From the Past Source: Alexandria Daily Town Talk, 1998 Submitted by: Carolyn Dyess Bales Kaite220@aol.com ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** FROM THE PAST Alexandria Town Talk, April 3, 1998 25 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 3, 1973 The Rapdies Parish Police Jury in October 1972 voted to convert from the illegal ward system of conducting its business to the unit system, but the job has not yet been completed, and the jury has a long way to go. NEW STORE IN TIOGA A 25,000 square foot discount center will be built in the Tioga area this year. Alton Howard, president of Howard Bros. Discount Stores Inc of Monroe, announced. 50 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK APRIL 3, 1948 A chapter of the Allied Youth Council has been organized at Block High School in Jonesville. W. J. McNealy is chairman. ON DEBATE TEAM Alford Claerk Jr. of Alexandria is on the Northwestern State College Senior men's debate team which will participate in the Southern Association of Teachers speech tournament in Nashville. 100 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 3, 1898 New matting for the stairway and court room of the Courthouse has been purchased and will be put down at once. It was very much needed. NEW POLICE JUROR John Davis was appointed by the governor to be police juror of Lamourie Ward, Rapides Parish. He succeeds T. C. Wheaton who resigned. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Town Talk, April 4, 1998 25 years ago in the Town Talk April 4, 1973 The Avoyelles Parish police Jury took th first steps toward creating a water district in parts of Wards 9 and 10 in an area called "The Burns." NEW BANK BUILDING IN MARKSVILLE The Union Bank of Marksville will construct a branch at Tunica Drive and South Washington Street 50 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 4, 1948 Almost five miles of paved streets costing $272,667 have been constructed in Alexandria since April 1, 1974, and an additional 4.19 miles of pavement costing $224,795 have been started. ELKS Officer Roy A. Yerby is the new exalted ruler of Alexandria Elks Lodge for 1948-49. He and other officers were installed in ceremonies at the Elks Club. 100 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 4, 1989 Capt. Edwards' museum and menagerie, which is located on Second Street near Jackson, is said to be very interesting. OAK TREE CUT The large oak tree that stood on the sidewalk near the new Catholic Church was cut down this morning... FROM THE PAST Alexandria Town Talk, April 05, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk April 5, 1973 It would cost about $2.5 million to build a diverson canal from Chatlin Lake Canal to Red River just below Alexandria. ANNEXATION DELAYED The matter of the Rapides Parish Coliseum asking to be annexed in to the city has been delayed again, this time to give the manager time to check to see if it would have any adverse effect on livestock shows held in the facility,. 50 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 5, 1948 J. F. Beaman of Alexandria was re-elected secretary-treasurer of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association. JONESVILLE BASEBALL Initial steps have been taken toward organization of the Jonesville Baseball Association which will have an entry in the North Central Louisiana League. 100 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 5, 1898 The Steamer Scovell passed down with 12,000 sacks of cotton seed purchased for the Southern Oil Co. of New Orleans. This was probably the largest cargo of seed ever taken out of Red River. NEW DENTIST Dr. P. W. Lea of this parish returned from Atlanta, Ga., where he graduated in the Atlanta Dental College as Doctor of Dental Surgery. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Town Talk, April 6, 1998 25 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 6, 1973 The Catahoula Parish Police Jury went on record opposing any proposal by the Legislature or the Constitutional Convention to abolish "the levee boards as we know them now." The Alexandria City Council received a low bid of $4.36 million for construction of a municipal sewage treatment plant. The low bidder was McInnis Bros. of Minden. 50 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 6, 1948 The Rapides Parish School Board rejected all bids on construction of a new elementary school building at Tioga and will take new bids next month. GUARD UNIT ACTIVATED Activation of the 2nd Battalion medical section of the 199th infantry of the Louisiana Natinal Guard was announced. 100 YEARS AGO IN THE TOWN TALK April 6, 1898 George A. Webster of Dallas, Texas, is in the city trying to interest the members of the Police Jury in purchasing steel cages for the parish prison. WOODWORTH FIRE Fire broke out in a side room adjoining Will Smith's store building at Woodworth and entirely destroyed the store building and several cottages. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Town Talk, June 08, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 8, 1973 The Rapides Parish School Board recieved bids for the construction of a new Peabody Elementary School with all offers again surpassing allotted funds. 5-mill Tax Allowed The Red River, Atchafalaya and Bayour Bouef Levee Board is entitled to levy up to five mill of property tax, Attorney General William Guste ruled. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 8, 1948 The Pineville Chamber of Commerce approved a proposal to incorporate Smithville and Wardville into the city of Pineville. Water Shortage Alexandrians were faced with the forcast of an actue water shortage during the summer months. Consulting engineers said there is an *inadequate supply*. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 8, 1898 J. D. Bragg of Alexandria has been invited to join the band of the 2nd Regiment, U. S. volunteers. He was recommended by First Sgt. B. J. Rosenthal of Company L, 2nd Regiment. Pollock gets pitcher Sam Slagel of Little Rock, Ark., has been employed as pitcher for the Pollock ball team. He has played with the Alexandria team. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, Tuesday, June 09, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 9, 1973 The Louisiana House Transportation and Highways Committee reported favorably a bill which would give the Highway Department authority to construct a north- south toll road in three sections. Pineville Lawsuit dropped An $88,000 lawsuit against the city of Pineville by the state for non-payment of a loan has been temporarily dropped according to Pineville City Attorney William Ford. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 9, 1948 DeWitt James was re-elected president of the Rapides Parish Police Jury in its first session of the new term. Four new jury memebers took their seats. Creative Writing Award Robert Lee Hopkins Jr. of Pineville received the George A. Mahan award at Washington and Lee University. The award is a scholarship for excellence in creative writing. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 9, 1898 Cotton Gin chartered The Charter of the Mooreland Cotton Gin Go., has been recorded. The company will build a modern cotton gin. New Lawyer John Overton, a Tulane Law School graduate, has moved to Alexandria to begin the practice of law. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, Wednesday, June 10, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 10, 1973 The long ride to summer training camp for Louisiana's National Guard has been shortened with the decision to train guardsmen at Camp Beauregard near Pineville rather than at out-of-state camps. New Postmaster Robert G. Fitzgerald, postmaster at Oakdale for the past 20 years, is the new postmaster in Alexandria. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 10, 1948 All arrangements have been worked out and completed for construction of a $100,000 modern 30-room hospital in Winnfield. Denies Water Shortage Alexandria Mayor Carl B. Close denied reports that Alexandria is faced with an acute water shortage during the summer months. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 10, 1898 L. C. Sweat and B. Vance have received the machinery for their large Munger-Gin in Cotile Ward and will have it ready for operation in August. Rate Offer The Texas & Pacific Railway Co., offers one far for the round trip to Chopin to fishing parties of five or more. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, Thursday, June 11, 1998 25 years Ago in the Town Talk June 11, 1973 Mayor-elect John K. Snyder indicated that annexation may be the key to solving Alexandria's future financial woes. He said the city needs a population of 50,000 to qualify for more federal funds. Top Athlete Googy French of Rapides High School won the Abe Caplan Memorial Award at the Rapides Parish All Sports banquet as the most outstanding athlete in the parish. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 11, 1948 An asphaltic road mix that will keep down dust on gravel raods is being placed on the old Marksville road between the end of the blacktop and Smithville and on the Tioga-Paradise road. New camp opening Hammers are flying and mops are swishing at Camp Hardtner, the new summer which the Episcopal Church in Louisiana is opening to young people this year. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 11, 1898 A new boys military company will be called either the Dewey Guards of the Alexandria Juveniles. About 31 boys have signed up, and many more intend to join... Company locally owned Most of the stock of the Alxandria Street Railway Co., is now owned by local people, and its domicile will be changed to Alexandria from New Orleans... Tuesday, June 23, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk June 23, 1973 The state Board of Education rejected a request by the Louisiana Teachers Association to form a mostly all LTA advisory concil on teacher certification. Toll Road Bill Gov. Edwin Edwards signed the north-south toll road bill which is expected to provide for construction of the Opelousas-Alexandria segment first. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 23, 1948 Ollie Childs, former Louisiana College star athlete and wartime bomber pilot, was appointed to head Alexandria's Recreation Department. Hot Wells Record A one-day record for the season was established when 118 patrons used the Jaycee's bathhouse at Hot Wells. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 23, 1898 Lee Duke has moved into his new cottage on 10th Street. It adjoins the residence of his father, B. C. Duke New Saloon Charles Goldenburg is going to open a saloon on the corner of Murray and Third streets in the building formerly occupied by Joseph Levin. He is thinking of calling the new establishment "The Commercial." FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, Wednesday, June 24, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 24, 1973 The Rapides Parish Airport Authority received a federal $32,000 grant to develop a master plan for Esler Field. EXCHANGE CLUB PRESIDENT Bob Wynne of Alexandria was elected president-elect of the Arkansas-Louisiana District of the Exchange Club and was also named "Exchangite of the Year." 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 24, 1948 A $4,779,200 contract for additional facilities at the Veterans Hospital has been awarded, and construction of a 250-bed addition will start within 30 days. Miss Aquatic Eugenia McBride, representing the Rapides Parish chapter, was named "Miss Aquatic" at a National Red Cross school conducted at Northwestern State College. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 24, 1898 There has been considerable friction between members of the Alexandria Public School Board of Trustees and members representing the Alexandria ward relative to representation in selecting teachers. Carriage merchant M. R. Earnest of Lecompte is agent fot the Timkin Carriage Co., of St. Louisiana and has just received a car load of buggies and surreys. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, June 25, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 25, 1973 The easiest and least expensive way to solve the Buhlow Lake pollution problem would be for residents in the lake's watershed area to hook onto Pineville's sewer system, City Engineer Tom Davis said. Restaurant Officer J. H. Smith was elected president of the Central Louisiana Restaurant Association. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 25, 1948 Jules Escude defeated incumbent Mansura Mayor Turner Scallan. The mayor-elect formerly served as mayor of Mansura and in some Avoyelles Parish positions. Lions governor elected Hugh M. Baker of Alexandria was elected governor of District 8-B at the Lions International convention in Monroe. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 25, 1898 The legislative committee appointed to draft a new charter for Alexandria hasn't reported. Alexandria certainly needs a new one worse than any town in Louisiana. Lawsuit filed Alexandria attorneys John C. Blackman and Allen T. Hunter filed a $10,500 damage lawsuit against Crowell & Spencer Lumber Co., of Longleaf on behalf of Willie St. Clair Holmes, a minor.. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, Friday June 26, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 26, 1973 The betrothal of Valery LeDoux Provosty to Wayne Lamar Denley, son of Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm Denley of Alexandria, was announced. Home economist assigned Donna Hanks of New Iberia was assigned by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at Louisiana State University to work with 4-H and home economics programs in Rapides Parish. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 26, 1948 The Louisiana House voted to authorize the establishment of the Catahoula Lake Game and Fish Preserve. Camp Polk Study Possible reactivation of Camp Polk is under study, the Army said. The Army is maintaining close scrutiny of its surplus holdings in view of the new draft law. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 26, 1898 Dr. L. C. George has agreed to purchase the dwelling house formerly belonging to Joseph Levin. The price for the house at the corner of Fourth and Murray streets, is $5,500. Building Progress Denny Williams, who is building Willie French's new house at the corner of Third and Casson streets, is making rapid progress. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk, June 29, 1998 25 years ago in the Town Talk June 29, 1973 Gov Edwin Edwards announced formation of a Louisiana militia as a backup to the National Guard and promoted Col. William B. Cox to general to head the unit. VFW Officer Bill Procter of Alexandria was elected department junior vice commander of the Louisiana Veterans of Foreign Wars. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 29, 1948 The city of Alexandria took full credit for breaking the drought when W. W. Thomas, municipal airport manager, seeded a cloud with 40 pounds of dry ice resulting in an immediate .85-Inch rain. Cedar Lake dam The Louisiana Senate passed without opposition a House-approved measure appropriating $100,000 for a dam at Cedar Lake. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 29, 1898 Maj. E. B. Pendleton was elected president of the Alexandria Rod and Gun Club, and Dr. R. L. Luckett was elected first Vice President. Principal applies Professor S. M. Young of Olla has applied for principal of the Alexandria High School. FROM THE PAST The Alexandria Town Talk Tuesday June 30, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 30, 1973 About 140 workers will be affected by a reduction in the civilian work force at Fort Polk according to th Maj. Gen. Charles E. Spragins, commander. Agents' President James D. Neilson Jr. of Alexandria is the new president of the Independent Agents of Louisiana Inc., He is president of Neilson, Breithaupt & Daniel Inc. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 30, 1948 Dr. Edgar Godbold, President of Louisiana College, was appointed to three Southern Baptist Convention committees including serving on the board of directors of Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans. LeCompte Rotary B. L. Stafford is the new president of the Lecompte Rotary Club. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk June 30, 1898 The large new brick warehouse leased to Lisso-Florsheim Grocery Co., was very badly wrecked when the foundation in the center of the building gave way. Liquor Licenses Some small dealers fear the Rapides Parish Police Jury will take advantage of the new constitution and increase the parish license for retailing liquor. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Tuesday, August 18, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 18, 1973 Alexandria Mayor John K. Snyder said he favors conducting a public hearing on Finance and Utilities Commissioner Arond Jack Rosenthal's proposal to switch council meetings from morning to night. Pineville High reunion Michael Tudor is general chairman for the reunion committee of the Pineville High School Class of 1963. 50 Years Ago in The Town Talk Aug. 18, 1948 Members of Shelby Williams Post No. 256, American Legion, dedicated their new home in Forest Hill. Salvation Army remodeling The Salvation Army advisory board approved plans for remodeling the old Salvation Army building inside and out. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk August 18, 1898 The city council should consider a citizen's recommendation that if the streets of Alexandria are to continue to be a pasture for cows, it is nothing but fair to charge owners a pasturage fee at least $1 per month. For Rent Robert Kelsey's store building on Lee and Sixth streets near Union Baptist Church is for rent. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Daily Town Talk Friday August 20, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 20, 1973 Outright abolition of property zoning restrictions might foster the revitalization of downtown Alexandria and alleviate numerous traffic congestion and parking problems, Mayor John K. Snyder suggested. Hospital Administrator Sister M. Eymard O'Connor has been named administrator of St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 20, 1948 An expansion program for Alexandria's elecgric generation and distribution system estimated to cost $4.5 million has been recommended to the city council. Theatre Director Edward E. Marshall of Alexandria is the new managing director of the Central Louisiana Community Theatre. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 20, 1898 The first new bale of cotton to arrive at Alexandria came in from Shaw and Melder, Forest Hill. Hotel Stock The Alexandria Hotel Co., has about 37 stockholders, the largest stockholder holding $1,250 in stock and the smallest $50. It is not too late to purchase stock. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Friday August 21, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 21, 1973 Town Talk sports editor Bill Carter will represent Louisiana this football season on the Associated Press major college advisory board. Serving at convention Eddie Tarpley Jr. of Pollock has been serving as assistant sergeant at arms during the Constitutional Convention in Baton Rouge. He is a junior in pre-law. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk: Aug. 21, 1948 Alexandria business conditions are not reported in the monthly Federal Reserve Bank Review because the necessary information is not being supplied by Alexandria business establishments. Draft board appointment William A. Culpepper of Alexandria has been appointed government appeal agent to the local draft board No. 49A in Alexandria. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk: Aug. 21, 1898 The Rapides parish Police Jury passed an ordiance making it unlawful for anyone to butcher animals or establish a slaughterhouse within 400 years of any private residence, schoolhouse or church. New Cotton Gin The new cotton gin in Cheneyville being erected by Stewart Bros. is nearing completion. FROM THE PAST Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Friday August 22, 1998 25 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 22, 1973 Faced with possibility of dumping space in the city's landfill playing out within a week, the Alexandria City Council declared an extreme public emergency to try to remedy the situation. Lower Utility Bills Beginning with the October bills city of Alexandria residents will see a 10 percent reduction in their utility rates. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 22, 1948 Gov. Earl K. Long appointed Clifton A. Fairbanks of Pineville as the fifth member of the board of administration of the state colony and training school. Firemen Representative Sam Domico Jr. was elected by city firemen to represent them on the Alexandria Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 22, 1898 A two-story dwelling house is being erected in Clapp Addition near the T&P freight depot for Charley Brownell and will be for rent when completed. Private school Opening Mrs. H. J. Levy's private school will open in this city for its third session on Oct. 3. The school is at the corner of Murray and Sixth streets. Sunday, August 23, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk Aug 23, 1973 "We don't neet it, we're not interested in it, we're doing well without it," Alexandria police Chief Jack Rodgers said when asked about a report his officers may be forming a union. Expansion Unlikely The possibility of expanding England Air Force Base school facilities to include junior high and senior high isn't too strong, principal M. J. Keppinger Jr. said. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug 23, 1948 Kathleen Ray of Lecompte is treasurer of the Louisiana 4-H Club Executive Committee. She was among those elected in Louisiana State University meeting. Doll & Toy Football Game The Optimist Club will sponsor the Town Talk Doll & Toy Fund football game, L. J. "Spec" Moriarty, club presidnet, announced. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 23, 1898 S. B. Swetman intends to open a lumber yard opposite the Adams Brick Co. factory at the crossing of Bayou Robert Road and the T&P railroad. Building new home A. Albert, one of Alexandria's most successful merchants, plans to build a $4,000 home in West Alexandria south of Sunset Addition. Tuesday, September 1, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk Sept. 1, 1973 The Rapides Area Planning Commission proposed that the Alexandria municipal transit system be completely overhauled to cut the $200,000 deficit the city had in the service last year. New bridge requested The Alexandria City Council has asked the state to replace the obsolete bridge on Bolton Avenue across Bayou Rapides with a new four-lane span. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept 1, 1948 Cleveland Dear was re-elected Division A. 9th Judicial District judge, and Gus Voltz was re-elected Alexandria city judge according to complete, unofficial returns. New station Operator M. E. "Buddy" Sasser is the new lessee and operation of the Conoco filling station at Bolton Avenue and White Street. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept 1, 1898 T. Spence Smith has been appointed justice of the peace of Rapides ward. A general assembly act gave that ward two justices. L. A. Sanford is the other justice. Moved to Pineville J. L. Ross and mother and sister moved from Alexandria to Pineville occupying the house where Dr. White formerly resided. Wednesday, September 2, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk Sept. 2, 1973 Two Alexandria commisssioners asked the Red River, Atchafalaya & Bayou Boeuf Levee Board to seek rapid installation of new pumps the at the Bayou Rapides outlet to Red River. Bridge reopens The Murray Street bridge, closed for nearly a month for repairs and painting, reopened. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept. 2, 1948 The "Class of 1924 lined up at selective service headquarters here as it did at registration centers throughout the country. Going back to bench Judge Robert F. Kennon, losing candidate for the U. S. Senate, said he was going back to his home in Minden and his duties on the state court of appeal. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Aug. 23, 1898 The plantation houses around Alexandria should be connected by telephone with the Alexandria telephone system. The owners of the plantations would find it very convenient. New School to Open Bonnie Wood of Alexandria will open a public school in Zimmerman later this month. Thursday, September 3, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk Sept. 3, 1973 Calkraft Paper Co. in Elizabeth has decided to operate on fuel oil until a promised supply of natural gas can be obtained. Women Jurors A special three-judge federal panel held unconstitutional Louisiana's ban on women from jury duty unless they volunteer for it. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept. 3, 1948 Nurses Louise Soulier and Katherine Chaudoir left Alexandria to aid in the North Carolina polio epidemic, Mildred Pearce, American Red Cross Rapides chapter chairman, said. LSU Medical Alumni Dr. N. M. Brian Jr. was elected president of the Ouisiana State University Medical Alumni Association, 8th District. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept. 3, 1898 The galvanized iron cornice of the new Rapides Hotel is being placed in position. It makes a very attractive appearance. Paint Store Moves Gardner Blades has moved his paint store from under the City Hall to the store opposite recently vacated by J. P. Turregano. Friday, September 4, 1998 FROM THE PAST 25 Years Ago In The Town Talk Sept. 4, 1973 Cherokee Plantation at Natchitoches and the original site of Louisiana State University in Pineville have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. School Board president J. I. Barron Jr. of Pineville, the School Board's District B member, apparently is the only contender for the post of board president. 50 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept. 4, 1948 The proposed $1 million improvement program fo Alexandria's light department will not endanger the city's ownership of the department, W. A. McLean, commissioner of finance and public utilities, asserted. Induction Center Men from 18 parishes who are called up in the peacetime draft will get pre-induction processing in Alexandria, selective service headquarters announced. 100 Years Ago in the Town Talk Sept. 4, 1898 J. P. Turregano, who moved his business from under City Hall, now has one of the finest saloons in town in the new Rapides Bank building. New Postmaster Robert P. Hunter, Alexandria's new postmaster, expects to be able to take charge of the of the office about the 15th of the month.