NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR BOSSIER PARISH

Plain Dealing Library Collection; 1997.031.046

The January 28, 1960 issue of the Bossier Banner-Progress announced that iron ore development was beginning in Bossier Parish.

“After over a hundred years of waiting, iron ore is now being developed in a rather extensive road building program by Roy Cook and son, Shreveport contractors. The development is just two miles west of Plain Dealing.”

“This company has about [a] seventy-five thousand dollar outlay now in this area and further development is seen as a possibility.”

“Just now the program is centered about the W. E. Hall Estate which consists of a half section of land. R. L. Harris, Sallie Ford and others also have holdings contingent to this, with the large Gilmer Estate adjoining.”

“There seems no immediate prospects of development in iron ore mining proper, but the Cook Company now have a rock crushing machine in operation and the iron ore thus produced is the best found about here for high grade road construction.”

“Years ago the late George Gilmer addressed the Lions Club in Plain Dealing on the possibilities of iron ore development and his dreams now have a chance of coming true. With enterprising citizens like the Halls, Gilmers and Cooks taking direct interest in this big field may yet see some extensive development beyond what is now going on.”

More possible development in other areas was reported in the following week’s paper.

“A group of approximately 60 people from many states visited the Plain Dealing area last Friday morning to gather information that may help them in obtaining a watershed similar to the Upper West Fork of Cypress Bayou.”

“This project, sponsored by the Dorcheat District Supervisors and the town of Plain Dealing, is now under construction. The project is a multipurpose one, in that flood prevention, fish and wildlife preservation, municipal water supply and recreational benefits will result in its completion.”

“Mayor Leon Sanders and John Doles, Jr. met the group on Site Number 2 and explained to them many things that can and will be helpful in forming other watersheds.”

“The Plain Dealing Watershed is fortunately one of the first in Louisiana, and is also one of the first of this kind in the nation.”

“Applications for this particular type of soil and water conservation are increasing daily across the nation.”

To find out more about what was going on in Bossier Parish in the past visit the Bossier Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

GOATS CLIMB ABANDONED REFINERY STAIRS TO SURVIVE

Walter Clyde and Jimbo with goats.
Scanland Collection; 0000.004.038

The January 3, 1952 issue of The PlantersPress carried the following story.

“In the suburbs of Bossier City there is a herd of goats whose climbing probably would compare with that of almost any mountain-climbing animals.”

“These amazing animals were publicized last Saturday in the Shreveport Journal, as follows:”

“Goats have always been labeled as hard-headed and very dumb critters, but a herd belonging to Bossier Parish Chief Deputy Steve Norris has found a way to escape stray dogs which have been killing them off during the years.”

“The herd, now made up of about twenty-five animals, is pastured at the abandoned Cities Service refinery just outside of Bossier City. The abandoned property has been the herd’s home for about seven years.”

“The old towers of the refinery are the refuge of the goats from their would-be killers and are also used as their air-conditioned bases, being closer to any available breeze during the summer. The goats obtain access to the towers, which stand almost 75 feet high, by means of steel walkways to the high perches.”

“And, as far as is known, the sure-footed beasts have never made a misstep and taken the hard way out toward the dinner table, Norris said.”

When Norris first pastured the herd at the refinery there were about 75 goats in it. But the marauding dogs have chased the creatures, killing some of them and driving others to their death in water holes on the property.”

“A goat, unlike most other animals, cannot swim. And sometimes they even die when they get into water, even though their heads may never go under the surface. It has been surmised that the goat suffocates or dies of a paralysis.” [A little research proves this to be false. Goats can, indeed, swim.]

“But the Norris herd has found the escape route and is gradually increasing.”

“The goats can usually be seen climbing the ladders to the tower tops during the early morning or late evening. The ascension is sometimes witnessed by passing motorists, who find the sight entertaining.”

“One woman found no entertainment in it several years ago, it is reported.”

“Upon seeing the goats atop the towers and roaming the stairways above the ground, she drove to the Bossier City police station to request that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals be informed to make the owner remove the animals from the dangerous perch.”

To discover more anomalies from Bossier Parish visit the Bossier Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

MARCH SECOND SUNDAY SCREENING

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 175th ANNIVERSARY OF BOSSIER PARISH

TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED PLAIN DEALING CITIZEN

The January 5, 1950 issue of the Bossier Banner reprinted a touching tribute to Leon Sanders, Sr.

“A worthy tribute to the memory of the late Leon Sanders appeared in last week’s issue of the
Shreveport Journal. This we reprint and express to that excellent writer our personal appreciation for that well placed and thoughtful tribute.”

“The tribute follows:”

Plain Dealing’s Loss

“The north Bossier Parish area sustained distinct loss when Leon Sanders, Sr., passed away the other day. He was born in that community 79 years ago and had spent his life there in useful service which contributed greatly not only to the progress of his home section but to the expansion of opportunity and improvement of conditions throughout the parish.”

“Among the enterprises to which he devoted helpful efforts were the Bossier Parish Fair Association and the Bank of Plain Dealing. For years the fair association conducted a parishwide exhibition at Plain Dealing, also at Bossier City, and because of its operations with varied resources, excellent advantages for agricultural development and other enterprises was widely publicized and recognized. He was one of the organizers of the Plain Dealing Bank and served on its board. This bank a few months ago occupied a new home, one of the outstanding evidences of progress at Plain Dealing.”

“Principal attention was given by Mr. Sanders to the Plain Dealing weather bureau of the government. He and his father, the late L.T. Sanders, had charge of this service for 60 years.”

L. T. Sanders

“He was active in religious and civic affairs, and was always working for the welfare of the general public. His career in citizenship was outstanding in accomplishments. He was held in esteem and appreciated as a man of finest character. The family circle which he headed has members who are following in his footsteps in civic-minded activities, including a son, Doyle Sanders, who is serving Plain Dealing as its mayor.”

Visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center to read the journals of Leon Sanders, Sr.’s father L.T.Sanders. The journals record weather conditions, crop planting and production, livestock production, orchard (peaches) production.

By: Ann Middleton

BOSSIER CITY IS WHERE?

The June 23, 1955 issue of the Bossier Banner-Progress addressed the topic of part of Bossier Parish becoming an addition to Shreveport.

“What is believed to be one of the most unusual proceedings known in this area has been taken to make it possible for a city in one parish to annex property located in the adjoining parish.”

“The Free State Plantation, now converted into the Free State subdivision which is on the west side of Red River, but still a part of Bossier Parish, is scheduled soon to become part of Shreveport.”

“Last Wednesday, Arthur Ray Teague, as chairman of the planning committee of the Bossier Police Jury, affixed his signature by authorization of the jury, to a plat map of the subdivision which is slated for a $25,000,000 development.”

“Under the terms of a covenant the entire subdivision of several hundred acres will be devoted entirely to industrial and commercial use. No residence will be permitted.”

“It was on the basis of this covenant that the jury approved the annexation plan. Residences would oblige the parish to provide school and other facilities to residents. If the area is commercial no such demand would be made. Being on the west side of Bossier City providing facilities for schools would be costly and inconvenient.”

“When Bossier Parish was created, Red River as it then existed was made the boundary. However, the river changed its channel eastward leaving the Free State area and many hundreds of acres on the west side. This remains in Bossier Parish although it is adjacent to Shreveport. Part of the cut off portion of Bossier on the west side of the river is in the Shreveport municipal airport. The Free State Plantation is the property of the W. F. Taylor heirs and is adjacent to the airport.”

“The big project is being promoted by the Free State Development Company.”

“There is another peculiar situation existing even closer to the heart of Shreveport. There is a small area on the west side which is virtually surrounded by Shreveport property but which is still in Bossier Parish. So far no solution of this has come about, although the owners of the property wish to develop it and make it part of Shreveport.”

1915 construction of  the old Traffic Street Bridge

“Another unusual situation now existing is the fact that the city of Shreveport owns a portion of
Bossier City. This is located on the east end of the old Traffic Bridge. When the bridge was
built in 1914 it was a joint project of Shreveport and the Bossier Police Jury. Later the parish
sold its interest in the bridge. However, there is about 4 acres of ground bought jointly at the
time of construction to provide earth fill which is still jointly owned by Shreveport and the
Bossier Police Jury. Each owns a half interest of about two acres. This was brought to light a few years ago when oil was discovered nearby.”

By: Ann Middleton

This Month in Bossier Parish History

February throughout the years! 

Feb. 2, 1933:  Crowds gathered for the dedication of Barksdale Field (now Barksdale Air Force Base). Published; The Bossier Banner,  Feb. 9, 1933.

Happy 85th Anniversary! 

For all military personnel - past, present and future, thank you for your service!

Neil Yarborough Collection:
2006.034.016 - Dedication Day

For more photos on the making of Barksdale Field, come see us at the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center!

Feb. 16, 1893: Mrs. H.N. Sibley's Valentine's Day gift,  a 10 pound baby boy! 

Bossier Banner: Feb. 16, 1893

Feb. 24, 1843: Bossier Parish was carved from Claiborne Parish and was officially created February 24, 1843, when Governor Alexandre Mouton signed Act 33 into law.

Pierre Evariste Jean-Baptiste Bossier (1797-1844), he is the namesake of Bossier Parish.

 

Gen. Pierre Bossier
1998.002.002

Feb. 26, 1920:  The boys of Benton High School took interest in “Bird life” and organized an Audubon Society for the Benton community.

Bossier Banner: Feb. 26, 1920

Benton High Class 1926-1927
2014.048.001 Louise Graham Collection

February Second Sunday Screening