The Feb-1965 issue of the Louisiana Municipal Review featured separate articles about the towns of Mooringsport, Oil City, and Vivian. Here are highlights from the Mooringsport article.
The title makes a play on words, noting that the name originally referred to the early steamboat days (it was founded by John and Timothy Mooring; hence "Mooring's Port"), though now (in 1965) it refers to the myriad of watercraft that dot Caddo Lake and launch from or moor (tie up) there.
Since World War II, the lake has been an area drawing card, with motorboats, ski boats, sail boats, skiffs, and houseboats in use by persons enjoying fishing, skiing, sailing, hunting, and other recreational activities. To support these activities are plentiful launch sites, marine service stations, picnic areas, and parking.
Governing a population is 856, the town council consists of Mayor Horace R. Trice; aldermen Edwin T. Currie (also fire chief), J. Marvin Hanson, R. H. Hunter, Billy Shepherd, Edward M. Sloane; and town clerk Ruby Melton. Trice works for Knighton Produce, Currie and Hunter are employed by Southwestern Electric Power Co., and Hanson and Sloane are retired Gulf Oil employees. Shepherd's occupation is not given. It's noted Mrs. Melton (who with husband Carl owned a grocery store ) has been town clerk for 13 years.
 |
| Front (l-r) Hunter, Hanson. Rear: Currie, Melton, Trice, and Shepherd (Sloane not shown) |
There is reference to an annual "gar rodeo" and the area is touted as a "camera bug's" paradise with beautiful scenery and abundant birds and waterfowl. The community is promoted as ideal for retirement, as one experiences the small town "country home" feel, but with cultural and entertainment offerings just a few miles away in Shreveport.
Other recreational opportunities mentioned include summer baseball leagues sponsored by the local Lion's Club, as well as a cleared, designated swimming site on the lake for public use. Community attributes cited include:
Article obtained courtesy of the Louisiana Room, Edith Garland Dupré Library, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
 |
| City Hall and a lake scene |
Other recreational opportunities mentioned include summer baseball leagues sponsored by the local Lion's Club, as well as a cleared, designated swimming site on the lake for public use. Community attributes cited include:
- Fine schools, churches, active clubs, and civic-minded citizens
- Fire protection provided by a chief (Currie) and 20 volunteers
- A 40 acre dump, partially available for industrial development
- A municipal sewage system serving 100% of residents
 |
| Mooringsport Jr. High School (right) and gymnasium (left) |
Article obtained courtesy of the Louisiana Room, Edith Garland Dupré Library, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
No comments:
Post a Comment