Part 3

Often an apartment would be placed above the garage, as shown. Note the exterior access stairway. In post World War II residences the automobile would be sheltered in a garage attached to the main residence; subsequently this garage would relinquish its walls and doors and be known as a “carport.” Thus, the garage apartment holds a unique place in America domestic architecture.

The Peters store house, or quarters, figure 59, also was representative of the era described. This building has exposed rafter ends, five panel doors, milled (not brick) siding, and is raised three steps above the ground.

The water towers shown in figure 60 are elevated to provide gravity pressure for water needed on the farm complex, whether for irrigation or livestock or domestic use. The towers are situated in a grove of pecan trees.

As urbanization increased, the opportunity for complexes such as this to survive decreased. Holdings were subdivided into residential lots, and the rural feeling and inherent privacy which it provided yielded to an environment of urban compactness. This is the price of progress as a city expands.

URBAN ECCLESIASTICAL

A distinct contrast exists between the rural ecclesiastical building and that of the urban area. The urban congregations tended to require more stylized edifices for worship. This may be apparent in the examples illustrated herein.

The 1899 St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church is an excellent example of the Gothic Revival style. Characteristics of this style include the tower with belfry and spire, the single or grouped pointed-arch windows, the stepped buttresses and deeply recessed openings and wooden doors. These characteristics are evident in the church in figure 61.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church on Beard Street, Monroe, was a later version of a style conscious church building. The opening is recessed and has a round arch over the door. A vertical accent was obtained by use of the small tower, figure 62. Brick as an exterior wall finishing material was commonly used in the towns; this contrasted to the almost universal use of wood siding on churches in the rural areas of the parish.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

There are a number of extant 50 year old educational buildings in the Twin Cities which are excellent examples of the various prevailing architectural styles. The Mediterranean style is evident in such elementary schools as Georgia Tucker, Lida Benton, and Barksdale Faulk. Jacobean Revival may be seen in the old Ouachita Parish High School building on South Grand; Art Deco is represented in Neville High School on Forsythe Avenue, Monroe. It is very fortunate that these buildings remain and are either still being utilized as educational facilities or are being converted for contemporary adaptive reuse, the latter being the case in the South Grand building mentioned.

Georgia Tucker School, figure 63, was built in 1919 and named for Mrs. Georgia Tucker Stubbs, a member of a pioneer Ouachita Parish family. Its Mediterranean style features include monumentality, solidity, use of low arches and imaginative towers. It also employs a unique treatment of terracotta in cast panels and columns capitals. One might note the use of free standing decorative nonfunctional columns on the front. The separate entrances for grades one through three and grades four through six are clearly defined.

The Jacobean Revival style was used for the Ouachita Parish High School building depicted in figure 64. Built in the late 1920’s, this three story remnant of the high school complex displays monumentality and elaborate detailing at the South Grand Street entrance to the classroom building. Quoins were used at masonry corners. The roof parapet wall contains decorative penetrations and projections as an expression of the method in which the building relates to the skyline.

URBAN COMMERCIAL AND CIVIC BUILDINGS

It has been previously illustrated that the urban residential, ecclesiastical and educational buildings were constructed to reflect current stylistic trends more than their rural counterparts; a similar observation might be made about commercial urban and rural buildings. The urban commercial buildings depicted on these two pages represent some of the stylistic expressions of the Twin Cities from the time of early settlement, the 1840’s, to the period of the oil boom, the 1930’s. As such, they might be viewed as a summary of commercial architecture in the Twin Cities.

The Isaiah Garrett law office, figure 65, was constructed in the 1840’s. Its configuration is similar to that of the small residence of the period, a two room core with rear wing, chimneys on end elevations, and an attached front gallery. This building is now the Colonial Dames Museum.

The two story commercial building shown in figure 66 was built in the 1890’s on North Grand Street. It contains large glass areas for display and interior light, and the second floor contains arched windows on the street facade but flat lintel windows overlooking the river.

T. M. Parker built a two story commercial building on DeSiard Street in 1908, figure 67. This building was used as a hotel for a long period. There is a similarity in the manner in which the roof lines of the buildings in figures 67 and 68 were constructed, since both parapets have shaped and raised center sections and projecting cornices.

The West Monroe 1909 two story building depicted in figure 68 was built with similar characteristics as those previously described, a large glass area on ground floors and a masonry upper facade. But this building contains other individualistic features. The second floor opens onto a balcony which overlooks the Ouachita River, and a very elaborate cast stone lady’s head is incorporated into the pilaster on the left side of the front elevation. A companion sculpture on the right pilaster no longer exists. One might wonder if it were a male or female likeness.

Civic architecture is represented by the 1925 Ouachita Parish Courthouse, figure 69. Neoclassicism was used to represent monumentality through the application of engaged Ionic columns on the major facades. Broad entry terraces and steps heightened the drama of entry into the main floor. The roofline contains a balustrade as an expression of uniting the building with the skyline.

The Frances Hotel, figure 70, was constructed in 1930 and named for Mrs. Frances McHenry, wife of a founder of Delta Airlines. Its Art Deco style has a pronounced verticality and linear quality. This early Monroe skyscraper has elaborate window and facade treatment on the first three floors with minimal facade decoration on the hotel room floors above. The building is crowned with elaboration on the facades of the top floor. This floor once contained a ballroom which overlooked the city and the river. Arched windows with elaborate projections above broke the skyline. And above the roof was an enormous red beacon which was visible for miles at night. The beacon no longer is lighted.

The buildings pictured on these and the four preceding pages are examples of the manner in which the designers attempted to create aesthetically pleasing architecture for both the distant and the near-by viewer. Several have interesting rooflines which integrate the built environment with the skyline. They also contain elements which may be viewed from a closer position as a person enters the building; such elements include steps, entry details, and intricate window trim.

CONCLUSION....

Ouachita Parish possesses a rich architectural heritage. In time, this heritage spans from the beginnings of Layton Castle in the early 1800’s to the high rise Frances Hotel of the 1930’s—and on to the present. In terms of style, this heritage includes the simple one room houses as well as representatives of Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, Classic Revival, California Bungalow, Prairie Style, Tudor Revival, and Art Deco.

The life styles and cultures of the inhabitants are reflected and expressed in this architectural heritage. These cultures included that of the small farms west of the river, the plantations east of the river, and the urban culture as seen in the architecture of Monroe and West Monroe. What a rich assortment exists within a 20 mile radius of the center of Ouachita Parish.

But this heritage is in danger. As progress continues and prosperity grows, the architectural heritage often diminishes. Older buildings are seen as liabilities and become victims of the wrecking ball. These buildings, whether constructed of log or brick with Romanesque or Gothic details, will not be erected again. Therefore, the visual insights into past cultures which these older buildings represent are lost forever.

It is hoped that the publication of this collection of Ouachita Parish’s architectural heritage will make the public more aware of its valuable treasure as evidenced in older architecture. And in turn, it is hoped that this awareness will assist in the preservation of vestiges of our traditional past.

F. Lestar Martin

CATALOG OF BUILDINGS

The following listing contains information on extant buildings 50 years old in Ouachita Parish (excluding Monroe and West Monroe, cataloged in the La. Tech Arch. Dept.). Building number is followed by building type designation, porch type, siding and date.

Survey Type Remarks Number

1. One Room Attached porch, asb. siding, c.1930. 2. Central hall Integral gallery, c.1913. 3. Central hall Attached gallery, asbestos, c.1917. 4. Central hall Attached porch, asbestos, c.1920. 5. Two room No gallery, asbestos, c.1920. 6. Dogtrot Square logs and notches, c.1880. 7. Other Gen. store, integral gallery, vert. bd/batten, c.1910. 8. Bungalow Attached gallery, milled siding c.1926. 9. Other Liberty Baptist Church, asbestos, c.1915. 10. Dogtrot Enclosed, att. gallery, milled, c.1890. 11. Central hall Attached gallery, asphalt, c.1900. 12. Two room Attached gallery, milled, c.1910. 13. Central hall Attached gallery, milled, c.1930. 14. Other Gable front & wing, attached porch, milled, c.1910. 15. Other Gable front & wing, attached porch, milled, c.1900. 16. Bungalow Integral porch, milled, c.1930. 17. Two room Rare plan, gingerbread cols. & trim, attached gallery, milled c.1900. 18. Shotgun Shotgun, integral gallery, milled c.1920. 19. One room Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 20. Other Mt. Horeb Church, milled, c.1920. 21. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, 1925. 22. Bungalow Integral half porch, milled, 1930. 23. Other Triple room, integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 24. Bungalow Integral side porch, milled, c.1931. 25. Other Bungalow type, attached porch, asbestos, c.1935. 26. Central hall Attached gallery, sawn siding, c.1900. 27. Dogtrot Enclosed, part half log, attached gallery, milled, 1890, Caldwell farm. 28. Outbldg. Round log w/sq. notches, shingle roof, 1880’s, Caldwell farm. 29. Dogtrot Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1900, Caldwell Farm. Log Outbuildings. 30. Bungalow Attached porch, asbestos, 1937. 31. Central hall Attached gallery, asbestos, 1925, Wallace farm. 32. Shotgun Shotgun, integral gallery, milled, 1920. 33. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, 1920. 34. Bungalow No porch, milled, 1930. 35. Bungalow Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 36. Two room Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 37. Outbldg. Transverse crib barn, tin siding, c.1930. 38. Shotgun No porch, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1920. 39. Bungalow Attached porch, vert. bd./batten siding 1930. 40. Outbldg. Storage, sawn siding, c.1930. 41. Other Gen. store, various additions, vert. bd./batten, c.1920 42. Outbldg. Round log, saddle notch corn crib, c.1920 43. Shotgun Shotgun, no porch, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 44. Outbldg. Tranverse crib barn, vert. siding, 1935, Golson fam. 45. Dogtrot Attached gallery, sawn siding, c.1930. 46. Other Camel-back house, no porch, milled, 1926, Marvin Spanier. 47. Outbldg. Single crib storage, round log, saddle notches, 1930, Spanier fam. 48. Bungalow Attached gallery, asbestos, 1930. 49. Outbldg. Single crib storage, half log, semi-lunate notch, c.1915, Golson fam. 50. Shotgun Shotgun, integral gallery, asbestos, c.1930. 51. Outbldg. Storage, vert. sawn, c.1930, George Hamilton. 52. Bungalow Integral half porch, asbestos, c.1930, Pat Tinsley. 53. Bungalow Attached porch, milled, 1933, John Mayes. 54. Other Two story Masonic Lodge—rare, integral gallery, sawn, c.1885. 55. Central hall Integral gallery, sawn siding, 1898, Golson fam. 56. Bungalow Integral porch, vert. bd./batten, 1933, James Young. 57. Other Latter Day Saints Church, attached portico, milled, 1910. 58. Bungalow Attached gallery, milled, c.1930. 59. Other Gen. store, attached porch, milled, 1927, Antley family. 60. Outbldg. Double crib, sawn, 1930. 61. Other Antioch Church, portico, steeple, asbestos, 1910. 62. Bungalow Integral gallery, milled, 1932, Fowler fam. 63. Other Frantom Chapel, asbestos, 1916. 64. Outbldg. Storage pen, sawn, c.1930, Burkett fam. 65. Central hall Attached gallery, milled, c.1920. 66. Two room Attached porch, milled, 1918. 67. Two room Attached gallery, sawn, vert. bd./batten, 1905, Lovelady fam. 68. Bungalow Attached porch, vert. siding, c.1930. 69. Other Lapine Methodist Church, milled, c.1915 70. Shotgun Shotgun, integral gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 71. Central hall Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten, 1897. 72. Two room Original single pen half log w/semi-lunate notch, att. gallery 1895, C. C. George. 73. Outbldg. Tranverse crib barn, square logs, square notch, sawn siding, c.1900, Griffin fam. 74. Central hall Attached gallery, vert. bd./batten siding, 1893, Griffin fam. 75. Central hall Attached gallery, Masonite, c.1880, James Henry. 76. Outbldg. Single crib storage, round log, saddle notch, c.1920. 77. Two room Attached porch, vert. bd./batten, c.1880, John Bush. 78. Single pen Side addition, half round logs, semi-lunate notch, integral gallery, c.1890. 79. Two room Attached gallery, milled siding, c.1910. 80. Bungalow Half porch integral, milled, c.1920. 81. Saddlebag Attached gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1880. 82. Saddlebag Attached gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1880. 83. Bungalow Attached gallery, vert. bd./batten, 1927, Amos Hollingsworth. 84. Outbldg. Half log storage pen, semi-lunate notch, c.1910. 85. Other Triple room integral gallery, asphalt, c.1890. 86. Shotgun Shotgun, integral gallery, milled, c.1930, Connie Dowdy. 87. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, c.1910. 88. Two room Original single pen w/additions, half log w/semi-lunate notch, add. vert. bd./batten, c.1880, Baugh fam. 89. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, c.1900. 90. Central hall Integral gallery, asbestos siding, c.1915, Thomas T. Jones. 91. Bungalow Attached gallery, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1930.

EAST OF THE OUACHITA

92. Two room Attached porch, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 93. Other Two story “Carolina I,” “Grecian Bend” plantation house, sawn siding, built 1866 by the Guthrie family. 94. Two room Attached gallery, milled, c.1927. 95. Bungalow Attached gallery, milled, c.1920. 96. Bungalow “California,” integral gallery, milled, c.1930. 97. Central hall Integral gallery, milled siding, c.1930. 98. Other Church, portico, belfry, milled siding, c.1930. 99. Outbldg. Double crib barn, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 100. Central hall “Greek Revival” plantation house integral gallery, milled siding, c.1880. 101. One room Attached porch, additions, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1900. 102. Central hall “O’Kelly House,” moved from N. 6th and Washington, Monroe; sawn siding, integral gallery, dormers added, c.1860. 103. One room Vert. sawn siding, c.1920. 104. Shotgun Shotgun, attached porch, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1910. 105. Two room Attached gallery, vert. bd/batten, c.1920. 106. Other “Little Bell Missionary Baptist Church,” milled, c.1920. 107. Other Triple room, integral porch, horiz. and vert. siding, c.1910. 108. Bungalow Attached gallery, milled, c.1920. 109. Outbldg. Single crib storage, shed additions, c.1937. 110. Central Hall Attached gallery, milled, c.1920. 111. Two room Attached gallery, asbestos, c.1930. 112. Outbldg. Double crib barn, vert. sawn, c.1930. 113. Bungalow Integral gallery, milled, c.1930. 114. Two room Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 115. One room Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1920. 116. Two room Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 117. Central hall Log room enclosed, integral gallery, sawn siding, original 1850 by Howard family, now Stubbs plantation house. 118. Two room Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten siding, c.1910, on Stubbs plantation. 119. Two room Attached gallery, sawn siding, c.1920, on Stubbs plantation. 120. Two room Integral gallery, vert. bd./batten, c.1910, on Stubbs plantation. 121. Bungalow “California Bungalow,” milled, c.1920, on Stubbs plantation. 122. Central hall “Greek Revival,” integral gallery, milled siding, “Cox House.” 1882. 123. Bungalow Attached gallery, milled, c.1933, Henry Cyers. 124. Bungalow Integral gallery asbestos, c.1920. 125. Shotgun Two shotguns, attached and integral porches, milled, c.1920. 126. Other Two story, four room over four room, attached porch, milled, c.1927, various other buildings, water tanks. 127. Central hall “Whitehall Plantation” house, Greek Revival, sawn siding, integral gallery, dormers, fine millwork, 1858. National Register. 128. Outbldg. Single crib, square log half dovetail notch, c.1900. 129. Two room Integral gallery, asbestos, c.1910, on “OZO,” McHenry Plantation, McClain and McDonald families. 130. Central hall 1½ story, various additions to 1838, “Refugio” plantation house. McClain and McDonald families. 131. Central hall Integral gallery, asbestos, c.1830-50, Garrett family. 132. Shotgun Shotgun, attached porch, asphalt, c.1930. 133. Central hall Integral gallery, milled and asphalt siding, c.1880, Faulk family. 134. Other “Greek Revival,” portico gallery, additions, milled and sawn siding, built 1838 by Jean Baptiste Filhoil, grandson of Don Juan Filhoil. “Logtown” plantation house. Nat. Reg. 135. Shotgun Attached gallery, milled, c.1930. 136. Shotgun Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 137. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, c.1900. 138. Central hall “Boscobel,” integral gallery, sawn, Greek Revival, built c.1820. By Judge Henry Bry. Nat. Reg. 139. Central hall 1½ story, integral gallery, milled, c.1900. 140. Central hall Integral gallery, milled, c.1920. 141. Outbldg. Transverse crib barn, vert. planks, c.1930. 142. Central hall Integral gallery, milled siding, c.1920. 143. Two room Like a bungalow plan, half porch attached, milled c.1930.

MONROE AND WEST MONROE