Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Show Streets of Rayville in 1944
Map of the Streets of Rayville, ca., 1944
To the Grads of 2020, Meet the Graduating Class of 1927
The City high school annual class play, which is ready an institution, will perhaps have to be abandoned this year and consequently there is a feeling generally of disappointment.
Remembering Former Richland Parish Sheriff, Mark A. Cooper (1916-1924)
His lifelong occupation was that of planter in addition to having been engaged in business and having served in public office. He was an elder in the Rayville Presbyterian Church and was a past Worshipful Master of the R. F. McGuire Masonic Lodge of Rayville and a Shriner…
The Quarantine of 1930 in Richland Parish for Infantile Paralysis
As one might expect, there was more than a fair share of opponents, including the editor of the Richland Beacon-News. Here’s an editorial that ran, questioning the wisdom and need for quarantine.
Photos: The Train Depot at Rayville, ca., 1930s
Remembering Charles Titche (1861-1932) of Rayville
TITCHE FUNERAL PLANNED FOR TUESDAY MORNING Will Be Conducted at Residence; Was Prominent Locally The funeral of Charles Titche, 70, will be held at 903 North Second street tomorrow morning at 10… Read More
Photo: American Legion Members, ca., 1919
American Legion Members, ca. 1919 The old photograph above was generously loaned to the Beacon by Mr. Leon Moreland. It is of the first members of the American Legion Post after it… Read More
Remembering the Life of Joe Caspari (1874-1947), “America’s Good Neighbor” – AUDIO
His good deeds to the servicemen aboard troop trains during World War II brought him the honor of being named “America’s Good Neighbor” in a contest on the Tom Brennaman Radio Show. This information was heard by a local resident who regularly listened to the popular radio program…
Judge William N. Potts (1841-1913) of Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, began his career in Rayville
Judge, Louisiana Fifth Judicial District Court, 1894-1900. First practiced law in the town of Rayville, Richland Parish, where he was associated with former Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Robert B. Todd. Elected Parish Attorney and subsequently District Attorney. Formed the firm Potts & Hudson in 1883, remaining senior member there until elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial District in 1894. Appointed by Governor Sanders to revise the Civil Code of Louisiana as a member of the Civil Code Commission. Died at his home in Monroe, Louisiana, April 26, 1913.
Eula D. Britton Elementary Champs: Morehouse and Richland – “Boys” 1959-1960
Eula D. Britton Elementary Champs: Morehouse and Richland – “Boys” 1959-1960. Photo includes NBA great “Elvin Hayes” and Rayville Mayor Harry “Kayo” Lewis.
Rayville’s Historically Black School Awarded with Historical Marker
RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE) – A historically black school in Rayville is making its mark in the community. After years of reunions, 1960 graduate Quincy Mason took it upon himself to preserve the school’s rich history.
“Richland Parish” – A WPA Era Written History (ca., 1935)
The following works were written in conjunction with the WPA (Works Progress Administration of Louisiana), ca., 1935. These documents have been recently digitized as part of the Louisiana Digital Library, and are… Read More
Alto Presbyterian Church, ca., 1873
Alto Presbyterian Church – Est. 1873 This church building was built in 1873. The church is both on the Presbyterian Historical Register. The church first belonged to Central Mississippi Presbytery then to… Read More
Remembering Mrs. Evelyn Griffis Cochran (1919-1996) – AUDIO Included
Mrs. Evelyn Cochran DEFINITELY was a trailblazer in recording so much priceless history, and we owe her and her family much gratitude for all they contributed through the years. Sadly, I did not personally know Mrs. Evelyn, but I cherish the work she did over the course of her life. She also wrote many columns for the Beacon, and I look forward to sharing those in future posts as well. – Luke
The Rayville Bottling Works, ca., 1912
From The Richland Beacon-News, Rayville, Louisiana. 31 Oct 1953, Sat • Page 7 “We are indebted to Mr. I. G. Foster for a glimpse into the old Rayville, as he supplied us… Read More
Remembering Former Longtime Rayville Mayor, Joe Kalil (1922-1996) – AUDIO
Mr. Kalil, the son of immigrant parents from Lebanon, held the mayor’s post from 1970 until 1994. For ten years prior to that, from 1960 until his election as mayor in 1970, he was a member of the Board of Aldermen. Active in state levels as well, Mr. Kalil was a member and leader of the Louisiana Municipal Association, serving in 1974 and 75 as its president. For the remainder of his life, he was a valued member of the LMA Executive Board. In addition, he served on the Louisiana Municipal Retirement System and had been chairman of that board for the past 20 years.
Remembering Harry Wayne Addison (1920-2003) – AUDIO
The family often joked that going anywhere with “Pa” would take ‘ forever because he would stop and talk to everyone he saw. But that was part of Harry’s charm. A noted and gifted writer, Mr. Addison authored three great books, Write that Down for Me Daddy, RFD 3, and Mama Was a Con Man, Papa Was a Christian. He also spent many years traveling the south as a guest speaker. Hearing Harry speak was a treat; his humor and wit will go unmatched.
The Tragic Death of Rayville Native Hervey Mangham: LSU Baseball Star Dies From Accident On The Ball Field (ca., 1908)
Hervey Mangham was born the tenth of ten children. His mother and father faced heartbreak after heartbreak earlier in their marriage. All five of their first five children died in infancy or at a very young age…. Read More
Harry W. Addison Narrates History of Richland Parish, ca. 1991 – AUDIO
Included in this oral history, which was recorded back in 1991, is a history of each community and the history of their names.
Remembering Mrs. Mary Mhoon (Noble) Ball, of Charlieville (1918-1993) – AUDIO
Listen To The Recorded Story By Mary Mhoon (Noble) Ball, ca., 1991. Recorded as part of a collection created for the first annual Pickin’ and Ginnin’ Festival, entitled “A Great Place to Call Home” (Originally compiled by Amelia Grace Jordan)
RSS - Posts
