Barksdale's Little League

Source: The Observer, Aug. 23, 1957

Often referred to as America's national pastime, baseball has been enjoyed in America by player's, and spectator's alike since the game was modernized in the 1840s. In the 1920s, the American Legion formed a baseball program for teenage boys, and schools started baseball programs. But opportunities to play baseball were virtually non-existent for pre-teens until Carl Stotz of Williamsport, PA, founded Little League Baseball.

It all began in 1938 when Stotz was watching a bunch of kids trying to play baseball on a regulation diamond, with inadequate equipment and without the benefit of coaching and organization. He had the idea to organize a league for the youngsters, but first, he had to work out the details. So, Stotz gathered several neighborhood children and experimented with different equipment and field dimensions during that summer. He enlisted help from members of the community, and the first game was played in 1939.

Little League is a scaled-down version of organized baseball to fit youngsters between the ages of eight and twelve. The playing field is two-thirds the size of the regulation diamond, with bases 60-feet apart, and pitchers stand 40 feet and 4 inches from the home plate. The games are limited to six innings compared to nine innings in the Minor and Major Leagues. The bats and balls are the exact sizes as those used in the Major Leagues but lighter. In the interest of safety, steel cleats were banned from the league, causing sporting goods manufacturers to make special rubber sole shoes for kids.

In the beginning, they had the National Little League Tournament, now known as the Little League World Series. Its popularity snowballed, and by 1950 at least 37 states were competing for national honors in the Little League. The Little League World Series had played to capacity crowds for the previous two seasons.

Source: The Observer, Jan. 11, 1957

It's unclear to this writer exactly when Bossier Parish formed its first Little League team(s). But, in 1957, Barksdale received the first Little League franchise in Louisiana from the National Little League headquarters in Williamsport, PA., to play that year. "The franchise was presented to Col. Ralph J. White, base commander, by Master Sgt. James Lovejoy, 1956 president of the base Little Leagues. The colonel was deputizing for Col. Robert H. Borders, newly elected president for 1957 who was unable to receive the franchise in person because of TDY commitments."

Tech. Sgt. Rufus Bohannon was named vice-president of the league that year. The previous year he and Master Sgt. Delmar Cook coached the championship 3rd Triple S Wildcats to their second straight base title. That year nearly 167 boys signed up for Little League baseball, with an even greater number expected for the coming season. Five teams made up the league, and they were eligible for the state, district, regional, and World Series playoffs.

This week is National Little League week, and eighty years ago today, the first Little League game was played. Since then, Little League Baseball has become the world's largest organized youth sports program. It has grown from three teams to nearly 200,000 teams in all 50 U.S. States and more than 80 countries. In 1974 Little League Softball was created. The primary goal was to give the children a game that provides fundamental principles teaching sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork. Valuable lessons that can be carried out throughout one's lifetime.

To learn more about sports in Bossier Parish, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City. Be sure to follow us @BPLHistoryCenter on FB and check out our blog, http://bpl-hc.blogspot.com/. We are excited to announce that we are now on Tiktok; follow us @bplhistorycenter.

By: Amy Robertson

Bossier Girls and Women in Sports

Today marks the 35th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which was first declared by President Ronald Reagan on Feb. 4, 1987, to recognize the history of women's athletics. It also recognizes the progress made by the Title IX Educational Amendment passed in 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal funding.

This annual day of observance acknowledges female athletes' accomplishments and honors the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. Every year the celebration inspires girls and women across the nation to play and be active and realize their full power.

Bossier Parish has seen its fair share of outstanding female athletes. Most recently is Sarah Robertson, who made history by becoming the first female football player at Haughton High School in 2018. She was the Junior Varsity football kicker for the Buccaneers and kicked her first game field goal on Sep. 17th scoring the extra point for the Buccaneers after their touchdown against Byrd High.

Crystal Smith

Another Haughton High School alumnus known for her skills on the basketball court is Crystal Smith. For four straight years, she was chosen for the Shreveport-Bossier All-City teams. In 2002 she was selected as the Scholar Athlete of the Year. She played 119 games during her high school basketball career, scoring an average of 26.2 points per game.

She played for the Iowa Hawkeyes in college, increasing her per-game average by 12 points between her sophomore and junior seasons, ranked as the second-best improvement among the nation's collegiate players. As a junior, she scored in double figures in 30 of 33 games and was named to the Women's National Invitation Tournament all-tournament team. As a senior, she was named the Hawkeyes' most valuable player and a consensus All-Big 10 selection after leading in her team with an average of 17.2 points per game. Scoring double figures in 27 of 29 games in her last season, she ended her career No. 14 on the school's career scoring list.

Scoring was not Smith’s only strength; she was recognized for her defensive play as well. She was a consensus selection to the league's all-defense team and was the only Iowa player to earn the team's defensive award for three straight seasons. While attending the University of Iowa, she held or shared six school records, including most points in a single game earning 46 points against Louisiana Tech. In 2006, after college, she was drafted to play for the Women's National Basketball Association team, the Phoenix Mercury. That year her team became the highest-scoring WNBA team ever.

Jackie Conner

Jackie Conner of Bossier City became a national Gold Medal winner at the age of 65 in the 1999 Northwest Louisiana Senior Olympic Games, playing shuffleboard and again in 2001. Since joining the Senior Olympics movement, she has been named Northwest Louisiana's Athlete of the Year and served on the local games' steering committee and the board of directors for the Louisiana Senior Olympic Games. For her contributions to the Senior Olympics movement, she was awarded the Hazel Gay Memorial Torch Award in 2002. She is also quite the marksman and served as chairperson of the shooting competition for the district games.

Over the years, Conner has earned numerous medals in the Northwest Louisiana Senior Olympic Games. In 2019, she took home a silver medal in table games; a bronze medal in the women's pistol marksmanship; a gold medal in the women's 85+ age category in washer pitching; a gold medal in the women's 85+ age category in shuffleboard, and a gold medal in the shuffleboard doubles with partner Shelly Quarles in the 55-59 age group. She's not only a competitor, but she is also an instructor conducting workshops and classes to teach the skills used in shuffleboard and other games to newcomers in the competitions for those age 50 and over.

When it comes to the Olympic games, we must not forget about Dolores "Dee" Beckmann. A member of the first U.S. women's track and field team to participate in the Olympics—chosen as the all-around sportswoman in 1936 by New York sports columnist for being the first female coach of the United States track and field team in Berlin. After her girls won both the 100-meter, breaking the world record, and the 400-meter relays, she was hailed by sports columnist as one of the best coaches, male or female.

Source: The Shreveport Journal, 28 March 1975

In 1940, she was the U.S. chairman of the 1940 Olympic women's track and field committee and was involved in the Olympics in some form or fashion for the rest of her life. Her contributions to girls and women in sports and her accomplishments are too numerous to include in this writing. Though Beckmann was not a native of Bossier City, she was from St. Louis, Missouri, but she did move here in 1973 to be close to family and lived here until 1978. During that time, she was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1976. In 1978 she was inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame and the Missouri Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

By: Amy Robertson

This Month In Bossier Parish History

 December: Through The Years

Dec. 1, 1972: Bossier School Supt. John McConathy announced the new program for an Adult Education Learning Center. 

Bossier Banner: Dec.1, 1972

1974: Bossier Learning Center

2016.037.291

Dec.9, 1920: Weekly news from 100 years ago

* Miss Lois Swindle, now teaching at Linton

c.1920-1930's: Lois Swindle

2018.010.097 Corley Collection

* There are 529 automobiles in the parish

c.1920's: Unidentified group of adults and children in a Model T style car. 

2020.019.019   Shirley Collection

Dec.15, 1950: Bossier City business men Arthur Ray Teague, B.E. McCraine, R.V. Kerr and several others formed a sports promotion club called the Quarterback club. 

Bossier Banner: Dec.16, 1950

1952: Patricia Ann Mullarkey, Hop Fuller (Mayor) and Arthur Ray Teague

1998.047.184 Bossier Chamber of Commerce collection

May 5, 1956: Mayor Burgess McCraine, and Shreveport mayor James Gardner presenting Roy Rogers with a key to the city. 

2016.019.030

Dec.25: Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday. 

1938: Christmas card sent to Mariece Gleason of Plain dealing

Inside card: Merry Christmas to you. AA day that brings warmth and welcome. A time that keeps each door ajar. Merry Christmas and gay festive greetings. To you wherever you are.   From Loise and Walter

2019.005.099  

1943: V-mail letter from World War II.  From Private Archie D. Gladney to Mrs. Viola Gladney of Cotton Valley

1998.040.001 Hardiman Collection

1974: Princeton High School

2016.037.298

Dec. 20, 1951: Bossier Banner

Dec.22, 1961: The Times

This Month In Bossier Parish History

 September: Through the years

Sep. 2, 1920:  Weekly news from 100 years ago

*   First cotton of the season was ginned.

Left: Bossier Banner

Right: Bell and Sentell Cotton Gin 

on Lynch Street in Plain Dealing. 

The gins would run day and night, 

ginning cotton. It was said that farmers would 

sleep in their wagons to save their place in line.

1997.054.121   Findley Collection 

Boyd Montgomery was on the sick list.

Left: Bossier Banner

Right: Bank of Benton Officials

L to R: V.V. Whittington (Pres),

A.M. Wallace (V.P.), 

J.A. Dunnan (cashier),

Tom A. Tidwell (director)

Boyd Montgomery (director)

1998.046.085  Price Collection

         

Crouch and family made their way through town in his car.

Left: Bossier Banner

Right: Charlie Ivy Crouch, his wife

Ellen Mae Currey Crouch, and 

daughter Carrie Belle Crouch 

Sep. 12, 1972: Tim Dement arrived home from competing in the Munich Olumpic Games. He was greeted by family, friends and fans.  He was the first Louisiana Boxer to represent the United States at the Olympics since 1932. 

*All images are from the Bossier Press

Sept 20—23, 1940:  Happy Anniversary Bossier Parish Libraries….Celebrating 80 years of service in our community.

Bossier Banner: Sep. 26, 1940

 

Happy Birthday, Holiday Lanes

Holiday Lanes neon sign by Henrietta Wildsmith, photographer. Source: The Times Dec. 31, 2014.

Did you know that bowling has been around for hundreds of years? The first mention of bowling in Bossier Parish newspapers was Thur., Jul. 10, 1930, when an article appeared in The Plain Dealing Progress. According to the article, W.R. Goodwin of Forest, Miss. was lauded for popularizing the bowling game in Plain Dealing. The bowling alley was located in the McKellar Brothers hardware store, which was formally the J. P. Keeth general store.

Then on Fri., Oct. 24, 1930, the following announcement appeared in The Planters Press, “Mr. R.T. Grounds took up his new duties as manager of the Bossier City Bowling Alley Monday morning. Mr. Grounds is the brother of L.O. Grounds, who opened the Bossier City Bowling Alley and is now in Winnsboro, Texas, where he is completing plans for opening a Bowling Alley in that town. Mr. Grounds comes from Minden, La. where he has been managing a Bowling Alley. He will be assisted by Miss Arline Foster of Stamps, Arkansas.” 

Also, in 1930, advertisements can be seen in The Planters Press for Pony Bowling, which was a version of bowling that was played on lanes that were 30 feet long versus 60 feet for a ten-pin alley. The pins were smaller, as were the balls, which were wooden, fitting in one’s palm. This pony bowling alley was located next door to the Planters Press in Bossier City. 

In the fall of 1935, another entrepreneur came to Bossier City to open a bowling alley, T.J. Henry came from Franklin Parish. He set-up his bowling alley at 309 Barksdale Boulevard, which was formerly the Broussard Store. In the Planters Press, Henry was quoted in saying, “Bowling is among the most healthful recreations.” Not only was bowling a popular sport among men and women, but it was touted as a way to shed a few extra pounds and to stay fit and trim.  

In the mid-1940s, George H. McDonald, of Benton, Ark, owned and operated a ‘min-a-golf’ that included an outdoor double ten pin bowling alley in downtown Bossier City, at 1001 Barksdale Boulevard. 

If you have noticed, all of the bowling alleys were brought here by businessmen that relocated here to open these bowling alleys. The reason for this is because the bowling alley industry was on the cusp of the golden age of bowling (1940-1960). By 1945, bowling had become a billion-dollar industry, and every entrepreneur was working on getting a piece of the pie.

In 1959 a group of local investors announced their intentions of opening a modern bowling alley in Bossier City. Architects Frey Huddleston and Associates of Shreveport designed the contemporary building of concrete, brick, and glass construction. This 32,000 square foot bowling alley was the largest clear-span bowling center in Louisiana when it was completed sixty years ago. This design eliminated any visual supports, which tend to distract bowlers and blocks the view of spectators.

 

Architects drawing of Holiday Lanes 1959. Source: The Times, Oct. 4, 1959.

Holiday Lanes boasted many features, including Brunswick automatic pinsetters complete with subway ball returns. Every detail was tended to, such as the acoustic treatments to reduce noise and the elevated spectator seating for better viewing. Keglers could shop for all their bowling needs at the pro shop, including being expertly fitted for a bowling ball. There was a glass-enclosed restaurant that seats 100 people and offered a view of all the lanes. They even provided a supervised nursery during the day for bowling mothers. 

Mr. Ausbon Stokes winner of Holiday Bowl trophy for being
the first person to bowl a perfect score at Holiday Lanes.
Stella Stokes Collection: 1997.042.014.

Holiday Lanes is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. While it started as a 32-lane alley, it was expanded to 44-lanes in 1974, making it the largest bowling establishment in the area. They have also worked to make bowling accessible to everyone by offering bumper rails for children, wheelchair ramps, and ball ramps for people with disabilities. Holiday Lanes has always focused on building  community while providing fun for the whole family.

What do you want to know about Bossier Parish history? Visit, call or email the Bossier Parish Library History Center for help with your research. We are at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City, 318-746-7717, history-center@bossierlibrary.org.

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