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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
