that only men, women, and children appear therein—whereas it requires more than inhabitants to constitute a town or city. In addition to the population of Bellevue, it has sixty seven houses—not all dwellings—but among which are a Court house and jail, and where is the other town in the Parish that has more, or is ever likely to have the later? We have an Academy, with a Principaless eminently qualified to train the youthful mind. One store that can furnish anything called for, from a needle to an anchor, at cost prices, freight added—freight tolerable heavy sometimes! One Grocery, where you will be FRANKly told that too much will make drunk come. One Hotel, that asks no odds of the St. Charles, in the way of substantials. One Preacher, ready to tie the knot and see that the same is Recorded! Two Doctors, that will cure you of all the ills flesh is heir to--if they can—if they can’t, why, you go under. Four Lawyers, always waiting to be gracious—they are waiting yet. One printing office— the man who runs it is too modest to blow his own trumpet but “hangs out his Banner” every Thursday morning. We have three dogs—one black cur, one terrier and one “yaller dog.” We defy any town in the State to do as small a business in the dog line; but in bovines and cats we can beat the universe. On a fair count we have about 200 of the former including Mr. Rasberry’s oxen, judging by their tracks in the morning after a slight shower, 1400 more or less—and a small stear! Cats! We defy any man to take their census, unless he were to imbibe a quart of benzine; locate himself on the Court house roof of a moonlight night, and count the number of spits! Spits! And me-ows. To sum up, we have a very pleasant, quiet town, and birds that make sweeter music than anywhere else. There is one singing now, that would put Jenny Lind to the blush.”

Unfortunately, some people were, and still are, afraid to take part in the U.S. Census and refuse to answer the questions being asked by the census takers. The reason it is so important to participate in the U.S. Census is that the data collected by the census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment), which was the cause of the political disagreement over the 1870 census results. The federal census is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities. As a bonus, those of us that are tracing our family heritage, we can find our ancestors and know more about them, thanks to the information that is provided on the census.

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

By: Amy Robertson

This Month In Bossier Parish History

June: Throughout the years

Jun. 1, 1956: A new factory opening in Bossier City, The Universal Manufacturing Co. also known as Gym Dandy for their popular playground equipment. It was expected to open in July of 1965. The new factory was under the management of I. Horowitz and J. Roy Parker. Built at a cost of a million dollars, the factory occupied 32,000 square feet, and employed about 75 workers.
Please enjoy the photos relating to the Gym Dandy Co. 

 





Jun.1, 1956: The Shreveport Times

1965:  the company’s buildings had a total of 240,000 square feet and by the next year they had added 40,000 more feet.   The plant complex covered over 30 acres.  This plant was very important economically for Bossier City. 

Gym Dandy Toy Company, a subsidiary of Gabriel.  Located on Hamilton

Rd. Bossier City, LA

1998.047.181A    Bossier Chamber of Commerce Collection

In the 1930s  young Mr. Isadore Horowitz began making steel swing-sets for neighborhood children.  Mr. Horowitz worked with his father in the oil-field steel supply business, so he had a ready supply of steel pipe.  The first swings he gave away free of charge.

In 1941 Mr. Horowitz and his wife decided to try to sell their swing-sets commercially.  Eventually they invented their trademark name “Gym-Dandy”  which incorporated their daughter’s nickname  of “Andy.”

Apr. 3, 1965: Shreveport Journal

1964: Girl playing on Gym-Dandy Sky Skooter. The first swing-sets were very simple, but Mr. and Mrs. Horowitz soon added new products to their line,  including the famous “Sky-Skooter”.  

The Shreveport Journal

2017.010.003 Irene Giles Collection

  

c.1950: Gym-Dandy Parkplay playset model number 407.  Playset featured See-Saw, Acting Bars, Swing, Adjustable Trapeze bar. 

2017.010.004 Irene  Giles Collection

Apr. 20, 1966: The Shreveport Times

Mar.26, 1960:  The Times

1960: John Wayne  at the Shreveport Airport . Two  unidentified children sitting  on the Surrey.  Unidentified adults standing around the Surrey.

 2007.036.004 Dement Collection

The Gym-Dandy Surrey was the “outstanding wheel toy of 1959.”  Art Linkletter endorsed the toy on his “House Party”  television show  the same year.  A “Surrey Jr.” appeared by March 1960 and was also endorsed by Linkletter

1999.063.001      City of Bossier Collection

Jun.16: Happy Father's Day!!  

Father's Day was not celebrated in the US until the 20th century.  As a civic celebration in the US, it was inaugurated in the early 20th century to complement Mother's Day by celebrating fathers and male parenting.  There were a few failed attempts on establishing a day for Father's Day.  But on June 19, 1910, a celebration was held in Spokane, Washington by Sonora Smart Dodd, in honor of her father, he was a war veteran and raised six children.  Several local clergymen accepted the idea, and on June 19, 1910 was declared this the first Father's Day.

*Please enjoy the photos of fathers from our parish. 

 1871: Photo of Samuel Whitfield Vance and his children  Samuel Whitfield Vance, Jr. and Mary Boutwell Gilmer Vance. The little boy wears a belted tunic and trousers.  The little girl has a decorative black silk apron.

1998.067.023   Dale Jennings Collection

C. 1890-1900’s: Charles Edward Byrd and his five of his sons.Charles Edward Byrd had 5 sons from his first marriage to Mary Elizabeth Morris Byrd: John Allen Byrd (1866-1937); Jimmy Byrd (died at 3 years old); Eddie G. Byrd (1877-1879); Robert Byrd (1879-1904); and Eddie Byrd (1880-?). He also had 4 sons from his second marriage to Ollie Upchurch Byrd: James Monroe Byrd (1883-1930); Charlie C. Byrd (1884-1928); John C Byrd (1886 - 1917); and Fred O Byrd (1888-1932)

C.1900’s:  Aaron W. and Mary Jane Kirklin with their children:  Sarah Jane,  (Aaron) Daniel, Minnie Susannah and Jasper Whittington Kirklin.

1997.081.019 Shanna Faulik Collection

      

      1944:  Milton and I. A. Gleason, father and grandfather, seated on steps, holding small children, Betty and M. A. Gleason.

1999.0163.003 Audrey Davis Collection

1950: Otis Johnson  and small child.

2004.012.021  Howard Jones Collection

1974:  Howard Jones with son Howard Jones, III

2004.012.031 Howard Jones Collection

June 29, 1983: In Memory of Joe Delaney

1974: Haughton High School Yearbook

                                   

1977: Haughton 

         High School 

         Yearbook

Nov.13, 1978: Northwestern State Demons

The Shreveport Times

Jan.14, 1982: Kansas City Chiefs

The Shreveport Times

Oct. 29, 2016: Opening celebrations for a park built in Haughton for the dedication and honor of Joe Delaney: The Joe Delaney Memorial Park 

The community is invited to a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. Delaney, a Haughton native, was a two-sport All-American at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and a Pro Bowl running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have been invited to attend the opening.October 12, 2016  Bossier Press Tribune

Oct.12, 2016: Bossier Press-Tribune

 Oct.27, 2016: The Shreveport Times