Lately I have been digging more and more in to the history of Lake Providence, so I have decided to start a series called, "Providing Providence: History of a Hometown." To start the series for this week I have gathered 10 photos to get your mind wrapped around some of the historical factors of the town. Though the photos maybe centuries old, some could be recognized by your grandparents and you too could pin point some similarities in buildings around today.
1. Car Dealership
The most I could find on the Old Lake Ford Inc. Dealership was that it was said to be owned by Tacoma Bradford's dad. From the picture, I gathered that Lincolns, Mustangs and Thunderbirds were sold. The address was possibly "503" of a main street.
2. Court House
Built in 1901 by Arch- William and W. A. Stanton Lumber Company, this courthouse, which still stands today, is said to be one of a few built in Lake Providence; the Old Floyd Courthouse also has records of being in Lake Providence, but has no other information except pictures.
3. Lake Providence Bank
The Lake Providence Bank was said to be located on the corner of Sparrow and Lake Street (which are both still streets today) and was also a building host to other companies and/or living quarters. A 2012 report came in from an anonymous commentator who said their home was built from the bricks of this building in 1967.
4. Post Cards
A slew of post cards have been submitted, but all with little to no information about the people in the photos, locations or photographers. Most photos are trademark by what seems to say, "xxx, by The Guenard Drug Co." Many said the porch is in close comparison to those homes at the Lake Providence Cotton Museum.
5. East Carroll High School
No information was provided about this high school, but it too is a postcard trademarked by the Guenard Drug company, which was a drug store located in Lake Providence.
6. Post Office
This building should ring a visual bell and most residents' memory since it is still standing. The post office was renovated and most decorations and murals were cleaned and are still preserved today. A new accessible entrance has been added without altering the exterior/interior too much.
7. Movie Theater
The Lake theatre was said to be around since the 60's. Apparently, this area burned along with a 2 block area in the early 1980's. Dr. Terral's (or Terrel) clinic was a part of that loss. Commentator Rhonda Dunn, said she was born and raised in Lake Providence in 1961. She mentioned that she spent a lot of time in this movie theatre on Saturdays as her Mom worked at Sears, (so apparently there was a Sears too!) She said remembers Dr. Terral very well. "Was it him or Dr. Harris that had the Mynah Bird that talked?," she asked. Another commentator said the theatre was owned by Donald B. Fiske, owner of the Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove.
8. Drive-In Theater
Since the photo is very old it may be hard to depict what it actually is, but if you look close enough you can see an outside movie board, supported by what looks to be wood. It is said to have be owned by Donald Fiske as well. The drive-in has been mentioned to be located near White and Hugo's restaurants, which are no longer existing.
9. Gossypia Mural
This mural is of the plantation home called Gossypia. The home burned years ago and according to family member, Micheal Brown, his family rebuilt their home on the very location. The top part of the home, in its' earliest time was said to be a jail. The Gossypia Plantation was also said to be a part of the "Bubba Brown Farm."
10. Fisher Hotel
This gorgeous hotel is remembered to have burned down in 1979. Though researched, I could not find an exact build date, but I did find a photo of the exact building pictured with pitched roofing on each column. A commentator said the third floor was never completed, because the foundations couldn't hold the weight. They also mentioned that the building had a ballroom on the second floor. Someone by the name of Edward King's dad has been mentioned when discussing ownership of the hotel.
For more pictures and comments you can visit: http://www.topix.com/album/detail/lake-providence-...
