Monday, May 11, 2015


VISIONS OF LOGANSPORT
By LHS Students – Spring, 2015

Last Month, readers on the Face Book Page, “Remember When In Logansport” gave their answers to two questions:
1.     What do you remember as the greatest things about Logansport when you were growing up here?
2.     If you could look into the future and see Logansport in 2025 or 2035, what would you hope to see?

Their answers were so interesting that we asked the same questions of current students at LHS.  I want to share portions of the answers from the first four to respond.  I believe it will make a lot of you very proud.

Jessica ThompsonThe greatest thing about growing up in Logansport is the close-knit community.  The loving atmosphere here in town provides a sense of comfort to all who travel through our small, yet beautiful city.  The people here are involved and concerned for the well being of one another; they take pride in our small town and work diligently to keep it clean and safe.  The love that each community member exudes is infectious.  Logansport is a small town with a big heart.  There is no other place I would rather have grown up than Logansport, Louisiana.

Emily LaengerThe greatest things that I remember about Logansport when I was growing up were the nice people, parades, and living near the river.  For example, I can vividly envision myself standing on the side of the road by my parents as a young child, waiting for the Mardi Gras floats to pass by so I could catch beads and candy.  It was an exceptional place to live and grow up because of the nice people that surrounded me, and the many fun times.

Megan HolmesGrowing up in Logansport has given me great opportunities that would simply be impossible to list one by one.  However, some of my fondest memories as a child include the traditions I partook in.  Participating in the homecoming and Mardi Gras parades is something I will never forget.  This is a time where the whole town comes alive and it’s a blast!  Something else that sticks out to me is the long lasting friendships we will have because our town works almost like a very large family.  The same friends that we took pictures with in our kindergarten graduation robes will also be in our high school graduation pictures; I believe that is something very sweet and unique.

Faith McFaddenTwo of my most memorable moments in Logansport would definitely have to be going to the River City Fest and going to the river on the Fourth of July to watch the fireworks.  Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend the RCF and get the full carnival experience, and it was amazing.  Having it in Logansport makes it way better than having to travel to Shreveport or some large city.  Most of the people there already know each other.  I could either eat at the carnival or walk only a few steps to Big Zach’s; and it offered more than just the carnival experience because I could compete in contests or shop if I liked.  Also, I loved going to the river on the 4th of July.  The fireworks were breath taking and you’re able to see most of your friends there, too.  Logansport is a great town to live and grow up in because nearly everyone here is so welcoming and treats you like you’re their own.  I recently attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting, and was able to meet quite a few people involved in our community.  They were very open with allowing us to attend and were very motivating which makes me take much pride in my town.


Sunday, May 10, 2015

Logansport Restaurants 
and Entertainment of the Past
By: Kyle Deas
Logansport High School – April 2014


Foreword

             For this project, I have interviewed three individuals (Pat Arbuckle, Jimmy Henderson, and Mary Mac Thompson) who were past residents in the Logansport area many years ago. Each person was separately interviewed on the subject of the past entertainment centers and restaurants in the Logansport area. All of their accounts and personal experiences were combined to create a near accurate account for each of the places and things listed in this report.
*Note: Some of the information in the articles may be subjected to miscommunication and/or exaggeration.

The Movie Theatre

        Believe it or not, Logansport was home to many popular places for entertainment, and one of the most enjoyed places was the Logansport Movie Theatre. Locally owned, the movie theatre was a popular place for kids of all ages while their parents were in town on Saturday shopping for the week. Each month, the movie theatre workers would distribute posters with the movies and dates for the month. Once someone wanted to see a movie, all they needed was a quarter in their pocket to enter and get their popcorn. While their parents were busy, kids were having a blast watching an old western or laughing at the comedy of classic cartoons. Sadly, the movie theatre has since been destroyed in a fire.  


Hedrick’s Bar

           Hedrick’s drug store, one of the more iconic businesses in Logansport, wasn’t just a drug store since its establishment.  It used to have a bar with a companion soda fountain, attracting any customers wanting a good refreshing drink.  Due to the small number of jobs available in  Logansport in those days, many people worked at multiple places in their working days. Workers would get off of their shift somewhere else and come and start their shift at the fountain.  Once they filled their post, they would begin to serve the thirsty customers with the popular Coca-Cola and 7 up, along with popular root beer floats.


Reece’s Burgers

        If you happen to be in Logansport and needed a place to get a quality meal, there weren’t any fast food restaurants available at the time, so you might stop by the locally famous Reece’s. Although it wasn’t properly challenged, anyone who had ever experienced Reece’s would tell you that it was the best, hands down.  The prices were also as good as the food.  For one dollar, you could get eight burgers.  Although they were half the size of a modern burger, the price and flavors made the combination for success that the restaurant achieved.  Those who enjoyed it  dearly miss the establishment       

The Bowling Alley

Out of all the possible things Logansport could have had, it had a bowling alley.  The site of present day Smith’s Furniture was the location of this entertainment center.  Before the days of automated pin setting, workers would quickly reset pins after each bowl to ensure the entertainment of the customers. 


Roller Skating Rink

            Before the roadway was built beside the riverfront, another kind of attraction occupied the land.  This space was the site of a collapsible roller skating rink.  Kids of all ages would come and enjoy the roller skating rink as well as watch the amazing skaters who already obtained seemingly impossible skating skills. 

Crystal Lake

        This next place of enjoyment falls outside of the city limits of Logansport, but was enjoyed by many of its residents.  A plot of private land held a natural spring fed lake.  Taking advantage of this natural wonder, the owners established what would soon become one of the most popular places in the area.  Built in the area were buildings, zip lines, a dance hall, and other lake necessities to create a wondrous safe haven from the summer heat.  This attraction attracted people from as far as Shreveport to come and enjoy this lake





 to create a wondrous safe haven from the summer heat.  This attraction attracted people from as far as Shreveport to come and enjoy this lake.