Members enjoyed delicious refreshments prior to the meeting. Three guests, Mary Doughty Daniels, David Doughty, and A.O. Doughty were welcomed by Regent Angela Hales.
Regent Hales called the meeting to order and led the ritual. The National Defender Article was read which stated four members of our DAR are on active duty in the military. Also fourteen percent of all active personal are woman in the U.S. military.
David Doughty, local attorney and historian gave an excellent program on the history of Louisiana and Richland Parish. Louisiana is truly “rich” in history.
Colorful characters rich and poor, heroes and villains, found this great territory as far back 1781. North America was a prize territory. England, France, and Spain all played a major part in developing what became a great rich place in the New World.
King Charles III of Spain, Louis XV of France were two leading characters. King Charles had one key goal “Keep the English Out.” News traveled slowly, so many developments took place and leaders knew nothing until settlements were established. The region was rich, fertile soil as well as trapping.
Many names from our early days are still familiar to us such as; Miro, Jean Baptiste Fihioe, Baron de Bastrop ( who made a fortune, which he later lost) Abraham Morehouse ( the name sake of Morehouse Parish). Prairie Mer Rouge (modern day Mer Rouge) and Prairie Jefferson (modern day Oak Ridge) were two of the earliest settlements in the area. These were called “prairies” because the Indians had cleared theses extremely fertile lands many years before. Even the Indians knew “ice cream” land when they saw it.
Napolean Bonaparte, the little emperor of France was a major player also. He had financial difficulties, and in 1803 sold not only New Orleans but all the Louisiana territories stretching as far as portions of Montana and Colorado for fifteen million dollars.
Stephen Girard was one of the richest men in the history of the United States. He is believed to be the fourth wealthiest American of all time.
Richland Parish was established in 1868. There is so much more fascinating backgrounds to our “ Lovely Louisiana.” This and so much more details can be found by reading, “ The Antebellum History of Richland Parish,” by Rick Hixon. C.C. Davenport’s little book.” Looking Backwards” and Glen Lee Greene’s “ A History of the Baptist of Oak Ridge,” which provided the colorful facts described above.
If you enjoy local and Louisiana history, make and effort to read these. This was an outstanding program and well presented.
A business session followed. Minutes were read by Charlotte Ann Sims. Treasurer Dorothy LeGuin reported.
The Rhymes Library invited those who can to help with the Bunny Cake Sale, (also for donations of jelly beans and coconut.)
The April meeting will be on the 20th in the home of Charlotte Ann Sims. This will also be the Memorial Service for Elaine Pesnell.
The meeting was adjourned.
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