It's Black History Month!

Get a Black History Button at the Bossier Parish Library’s Historical
Center:

Just bring in photos of African Americans in Bossier Parish to the Historical Center. Staff will scan up to 5 photos and make copies for the patron and possibly the Center’s collection.

Through February, Mon-Fri 9-4 or by appointment
Call 746-7717 for more information

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.

Frozen Bossier

The recent cold weather prompted us to search through our collection to find other instances of chilly temperatures in Bossier Parish. Below is an unidentified girl bundled up for warmth on a snowy day. This photo (1997.054.081) is from the Plain Dealing area and was taken by John Allen in the 1910s. If she looks familiar, please let us know!

Next we have a photo (2002.032.001) from a snowfall in 1948. George Louis Johnson is standing next to his snow-covered automobile.

Bossier Banner Name and Place Index

The History Center is happy to announce the return of its name and place index to the Bossier Banner newspaper. The index includes the years 1859-1985. You can now browse through the alphabetical listing of people, places, and organizations to find the corresponding citation for the Bossier Banner article you wish to view. To get a copy of the article, either call or email the history center, tell us the citation, and we will send you a copy or scan.

Letters to Santa

This 1967 photo shows the first-graders at Princeton School ready to write their letters to Santa Claus. Their teacher has written "Dear Santa Claus, I would like some toys and clothing for Christmas" on the chalkboard. This photo (2004.003.009) is from our Walter H. Martin collection. Mr. Martin was the principal at Princeton High School.