DeRidder Fireman, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Jimmy E. Cooley  
Date: March 23, 2004

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This photo was taken in the 1950's in the large hall that was above the 
City Government offices at the City Hall, corner of Shirley and Stewart 
Streets. My father, JB Cooley, fire chief, organized an annual Christmas 
Party for the families and children on the local welfare roles. We called 
it the Fireman's Christmas Party for the Poor Children. The fireman gathered 
and repaired toys throughout the year for this event. They accepted donations
of food, clothing, toys and money from local people and merchants for the 
one night party. My father obtained a list of families that were on the 
local roles and each child was given several toys and each family was given
clothes, food and sometimes outstanding debts or bills were paid. The items 
were delivered to those who could not attend so that everyone on the role 
got some Christmas present. The party was held in this hall, see Christmas 
tree in background. The party started in the early evening, usually Friday 
night, with the arrival of Santa Claus. Santa and his helpers called out 
each child's and families names and they cam forward and accepted the gifts. 
Not everyone went away satisfied with what the had received, but my Dad 
always said that every child was going to get at least one toy or gift and 
some fruit and nuts.

Top Row: Left to Right ....
Jimmy Mustachio - worked for the City of DeRidder and did odd jobs around town 
for Melvin ? - don't remember his last name.

? Chism - Don't remember his first name

G.W. Cobb - Was good friend of the Cooley family, lived down by old DeRidder 
High School, was in Air Force during WWII, worked at Fort Polk, manager of 
airport, died in airplane crash at Edgewood Boy Scout camp.

Charley Bass - Worked for City of DeRidder Water Dept., lived on Divison St.

Danny Dugas - Worked at City Welding Shop on Stewart St., married Jim Mustachio's 
daughter, Josephine.

Wayne Hanchey - Was son of car mechanic Jennings Hanchey.

James Jones - Brother of Booth Jones, father ran Jones Wholesale on east side 
of town.

Jesse Rainwater - My brother Clyde gave him nickname "Drip" and everyone called 
him that. He worked for the city of DeRidder.

Lovette Bailey - He was a plumber in DeRidder, also worked for City of DeRidder.

Luther Moses - He lived across from City Hall and Fire Station, worked for City 
of DeRider in water dept..

Pete Rumby - Also worked for City.

Clyde Cooley - Nicknamed "Junior", my brother, was in WWII, worked in radio and 
TV repair on Stewart St., drove one of fire trucks to fires.

J.B. Cooley - Was Fire Chief for many years, lived in Fire Station which was part 
of City Hall, corner of Stewart and Shirley Sts., JB was my father and started 
the annual Christmas Party for the welfare families and children.

C.W. Naylor -  Was Street Commissioner of city and may have held other offices 
in City Government.

Sam Coward - Worked for gasoline distribution company in city, lived on Royal 
St. Was assistant Fire Chief.

Orville Johnson - Worked for Coca Cola and Dixie Maid Ice Cream company  L.C. 
Kern - Owner

Booth Jones - Son of J.B. Jones, brother of James, worked in father's wholesale 
company and later owned Ford
Tractor Co. in DeRidder.

Narrative by Jimmy E. Cooley
Photograph is from Ronnie Zimmerman, he sent it to me Oct. 1, 2002