Biography of Arnold Bernstein, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Contributed by Greggory E. Davies
120 Ted Price Lane
Winnfield, LA  71483
gedavies@iAmerica.net
Source: (The above was extracted from "A History of Louisiana" by Henry
E. Chambers, published 1925.  Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies,
Winnfield, Winn Parish, La.)



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Arnold Bernstein

Since the close of the World War period the mayor of the City of
Monroe has been Arnold Bernstein.  Citizens have come to speak
with a very high regard for his efficiency as an executive and
claim that his record would compare favorably in efficiency with
that of any mayor in the State of Louisiana.

Mr. Bernstein, who for many years has been identified with the
insurance business in Monroe, was born at Montgomery, Grant
Parish, Louisiana, in 1874.  The Bernsteins were early settlers
in Louisiana, first locating in Alexandria, later in Winn and
Grant Parishes.  The father of Mayor Bernstein was a child when
brought to this state, served as a Confederate soldier throughout
the war and was for many years a planter on Red River.  The
widowed mother now lives at Winnfield.  

Arnold Bernstein was educated in public schools, in the Soule'
Business College at New Orleans, and for several years was
employed with business interests in New Orleans.  In 1896, at the
age of twenty-two, he located at Monroe, and for nearly thirty
years has been one of the city's men of marked enterprise and
leadership.  In 1905 he became connected with the New York Life
Insurance Company, as local representative.  He was with that
company six years and then for twelve years handled the business
for the Equitable Life.  He distinguished himself as one of the
very successful insurance men of the state.

Since early manhood, Mr. Bernstein has taken a natural interest
in civic affairs and has acted on his convictions that a citizen
should discharge to the full his civic responsibilities.  His
first public office was alderman.  He served in that capacity
four years.  Then in 1919 he was elected mayor, and in 1923
reelected.  Since he became mayor Monroe has had its greatest
growth and expansion, due largely to the opening of great natural
gas and oil fields and the consequent industrial development. 
The city has built many new streets, has laid miles of paving and
sewerage, and the responsibilities of the office of mayor have
been correspondingly heavy.  
Mr. Bernstein is a real executive and has handled the business of
the city with a system and thoroughness that entitle him to the
reputation he enjoys among the mayors of the state.

Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Rotary Club and Lotus Club of
Monroe.  He married Mrs. Corinne Steinau.

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