Blind Carpenter Serves Community and Country

It’s amazing what you can discover when searching for relatives in old newspapers. Old newspapers are a great source of information when doing genealogy. As you find facts about your family members and learn interesting things about their history, you will often discover details about local history. These details help to add flesh to the bones of the genealogical information you already have.

While researching my husband’s family tree, I discovered his great grandparents lived in Bossier City and raised their seven children here. When searching newspapers for info on the Vascoes, I also found information about Bossier City history through a letter he wrote to the editor of “The Planters Press.”

I discovered, like my husband, Great grandfather Joseph Norman Vascoe was a carpenter and a minister. Something we did not know until finding these details in old newspapers. These findings revealed that he loved his community, and they loved him. He moved to the village of Bossier City in 1924, a time when there were no paved roads here. In his letter to the editor, I discovered that he built his house at 310 Montgomery Street out of lumber from the old framed Bossier High School.

He was a self-employed carpenter who became blind in 1935, but that didn’t stop him from contributing to society. He joined the ministry in 1936 and continued to use his carpentry skills to benefit children in the community. To him, success meant “living the good life and helping as many people as you can.”

In one article, the writer described him as having a sunny disposition stating, “Though he is blind and almost deaf, Elder VASCOE radiates goodwill and cheer to all he meets throughout the year. Mr. VASCOE’S faith in the ultimate good of all he beholds is something for all of us to follow.”

After becoming blind, he could no longer do the level of carpentry work that he had before, so he turned his attention to building toys for children. Primarily he built dollhouses complete with electricity and toy wagons. He also made a miniature replica of Noah’s Ark and the log cabin where he was born.

Selling the toys he built helped support him and his family, but he also was quick to give them away, especially during Christmas time, for the benefit of poor children whose parents could not afford to buy them presents. His generosity was returned when the Shreveport Lions Club auctioned one of his wagons during an annual Christmas party for the blind one year. Those bidding on the wagon contributed the difference between their bid and the previous bid; the total collected was given to Vascoe.

During the Second World War, Vascoe gave old tools he no longer used and many household furnishings to the scrap metal drive during the Salvage for Victory campaign. He also raised chickens and vegetables and everything he could to “help our boys in the service.” He was passionate about doing his part to help the war effort, including buying war bonds. In one article, he told the reporter, “Let’s do everything possible to speed the end of the war and hasten the day of rejoicing when all are together and singing ‘Happy Days Are Here Again.’” As a man of peace and with a son and two sons-in-law in the Army, he looked forward to ‘when all are together again.’

There are some tips you should know when it comes to genealogy and family history research in newspapers. Depending on the time period, names were often listed as first and middle initials with the last name. When searching, try searching this way. Then try with first name, middle initial, and last name, and then just first and last. Some people go by their middle names, so it helps to also search by middle and last name. And, if you discover they had a nickname, then search using it, too.

When searching for women, you will want to search them using their husbands’ names with the ‘Mrs.’ prefix attached to it—of course, trying all combinations mentioned above. Sometimes, this can actually lead to learning the woman’s full name and possibly her maiden name if these are not known to you yet.

Also, you can search their home address, which can reveal property transfers and related information. It used to be common practice to include the person’s address when writing about them in the paper.

The Bossier Parish Libraries provide access to newspapers.com and one of our newest databases, HeritageHub, where you can explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. HeritageHub helps you identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially unknown family members. It includes in-depth coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid-1900s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7.

To explore your family history, check out our “History & Genealogy” page of our website, which you can locate under the “Resources” tab. For help, contact your local branch of the Bossier Parish Libraries or visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center. Can’t come in, call 318-746-7717 or email history-center@bossierlibrary.org with your request. Follow us @BPLHistoryCenter on Facebook, @bplhistorycenter on Tiktok, and check out our blog, http://bplhc.blogspot.com/.

By: Amy Robertson

The Free State of Bossier

In the year 1900, Abney Downs Scanland, the son of William Henry Scanland, editor and proprietor of The Bossier Banner, set out to create a new newspaper for Bossier Parish. It was first announced in The Bossier Banner on Aug. 2, 1900, when Abney Scanland revealed his plans for the publication, and that the name he chose was The Free State of Bossier, stating, "this is the way some one, long since has nicknamed the great parish in which we live."

It appears that this nickname dates back to before the Civil War. According to Bossier Parish's official historian, Clifton D. Cardin, a group of citizens convened in Rocky Mount at the Hughes' home months before the civil war broke out, and "On November 26, 1860, Bossier voted to secede from the union and proclaimed itself the Free State of Bossier." Yes, this is the Hughes house that was relocated and restored by the Bossier Restoration Foundation and now is a part of Heritage Village in Benton.

In his announcement, Scanland asserted, "My final aim is to make of the Free State an interesting annual journal of a locally historical and advertising nature, through which the people of the parish may be brought closer in touch and have a medium that will be like unto a big scrap-book for the whole parish – in which we can publish biographies of our best citizens, write up our parish, towns, schools, churches, public and private industries and enterprises of any and all kinds whatsoever; in which we can publish minor affairs, little local anecdotes and all the 'funny stories.'"

The Free State of Bossier made its debut on Sep. 27, 1900, and it was everything Scanland intended it to be. The Shreveport Journal's editorial notice, published Oct. 3, 1900, remarked that "The annual deserves particular praise for its valuable historical, industrial and biographical features, as well as for its pictorial and typographical appearance." Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to this writer, Scanland did not continue publishing this annual newspaper, making this issue a real treasure today.

Archived newspapers are precious time capsules of history, and this first and only edition of The Free State of Bossier is a cherished relic for historians and genealogists alike. But you don't have to be a researcher to enjoy the contents of this paper, and it is available on microfilm at the Bossier Parish Library's History Center.

The History Center's curator, Randall Palmer, is excited to announce that he is working with Newspapers.com and The Bossier Press-Tribune to digitize the newspapers on microfilm in our archives. The Free State of Bossier will be included in this digitization project, which consists of 190 rolls of microfilm. Digitized versions will be available for patron use upon completion.

While the BPL History Center is closed during the pandemic, our staff members are still available to answer any research questions you may have. What do you want to know about Bossier Parish History? Email history-center@bossierlibrary.org or call us at 318-746-7717.Be sure to follow our Facebook page, @BPLHistoryCenter, for more Bossier Parish history, including lots of great pictures of its past.

By: Amy Robertson

MOLLIE BANKS GRAY AND POLLY

The April 11, 1947 issue of the Plain Dealing Progress ran yet another tribute to Mrs. Mollie Banks Gray.

“In his inimitable and versatile style, Rupert Peyton is this week paying a most just and merited tribute to one of North Louisiana’s greatest characters, Mrs. Mollie Banks Gray.”

“Without presuming to assume a counterpart role in this just ecomium to ‘Mamma Gray,’ the editor, being one of those who spent many happy days under her faithful guardianship in his early sojourn in Plain Dealing, feels that he must add just a little to the very pertinent observations of Mr. Peyton.”

“To us, as the local school head, she is always the embodiment of that appellation accorded her and that most beloved character, J. T. Manry, the ‘Maximi Amici’ of the Plain Dealing High School. This attribute was given in 1940 at a great spring field day. It goes without saying. No one has ever challenged this appellation.”

“In lighter vein, never will fade from our memory this scene: Polly seated on Mamma Gray’s shoulder or on the marginal limits of the piano’s keyboard, head bobbing up and down and responding to Mamma Gray’s exhortation of ‘Sing, Polly,’ with the most mystifying shrieks or squeaks ever heard by mortal man, strangely harmonized to the martial notes of ‘Dixie’ or the lamentative tones of the ‘Mocking Bird.’ No one ever questioned the reality of Polly’s singing on such occasions.”

“Polly, however, before migrating to Plain Dealing, had definitely been contaminated by city ways and speech, and many were the times when with the visiting persons present—and they were always welcomed at the Gray hostelry—Mamma Gray would receive her greatest shocks, for Polly’s singing would suddenly be turned into anathemas not to be matched by those of the proverbial sailor. No, with all her prayers and efforts on her behalf Polly never became a ‘Christian.’”

“Reverting to Mr. Peyton’s observation that the Gray Hotel was always the haven for school teachers, it might be added that while the kind hostess made no claims of running a matrimonial bureau, nevertheless her batting average at this point is authoritatively claimed to be 100 per cent. We are not here prepared to dispute it, either.”

“Finally, thank you Rupert. We have never published an article with the eclat that this has given us.”

In the upcoming 2 weeks issues of the Bossier Press-Tribune you can read the above referenced article by Rupert Peyton. And, to find out more about Mollie Banks Gray, visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center

Gray Hotel
Bryce Turnley Collection; 1997.062.028

By: Ann Middleton

THE CALL OF OLD BANKS’ CHAPEL

Old Bank's Chapel
Mary Catherine Coyle Collection; 2000.070.003A

The September 6, 1928 issue of the Bossier Banner carried a follow-up article about the destruction by fire of Banks’ Chapel on August 17th .

“To the Members and Friends of Banks’ Chapel and Cottage Grove Cemetery.”

“Dear Friends: As you know, our beloved church building was destroyed by fire August 17th, and leaves us with aching hearts. But the spirit of Banks’ Chapel is not consumed. Representatives of the congregation have met and resolved to rebuild, a memorial to Cottage Grove Cemetery. They have some definite plans to recommend:”

“The Session of the Church has met and hereby orders a congregational meeting on the site of Old Banks’ Chapel, to be held Sunday, September 9th, after the morning preaching service, to consider these plans and recommendations, decide on same, appoint a finance and building committee, and give such instructions touching the plan as may seem best.”

Program for the Day 

“Rev. H.C. Bell, D. D. Superintendent of Missions, will preach the sermon at eleven o’clock and preside at the business session. Rev. R.A. Dawson will have charge of the program and will assist in all matters. There will be expressions from friends of the church, and unanimous action will be taken toward the restoration of the historic church.”

Dinner on the Ground 

All are cordially invited

“1. All the members are urged to be present. 

2. All people of the community which the church serves and all former members, from far and wide, are invited to come.

3. The many friends of this dear old church are invited to come with us for the great day. By order of the Session.”

“R.A. Dawson, Moderator, N.W. Sentell, James Milling.”

“Others in conference: Rev. W.A. Zeigler, W.A. Thompson, John Milling and Abner C. Johnson. Cottage Grove, La. Sept. 2, 1928.”

 To learn more about the old churches of Bossier Parish visit the Bossier Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

LUXURY TAX, SO CALLED

An editorial in the October 1, 1936 issue of the Bossier Banner expressed frustration with a new “luxury tax” in Louisiana.

“Merchants, consumers, and officials throughout Bossier Parish and the entire state have become more and more dubious and alarmed as today (Thursday) has approached, as they are fast coming to realize that the new so-called Luxury Tax is in reality no luxury tax at all, just a modified sales tax in a most unworkable and unenforceable form.”

“While we understand the necessity for raising state funds, presently facing Governor Leche and his administration, if they are to take care of the debts already piled upon our state and carry on a semblance of improvements and the social security program as well, we cannot see our way clear to champion any sales tax, whether it be denominated a luxury tax or nor.”

“We have always looked upon a sales tax with disfavor, for we know that the burden entailed falls on the shoulders of the man least able to pay—the poor people and the people of little means. After all, a sales tax is a levy on the consumers, even if it is disguised behind so high sounding a name as a luxury tax.”

“A Luxury Tax! Who ever heard of rolls, made from the same dough from which bread in loaves is made, being a luxury? Who ever heard of a 13-cent can of pork and beans being a luxury? While a 10-cent can is a necessity. Suppose a certain poor man has a very large family, will any kind of canned beans he can afford ever be a luxury? It will be unfortunate indeed for a man, simply because he has a large family, to be penalized when he goes to buy food for his brood.”

“Taxes on shoes, coats, suits and a hundred other items of clothing—luxuries indeed! Even the most humble farmer does not want to wear overalls and a jumper all the time. Yet, if he wants to buy a suit he must be sure to keep the cost below $3, else he will be purchasing a luxury.”

“These are but a few of the items, affected by the bill, which bear out our contention that it is in no sense of the word a luxury tax, but a sales tax that is limited in its application.”

“While some folks are saying that a general sales tax, because its collection will be much simpler and will entail less expense and worry to the retailer, is, in their judgement, more desirable than this limited sales levy or luxury tax, we cannot see eye to eye with them. A sales tax can never be a desirable tax. Of course, one may have to come, but unless conditions change, we’ll never support it.”

“As we see it, curtailment of state expenditures is in order, if sufficient funds are not available. If curtailment is impossible, then some other tax ought to be found. Don’t tax the people who can least afford to pay. A sales tax will do just that.”

By: Ann Middleton

LOUISIANA HAYRIDE 28 YEARS OLD

In its January 29, 1976 issue the Bossier Banner-Progress proclaimed that the “Louisiana Hayride” music show had been around for twenty-eight years and was still going strong.

BPLHC collection; 2016.001.001

“The internationally known country music show/broadcast, ‘Louisiana Hayride,’ a division of ‘Hayride U.S.A.’ is still going strong after twenty-eight years of good old, down home-style country entertainment. Known as the ‘Cradle of the Stars,’ the Hayride has its own auditorium and restaurant located six miles south of Benton.”

“Every Saturday night at 7:45 the fun begins with a two hour stage presentation, broadcast over Shreveport radio KWKH. It is heard throughout most of the nation and in many foreign countries. More than 700 people can enjoy the fine entertainment in the Hayride auditorium. Approximately 350 can be seated at tables with about the same number in the audience. The dance begins at 10:00 pm with a full bar available. On Fridays there is a dance which begins at 8:30.”

“Prices for the Saturday night show are $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12. The dance admission is $3.00 per person. If you want to see the show and dance, it’s $4.00.”

“A recent and welcomed addition to the Hayride complex is the ‘Hayride Kitchen.’ Operated by one of the nation’s largest and most experienced caterers, it is one of the finest and most attractive facilities in the Southwest. Over 250 people can enjoy the delicious country cooking served family style.”

“The National Star Search, another aspect of the ‘Louisiana Hayride,’ is conducting a perpetual talent hunt. In its many years of existence, the Hayride has sent on to superstardom such artists as Johnny Cash, David Houston, Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, the Wilburn Brothers, Red Sovine, Farron Young and many others. The Hayride also engages in music publishing, professional recording, personal management of artists and talent booking.”

“Also, the Hayride auditorium is ideal for meetings and conventions. Entertainment and meals can be furnished to any specification. The walls of the auditorium are available for unique advertising space.”

“The complete ‘Louisiana Hayride’ show is available for out of town engagements on any other day than Saturday. Any organization wishing to sponsor an appearance of the show is invited to contact the Hayride.”

The primary run of Louisiana Hayride ended in 1960. KWKH continued packaged music tours under the Hayride name until 1969. A new Louisiana Hayride located at a dinner theatre facility in Bossier City was a syndicated radio show that ran until 1987. To learn more visit the Bossier
Parish Library History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

HUGHES HOUSE LANDSCAPED IN 1968

Hughes House after restoration.
Bossier Parish Library Historical Collection, 1997.002.011

The Bossier Banner-Progress, in its March 14, 1968 issue, announced that the Hughes House would soon have landscaping. In 1968 the Hughes House had not been moved to Benton from its original location in Rocky Mount.

“Preparations are being made to landscape the Civil War village at Rocky Mount, President Webb H. Martin told the members of the Bossier Parish Restoration Foundation at their meeting Thursday night in the Town Hall at Benton.”

“The board of directors was told that [the] 10-acre tract given to the foundation by heirs of the original settler has recently been mapped by the Dorcheat Soil and Water Conservation District in preparation for the landscaping.”

“The directors set Saturday, April 20 as the annual dinner-on-the-ground date for their membership meeting, which will be on the site in Rocky Mount, where citizens on November 26, 1860, met to discuss the critical times facing them when Lincoln had been elected President. They decided to secede from the Union, declare the war and organize the Bossier Volunteers.”

“Entertainment will be provided the tourists and other visitors by sports that were in vogue before the War Between the States. An old-fashioned muzzle-loading, turkey-shooting contest is being planned, as well as the pitching of horseshoes and other outdoor games.”

“The foundation, a non-profit organization, will have its annual membership meeting following the dinner, at which time officers will be elected and plans made to complete the restoration work there, Martin stated.”

Today the location of the Hughes House in Benton is known as Heritage Village. The Village
tours include the following features: Hughes House, c. 1845, Thomas Heath log cabin, c. 1884,
Scanland Plantation moveable kitchen, a Blacksmith shop, Bradford Plantation corn crib and a
one-room schoolhouse. The address for Heritage Village is 414 Sibley Street, Benton, LA. Tour
information can be obtained by calling (318) 716-1504 or (318) 965-9253.

By: Ann Middleton

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

MENTION OF GEORGIA PEOPLE IN BOSSIER PARISH

Mr. J. T. Manry at Plain Dealing School in 1939 celebrating his 88th birthday.

The November 22, 1928 issue of the Bossier Banner noted that a number of Bossier Parish residents originally came here from Georgia.

“Our attention has been called to a brief article appearing in last week’s issue of the News-Gazette, published in Barnesville, Ga., three paragraphs of which read:

“’Though nearly a thousand miles from Lamar County, there is a former citizen, Mr. L. S. Moore, who is making good at his chosen profession, that of a construction engineer.’”

“Up in the northwest corner of Louisiana, hardly an hour’s drive from Texas or Arkansas, Mr. Moore has been retained by the municipality of Plain Dealing to superintend the construction of a large water supply and sewerage disposal plant. The town got its name from the first settler, who we also understand was from Georgia, and had named his estate by that name, ‘that those about him may know that wealth would never turn his head.’ And when the Cotton Belt railroad, a pet of the late Jay Gould, came through the town took on a progressive spirit. Seven years ago it had built a $112,000 school plant, only to build another this year to care for the overflow of children.”

“Natural gas is produced within nine miles of the town, and close by are oil wells spouting forth their contribution to the resources of the people, many of whom went from Georgia thirty or more years ago. Mr. Moore tells of meeting Mr. J. T. Manry, a brother of the Messrs. John T. and Ben H. Manry, of the Goggans community, this county. Mr. Manry left here sixty years ago, after finishing an apprenticeship under Joel Chandler Harris on the Monroe Advertiser, Forsyth. Other homefolk nearby are Mr. and Mrs. Albright, Mrs. Albright being a descendant of the Potts Family, of this county.”

To discover more about the origins of early families of Bossier Parish visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center.

By: Ann Middleton

A FEW EARLY BOSSIER PARISH SCHOOL TEACHERS NAMED

Prof. J. E. Johnston

Just a few days before school opened in Bossier Parish, The Bossier Banner recalled several
early school teachers in the parish. The September 8, 1938 issue named some of the first school
teachers.

“… Jim Manry, veteran newspaper writer, who resides in Plain Dealing, writes in to suggest that
the proper authorities take steps to secure the pictures of two pioneer Bossier Parish school
teachers [and] have them framed and displayed in the proper schools so that present and future
generations of school pupils might ‘know them.’”

“As [Manry] says: Miss Birdie Scott, daughter of the late Dr. J.J. Scott, a one-time resident of
Red Land, up in North Bossier, was the first teacher in Bossier City. As some ten students was
considered the minimum number to make up a class at that time, Miss Scott had to exact tuition
from her pupils, since she began her class with but five.”

“Miss Birdie is now Mrs. Blackman, beloved wife of the late Dr. R.H. Blackman, of
Shreveport.”

“Bossier City’s second teacher was Miss Mary Gilmer, a resident of Plain Dealing. Her school
was located at the foot of the old V. S. and P. bridge, then used by the railway and for vehicular
traffic and before her death she often told many amusing stories of the children’s actions when
the late Dr. T. E. Schumpert would drive over the bridge, in full view of the school children, in
his automobile, the first one in this section and the first one to be seen by the students. ‘They’d
crowd into the door and windows to catch a glimpse of the “gasoline buggy,”’ Miss Gilmer said.
This was about 1886. Miss Mary taught in Plain Dealing for many years, before her passing.”

“Another bit of interesting history of education in Bossier Parish concerns Plain Dealing High
School, which was founded by the late S. J. Zeigler and the late Prof. J.
E. Johnston. The first day
of school there were 14 students to enroll. Now there are nearly 1000 attending this school
which is steadily growing.”

The archival collection of the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center contains quite a lot of
information about the growth of schools in Bossier Parish. Pay us a visit to learn more!

By: Ann Middleton

This Day in Bossier Parish History

By: Laurie Dyche

This Day in Bossier Parish History

By: Laurie Dyche

This Day in Bossier Parish History

By: Laurie Dyche

This Week in Bossier Parish History

By: Laurie Dyche

This week in Bossier History

By: Laurie Dyche

Louisiana Secession

On January 26, 1861, the state of Louisiana seceded from the Union. This caused immediate changes in the lives of residents in the Shreveport and Bossier area. One of those changes was visible in the Shreveport newspaper, The Southwestern. You can see in the January 30, 1861 issue, the paper's masthead features the American flag.

In the next issue (February 6, 1861), the flag has been removed. The editor notes that

As Louisiana is no longer a member of the federal government, we this day, as orderly citizens, lower the "stars and stripes" from our masthead! It is with heart-felt emotions, better imagined than portrayed, that we fold the saucy looking "star spangled banner" that we have always loved, and place the precious memento under our pillow.

From this description, we understand the notion that many newly seceded Confederates had - that the disagreement over slavery would be quickly resolved and peace negotiated. For currency notes printed by the Confederate States of America, each note was redeemable after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States of America. As the war progressed, it became clear to Confederate leaders that President Lincoln would only negotiate a complete surrender. In his book, The Atlas of the Civil War, James McPherson writes that "to every proposal for an armistice or preliminary terms, Lincoln replied that the Confederates must lay down their arms, give up slavery, and rejoin the Union." Bossier had an enslaved population of 8,000 individuals in 1860, much larger than the free white population of approximately 3,347. The abandonment of slavery was paramount for Lincoln and this was an issue that would directly affect the way of life for the residents in Bossier Parish.

Abolition sentiments

2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Several states, including Louisiana, are planning commemorative events for the sesquicentennial. Here at the History Center, we would like to demonstrate what daily life was like for Bossier Parish residents before, during, and after the Civil War. Our newspaper collection is integral to aiding our understanding of these turbulent times. We have issues of the Bossier Banner from 1859 to the middle of 1860. The Banner ceased publication during the war, as editor William Scanland departed to fight for the Confederacy. Another important source is The Southwestern, a Shreveport newspaper published by L. Dillard and Co., that printed throughout the war. News from Bossier was printed in The Southwestern, so we can get a glimpse of what was happening in the parish.

The January 30, 1861 issue of The Southwestern relates some news from Bossier:

The Bossier Banner states that on Monday, 24th instant, there was a meeting of the citizens of Bellevue and vicinity, of Bossier Parish, appointed a committee of five to wait upon Mr. Jesse McHenry; said committee being instructed by the meeting to invite the said McHenry to leave the town and parish within twenty-four hours, because of his abolition sentiments and proclivities which have been too strongly evinced by his speech and acts to be tolerated in a southern community. The committee discharged their duty, and the said McHenry complied with their request by rolling out on Wednesday's stage, eastward.

The same paper informs us that a company of light infantry was organised in Bellevue on Saturday, the 19th inst. Old and young have alike pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors, to the maintenance of the protection of their homes, their firesides, and their family altars.

I am currently searching through the 1850, 1860, and 1870 census records for the parish and will be on the lookout for Mr. McHenry. Does he return to Bossier by 1870? I don't think it's likely, given his hasty exit from the parish. Do you think he will be living in the North or the South?

A Spoonful of Snake-Oil

Our new exhibit about the patent medicine industry is available for viewing in two of the Historical Center's display cases. Stop in to learn about the questionable ingredients and advertising tricks used by patent medicine manufacturers. All of the advertisements on display were taken from the Bossier Banner newspaper. Also on display are antique medicine bottles.

There were numerous ads for medicines in the newspaper, so we weren't able to include them all in the exhibit. Below are two ads for Pe-ru-na from 1900. Pe-ru-na was a very popular remedy, chiefly because of its high alcohol content. Why did so many medicines contain so much alcohol? Manufacturers said it was necessary to preserve herbs, but this wasn't the whole truth. Stores didn't need a liquor license to sell medication and any liquor taxes did not apply to the patent remedies. The alcohol found in patent medication provided the public with an economical way to drink.

Pe-ru-na's widespread usage was also thanks to its claims to cure catarrh - and any pain or discomfort could be pinned on catarrh by the Pe-ru-na salesmen. Catarrh was the cause of stomach troubles, runny noses, earaches, and fevers. No matter where the catarrh was in your body, Pe-ru-na could cure it, ads boasted. These two ads for Pe-ru-na used "celebrity endorsements." Whether these men and women actually gave permission for the companies to use their likeness or received any compensation is unlikely.

Belva Ann Lockwood was a noted attorney in Washington D.C., and was apparently the "best known woman in America" thanks to her run for president of the United States in 1884 and 1888. Here, Pe-ru-na uses her face to appeal to women across the country. In a letter supposedly from Lockwood, we learn that it is an "invaluable remedy for cold, catarrh, hay fever, and kindred diseases."

This ad doesn't show a famous face, but rather a famous ship from the Spanish-American War. Ann Gridley touts the wonders of catarrh-curing Pe-ru-na, calling it a "grand tonic and a woman's friend." Ann was the mother of Captain Charles Gridley, the commander of the USS Olympia during the American victory at the Battle of Manila Bay. Gridley received the well-known order, "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley," from Admiral George Dewey. This ad mentions Dewey three times, implying an endorsement from the heroic admiral himself.

Come to the Historical Center to see more ads in this exhibit or ask to look through our back issues of the Bossier Banner newspaper.

Newspaper advertisements

In preparation for an upcoming exhibit about patent medicines, we have been looking through past issues of the Bossier Banner newspaper. Here are a few examples of the fun advertisements we've been finding.

Bile Beans claimed to cure just about any ache, pain, or general discomfort. This ad is from the January 26, 1885 Bossier Banner.


Oxidine placed many ads in the Banner during the early 1920s. The product was meant to cure malaria, but it claimed to fix other ills, too.


It's hard to focus just on medicinal advertisements when there are so many other eye-catching ones in the paper. Above is a good ad for safe deposit boxes at the Bank of Benton from the January 14, 1954 issue.

Stop by the Historical Center to look through our collection of historic newspapers. Don't forget that you may also find marriage and birth announcements, obituaries, and town "gossip" to help in your genealogy searches! You can also look at the Bossier Banner index, accessible through the link in the menu to your right.

Mardi Gras

The Shreveport-Bossier City area only recently started to hold large Mardi Gras celebrations with parades and Krewe activities. The cities of New Orleans and Mobile have long been popular Mardi Gras destinations with both cities having traditions dating back to the 1700s. In the late 1800s, newspapers were filled with advertisements for steamboat and railroad tickets to the coastal cities. The ad above is from the February 4th, 1877 issue of The Shreveport Times.

For those choosing to stay in Northwestern Louisiana, there were also a few festivities to enjoy. In 1877, Tally's Opera House on Milam Street hosted an exclusive masquerade soiree. Revelers wishing to dance had to wear masks until midnight, at which time they could show their faces.

To see these travel ads and other Mardi Gras memorabilia, check out the exhibit "Take Me to the Mardi Gras", located in the entrance of the History Center.