📰 Avoyelles Pages Past: A Glimpse into History!

Avoyelles Pages Past: By Donna Culotta

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90 Years Ago

From our June 27, 1936 editions
W.D. Merrick, Louis Gremillion and Leonce Lacour were elected Simmesport aldermen.
Dr. Alton DeNux was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention.
Gordon Riley was appointed state co-op specialist for the Resettlement Administration of Louisiana.
The paving of the Marksville-Alexandria road was completed.
Lt. Col and Mrs. John Watt spent a few days in Bunkie at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Watt. They were enroute to San Antonio where Col. Watt had been assigned.
Father Francis Oge Gremillion celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary’s in Cottonport.

80 Years Ago

From our June 29, 1946 editions
W.T. Nolin, president of the Marksville National Farm Loan Association, announced that an election of three directors would be needed.
Billie Laborde, Freddie Normand and Marian Chatelain attended the State FFA Convention.
Henry Decell, Jr. celebrated his 9th birthday.

70 Years Ago

From our June 30, 1956 editions
Earl Juneau, David Stephen Oxidine, John Love, Oscar Hayes and Floyd Marmananson enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Bunkie High student Linda Taylor, 15-years old and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Taylor, was a delegate to the National FHA Convention held in Chicago.
Mrs. J.E. O’Brien made straight A’s at Louisiana College.
Mr. Willis Fuqua of Marksville was awarded an LSU fellowship.
Fred M. Ryland, county crop insurance representative, advised cotton farmers to get insured acreage released.
The La. House of Representatives passed an appropriations bill which provided $4,250,000 for the construction of a new bridge across the Atchafalaya River at Simmesport.

60 Years Ago

From our June 30, 1966 editions
The Federal Land Bank Association of Marksville declared a 6% regular dividend.
Miss Bunkie contestants included:
- Chris Kojis
- Mary Williams
- Jane Thompson
- Debbie Willis
- M’Lee Rabalais
- Martha Knoll
- Susie Melancon
- Phyllis Marchieve
- Ellyce Dupree
- Linda Roscoe
- Bonnie Lefler
- Pam Milton
Robert Hale and Dean Wilder presented a concert in the Marksville High auditorium.
Major Harold Terry, firearms training officer for the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department, was slated to give a demonstration at the Marksville 4th of July celebration.
Bruce Neck of Marksville performed in the LSU Summer Band Concert.
Mrs. Ina Coco of Hessmer rescued a 70-year old man from Monroe.

50 Years Ago

From our July 1, 1976 editions
St. Anthony Catholic Church of Bunkie led the community in a bicentennial ringing of bells. At the stroke of the hour, bells from all the churches in Bunkie rang for 200 times.
Former Marksville town councilman, Ira Schneider, announced his candidacy for the school board.
Blackbeard’s Pub in Marksville was the winner of the Fifth Ward Athletic Club’s Softball tournament.
The DesFosse Home in Mansura was placed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
Rudy Haydel’s homemade airplane was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Irby Dauzat of Marksville was chosen to revise the State Consumer Education Guide.

40 Years Ago

From our July 3, 1986 editions
B. C. Bennett Jr. announced his candidacy for district judge.
The school board accepted the Union Bank’s bid to act as fiscal agent.
Jennifer Elmer of Mansura made the LSU Chancellor’s List.
The La. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced plans to draw down the Spring Bayou water level.
The Bunkie High School cheerleaders received the champion trophy at the Universal Cheerleaders Association Camp.
Ronald Galland was elected president of the Moncla Community Center.
Judge Harold Brouillette ruled for jail expansion.
Mrs. Edmund St. Romain hosted the Moreauville Garden Club Spring Luncheon at the family camp on Old River.

30 Years Ago

From our June 27, 1996 editions
Irene Bordelon of Vick was named J.E.M. Homemaker of the Year.
Bunkie attorney Dan McKay filed a lawsuit against the Avoyelles Indigent Defender Board for removing him from the group.
Rep. Charles Riddle III of District 28 was named “1996 Outstanding Member of the Louisiana Legislative Rural Caucus.”
The Marksville High School football field was renovated with a new sprinkler system and turf.
The M&N Augustine Foundation presented a check for $750 to Marksville Catholic School.

20 Years Ago

From our June 29, 2006 editions
Members of the Cenla Honor Guard were named the grand marshals for the Marksville 4th of July Parade.
After 15-years of helping men, The Hope Center in Marksville opened its doors to women, who were being housed in part of the old Marksville Hospital.
Narseal Batiste of Marksville was arrested by the FBI in Chicago on several charges, one of which was plotting to blow up the Sears Tower and buildings in Miami.
At the grand opening of the “African Safari” adventure in Moreauville were:
- Linus Juneau
- Stuart Juneau
- Julie Juneau
- Mariah and Olivia Laborde
- Neal Juneau.

10 Years Ago

From our June 29, 2016 editions
The Sims Rachal and Edmund St. Romain families were highlighted in a Father's Day feature where the sons followed in their father’s footsteps in the oil and gas business.
Although the parent company of Avoyelles Hospital declared bankruptcy, CEO David Mitchel stated that the local hospital was “strong, doing well and not going anywhere.”
Students at the Charter School raised funds to aid wounded U.S. soldiers through the Wounded Warrior Project. The students sold miniature stars and raised $887.25.
Having a ball at the Corn Festival were:
- Ava Willibur
- Karson Vidrine
- Mason Descant
- John David Smith
- Emmy Smith
- Adison Lemoine
- Journee Lewis
- Jayden Lewis.
Winners in the Sacred Heart School Talent Show were:
- Jordan Dunbar
- David Lally
- Aaron Ducote.