Jane T. remembers Layaways and United Jewelers
“Back in the 70s I had my first real job, and I wanted to buy my mom a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring for Christmas that she had seen at United Jewelers. I couldn’t afford to pay for it all at once and didn’t have a credit card then, but United Jewelers had something called layaway. I paid on that ring forever and finally paid for it in time for Christmas. My mom was so excited that year and couldn’t believe I had been able to afford it since she knew how much it cost. Layaway and United Jewelers helped me give my mom a true treasure. She still has the ring today.”
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Bobby T. Remembers Stan’s Record Shop
“One of my favorite hangouts as a teenager was at Stan’s Record Shop on Texas Street in Shreveport. I always liked talking to Stan the Man about songs he thought would become hits and about local musicians and bands. You never knew who you would see come into his store. I was there one day when Merle Kilgore came in. I visited with him about Hank Williams. So many memories…seems like a lifetime ago. Man, how did I get so old!”
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
More Downtown Memories: Sonny D. remembers Lorants’ Army Navy Store
Many years ago, I liked visiting Lorants’, an old-fashioned Army-Navy store. I could spend hours browsing through their selection of pants, books, sweaters, and all sorts of unique items. Not far down, they later opened a sporting goods store, adding even more to explore.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
More Downtown Memories: DeWanna W. Remembers Ike & Tina Turner at 601 Spring Street
Being able to see Tina Turner in person close up and hear her sing was a night I’ll always remember. It was in the early 1970s, and I was so excited to get to go. She and Ike were performing at a downtown club on Spring Street. I had to convince my then-boyfriend to go, but boy was he glad he did because Tina came right up to our table, draped her arms around his neck and sang to him. He almost died. She was beautiful, legs and all, and had such an incredible voice. I remember the night like it was yesterday!
Note: 601 Spring Street – former Antique & Classic Car Museum and current home to Prevot Design Services was the Country and Western Palace.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Memories – We need your memories….good ones, funny ones, whatever ones! Please email to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com!!!!!
More Downtown Memories: Laney D. Remembers Goldring’s
I was about 12 years old when my mom took me shopping at Goldring’s in downtown for the first time for a special dress for something at church. That store was amazing. Going through those huge glass doors with the gold rings made me know I’d find just the right dress and a pretty awesome shopping experience. I continued shopping at Goldring’s until they closed. I used to work on Milam Street and loved to spend part of my lunch time eyeing the stylish outfits. I felt really dressed up in the clothes I bought there.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
More Downtown Memories: Ricky U. remembers Van Halen at Steamboat Annies
In the late 1970s and early 1980s I saw Eddie Van Halen play at several nightclubs in downtown Shreveport. He would sometimes join in to jam with local bands if they were good. I remember a particular night in 1982 when he joined in with the band – I think they were called the Kids (sp?) at a club called Steamboat Annie’s. I really liked Les Paul guitars and remember that he played one that night with the band. That night is special to me because it was the first date for me and my girlfriend (now my wife).
Note: The band that Van Halen played with in 1982 at Steamboat Annies was the Kidz.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Gary R. remembering Texas and Pacific Railway Depot
One of my favorite childhood memories is visiting the old Texas and Pacific Depot that was in downtown Shreveport. My dad would take me there when I was a kid. He loved trains. We could spend hours in the depot, and he would share his memories about the rail line and how it operated. It seemed like he knew everything about the depot. But don’t dads know everything? Fun memories of the trains, the depot, downtown, and my dad.
Note: The T&P Station was demolished in 2004 to make way for the Shreveport Convention Center. According to Twin Blends, one of the neon signs from the exterior of the station has been restored and is in the Shreveport Railroad Museum.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Cedric G. remembers Saturday mornings downtown
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of catching one of the jitney services into downtown from the Cooper Road on Saturday mornings and during summer breaks, because in those days, the city bus service was not available in the neighborhood until late fall of 1978.
I would visit the old downtown library, where my junior high history teacher worked during his off hours. After the library, I would head over to the used bookstores on Crockett Street to search for new arrivals to add to my collection. From there, I would slip into Gilmore’s Newsstand to explore the foreign and exotic. Next, I would descend into the basement of the Lane Building to refine my pinball skills at Guys & Dolls, before catching up with my older brother. He worked summers as a valet attendant at Jordan & Booth and would treat me to lunch at Pano’s before I caught a movie—or three—at the Capri, Don, or Strand theaters. I ended my day’s adventures by catching the late jitney back home.
What is a jitney? A jitney is a non-public small bus or other vehicle that carried passengers for a low fare.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Jimmy W. remembers Morrisons
When I was a kid, my dad would take me and my brothers downtown on Saturdays to eat at Morrison’s. He loved the fried chicken and other southern food. He always said it was the best place in town to eat with three strapping boys. I liked the hamburger steak but mostly I liked going there because there was a cute waitress (sorry honey!).
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Ronald T. Remembers The Joy Theater
“When my grandpa was alive, he would take me to see movies in downtown Shreveport in the late 1950s. It was our special time together. He really liked the Joy Theater on Texas Street. Though we would go downtown in his prized 1950 blue Chevrolet, we would park and ride the trolley around after the movie was over. We would go to Sears because he always needed a tool of some kind. Then we’d go to Nanking’s to eat. It didn’t really matter to me what movie was showing because it was just a great way to spend time with my grandpa.”
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Memories –Tommy T. sent us his…
My sister was a majorette in the Woodlawn High School band in the 1960s. The band was really good. They won marching contests, and marched in all the downtown parades. We would usually stand on Texas Street by the courthouse or Woolworth. Afterwards, we’d grab a coke float at the Woolworth soda fountain. Fond memories.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Memories – Spending a Day Downtown – Tasha D. Remembers
My memory is of my mom, sisters, and me going downtown to shop when I was a teen. We tried to go when there was a good movie at the Don Theater so that we could shop, have lunch, and finish with a great movie, popcorn and a coke! Shopping was special, and I was so excited that United Jewelers had lay-a-way then. I bought a diamond and sapphire ring. It took months to pay for it, but I still have it today. We loved our girl time together in downtown Shreveport.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Memories – Remembering downtown Trail Rides – Rebecca S.
“When my family moved back to Shreveport in the mid-90s, I rode in a couple of the downtown trail rides. The rides were to benefit the police department. We would start downtown and go out towards Hamel’s Park. I didn’t have a horse so I would usually ride in the wagon. One time an officer let me ride his horse. These rides were so much fun and for a good cause. I sure couldn’t ride now but those were happy times.”
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Who Remembers the Woolworth Lunch Counter – Michael R. does
In the 1960s, my brother and I would go with our mom downtown when she would go shopping. She would let us eat at the lunch counter at the Woolworth store on Texas Street. I loved their hamburgers and my brother liked the ham sandwich. Weird, right? The counter seemed so high to us and my feet would dangle from the stool. After we ate, we would stand at the window and watch everybody walk by while we were waiting for our mom to come back and pick us up. Fun memories.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
John O Remembers Shreve Square
In the early 70’s, The Red River District at the base of the Red River Bridge was known as Shreveport Square. This was where my late wife and I would go on date nights, a couple of 17-year-olds enjoying The Wooden Nickle arcade where there was air hockey and one video game- Pong! Cafe Pigalle, an open-air coffee shop. The Spaghetti Store which became the Chicago Club, and TGI Friday’s which is now Blind Tiger. I remember shopping at Alan Abis Menswear and The Aztec Calendar. All of that is long gone, but it was such fun and good memories.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
Karen M. remembering the Barnwell
Reading the memories about the Barnwell brought up some special memories for me.
When I got married in the mid 70’s, my pre-wedding pictures were taken in the Barnwell atrium. There were so many beautiful and exotic plants, and there was even a staircase so the train on my dress could be featured in the pictures. And even though the pictures were taken in the spring, it was still warm and humid in there, so we had to take frequent breaks to dab sweat and freshen my makeup! The last time our family was in the atrium was for a Christmas light display amongst the plants. The kids loved the lights at night!
My other memories of the Barnwell are from the early 80’s. The Red River Revel staff and volunteers worked out of the Barnwell, utilizing every square inch of that building. For instance, at that time all Revel food booths were run by local non-profits who had been selected based on their food offerings. All food purchases were made with Revel coupons, and volunteers would regularly collect the large amounts of coupons from the booths, and take them to the Barnwell to be “weighed” in order to determine how much money was owed to each non-profit group.
I’m glad the building is still in use and serving our City.
David W. remembers Downtown Neon Saturday Night
In the late 90s, the arts group downtown held the Downtown Neon Saturday Night street festival and my wife and I couldn’t wait to go. We attended every single one. Live music, dancing in the street, good food, artists. It was all so much fun. We hated to see the festival end. Downtown….let’s do it again!
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Jennifer S. remembers the Barnwell Art Center
My memory doesn’t go as far back as some I’ve read here, but it’s just as special. I loved going to the Barnwell to see the art shows and to take art classes. It was the place to be to mingle with those who loved and supported the arts. It seems there was always something going on there. It was a fun and special place to hang out.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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David K remembers the trolley cars:
My family used to come downtown when I was a kid in the 50s to go shopping. My mom and sisters would go to the clothing stores and my dad and I would go to Sears to look at tools. But what I liked most was the trolley cars and watching the sparks fly when the extended arms connected to the wires overhead at junctions. Fun memories.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Linda P. remembers Ricks Rings & Things
“In the late 70s I worked at Arkla Gas. We all lived for our lunch hour and would go as a group to eat, usually at Nanking’s, and then we’d go shopping. There were a few department stores on Milam that we liked, but one of the most fun places to shop was Ricks Rings & Things. They had all kinds of jewelry and unusual gifts. The store was owned by Katie and Eddie Sangid. We loved to go talk and gossip with them almost as much as shopping in the store. I still have things I bought there. Special things from the past, and memories of my first job and co-workers.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Memories – Remembering Williams Music Store Doug P sends us this memory. “I used to play the clarinet in my high school band. I always had to come downtown to buy the reeds for my instrument. I had to go to Williams Music on Milam Street, and I loved going to that store and looking at all the instruments. Seems like somebody was always there who would play some instrument for me. It was a cool place to visit for a nerdy clarinet player.”
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More Downtown Memories: Special thanks to Jack S. for this one! “When I moved back to Shreveport in 1980, offices were open downtown on Saturdays at least until noon. I was in the Johnson Building at 412 Milam and Pano’s served until lunch on Saturdays for years after that. Big Ernie’s (the one-arm shop) was a one-room coffee/diner between the Johnson Building and Edwards Street. It was called one-arm because the chairs were the old school chairs with the writing area to use. Many downtowners gathered there and after 5:00 pm, some would gather at the Sportsman’s Lounge across the street…all that side of Milam was torn down for parking.” Jack S.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Bill T. – Remembering the Drake Printing Company “I used to work at a business in downtown Shreveport. We always went to the Drake Printing Company on Texas Street for our printing needs. The owner was George Drake. He was always friendly and helpful. They did good work. It’s good to see that building now becoming part of 50 Cent’s downtown investment.” Historical Note: The Drake Company was established in 1921 by George’s father – Marlin Drake.
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Jacob T. sends us this memory:
“The old Pano’s Diner on Milam Street was a favorite place to have coffee and lunch. I worked at Arkla Gas and went there almost every day for years. Loved their plate lunches. The owners were like friends of ours.”
Photo credit 318 Forum.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Anonymous – who wishes to remain so – sent us this memory. “Our families thought we were both crazy and I guess we were a little, but we got married (and still are) in 1993 on the Neon Bridge with a bunch of other couples. It was a New Year’s Eve to remember. We had only joked about doing it but then decided to jump in with the others. My old History teacher at Airline High School Tom Carleton was the Justice of the Peace who married us. We’re still hanging in there after all this time. What a night that was.” 
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Sharon S. sent us this memory… I used to work at Arkla Gas in the 70s in the Slattery Building on the 11th floor. I remember the elevator had a person who manned it every single day. His name was “Shorty” and everybody loved him. Good memories of downtown. 
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Kathy W. sent us this memory… The very first time I attended an event at the Municipal Auditorium was in 1949 at the first Cotillion Club’s gala. It was magical! I was so excited to see the Auditorium. As a kid the symphony was incredible, and the entire evening was unbelievable. I remember the night like it was yesterday,
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Karen M sent us this memory… I was excited to read Betsy L’s memory because one of my favorite downtown memories is similar. Every year a few weeks before Christmas, my parents would take my little sister and I to United Jewelers. It was so exciting to ride the elevator with the cage door and the sharply-dressed attendant. Our parents would put us on the elevator and send us up to the toy floor where we could roam and touch and imagine ourselves playing with the toys as much as we wanted to. We felt so grown up. When our parents finished their shopping, they would come to the toy floor and we would take them around and show them all the things we wanted Santa to bring us! Another great memory I have was as a young woman who began her career working downtown. At lunch I could walk one block over and shop at some of the best stores in town. I applied for and got my very first credit card from Rubenstein’s. It had a $200 limit and I thought I had really arrived!
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Anne B. sent us this memory… Shreve Square – that was the place to be for the best nightlife in Shreveport. My favorite band was A- Train. Favorite places to hang out were Humphries and the Sports Page. The Square was a good place for lunch too: Dietmar’s Restaurant, Seven Sisters, and the Spaghetti Store. So many good memories. I sure miss those days.
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Barbara B. sent us this memory. I used to work in the Texas Eastern building on Milam Street (Arkla Building). We loved going to lunch at Nanking Restaurant across the street. They had the best shrimp fried rice in town and the owners knew all regular customers by name. The food was really good, and back in the day it was the place to be at lunch in Downtown.
Nanking Restaurant. Photo credit: Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters
Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Allison T. remembers this: My family always enjoyed going downtown to watch parades. We loved the Christmas parade and of course getting to see Santa Claus at the end. The parade was huge, and it seemed to me as a little girl that there were millions of people on the streets. It was actually probably hundreds or maybe thousands. But everyone had such fun. There were marching bands, baton twirlers, beauty queens, lighted floats, and so many other things. Downtown was a wonderful place to be at Christmas in the 1950s. As most of my family is now gone, downtown at Christmas are memories I’ll always treasure.
Downtown Christmas Parade, 1954. Photo courtesy Twin Blends Northwest Louisiana History Hunters.
Betsy L. sent this memory: Every year we would make a trip downtown for back-to-school clothes. We had to dress up back then to go shopping, and for me that meant a dress (ugh). We always made the rounds to the big stores–especially Selbers and Rubensteins. The real treat, though, was United Jewelers, which had a whole floor of toys! We would also look at the silver coffee services and serving dishes and candlesticks, and maybe pick out an item or two for the house. That elevator was magical, with the cage that closed on it and there was an elevator attendant to push the buttons. This trip sadly became less regular when Pierremont Mall and Shreve City Shopping Center gained traction. Shreve City Shopping Center was the biggest shopping center in Louisiana for many years. Thank you for the memory, Betsy. Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Tommy T. said, “Downtown used to be the place to make oil and gas deals. Most players in the industry had a presence in downtown Shreveport, and you could walk down Texas Street and run into VIPs on just about every corner. And then afterwards head to the University Club for lunch. Those were good days for downtown Shreveport.”
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Brian D. remembers “having dinner at Chelsea’s (now Blind Tiger) and listening to Mikki and Jimmy Hunnicutt and great bands in the Sports Page and Circle in the Square (Shreve Square). Fun times!” Lots of memories. Thank you Brian!
If you have a special memory or story about downtown Shreveport – from any time/year/event, etc. – please share it with us. We would like to include your moment in a future edition of eBlast along with any photo you may have that shapes the memorable event. Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
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Suzanne sent in this memory: “My dad used to take my sister and me on a trolley ride to the courthouse in the fall and spring to feed the squirrels and pigeons peanuts. I was about 5 or 6 years old at the time. It was fun to ride the trolley and watch the courthouse animals come to us for the peanuts. I remember the benches at the courthouse and sitting there under the big trees and people watching at that young age. I will be glad to see the downtown area revitalize and be a center of social, commercial, and cultural life of our hometown!”
Caddo Parish Courthouse, 1942
This early 1930s photo from the book “Scenes of America, Shreveport” by Eric Brock shows the Broadmoor & Highland line trolleys in the 400 block of Texas Street.
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Anonymous sent this: “I remember riding the bus with my older sister downtown to Woolworth on Texas Street. We loved to sit at the counter and have a hamburger and coke. My feet dangled because the counter and stools were high. It was loud in the diner but so exciting.”
Woolworth Co., Downtown Shreveport. Photo courtesy of Twin Blends: Northwest Louisiana History Hunters
If you have a special memory or story about downtown Shreveport – from any time/year/event, etc. – please share it with us. We would like to include your moment in a future edition of eBlast along with any photo you may have that shapes the memorable event. Why was…why is… Downtown Shreveport distinctive to you? Please include your name, and any contact information. Please note that if we publish your memory, we will use just your first name only and assume that you give permission to use if you submit unless specified otherwise. Send to jlandry@downtownshreveport.com.
