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

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