Here's a history of the recently closed Oil City school, spanning over 100 years. Sources include newspapers, magazines, and yearbooks; as well as a memoir titled "History of Oil City, La. School 1910-1955," prepared in 1975 by former teacher Mrs. Maggie Smith Warren (1898-1988) to commemorate a school reunion held that year.
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| Willa Guess McCord and Maggie Smith Warren in 1977 |
This work is dedicated to Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Willa Guess McCord, and to the thousands of students who have stood on the steps and walked the halls of these hallowed buildings. It would be impossible to list and show every teacher and student, however selected individuals will be featured as representative of the total population.
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| Entrance to the high school building - site of numerous class pictures taken over the years |
For now, the story will end in 1955, the last year of the high school.
1900
(Mary) Ruth Stephens was assigned to Surry for the 1900-1901 school year. That was a predecessor community located approximately one half mile south of present-day downtown Oil City.
(Mary) Ruth Stephens was assigned to Surry for the 1900-1901 school year. That was a predecessor community located approximately one half mile south of present-day downtown Oil City.
1902
Teacher assignments for 1902-1903. C. C. Phillips was assigned to "Scurry." Note Ruth Stephens had moved to Hosston.
Teacher assignments for 1902-1903. C. C. Phillips was assigned to "Scurry." Note Ruth Stephens had moved to Hosston.
1903
C. C. Phillips was again assigned to Surry, this time spelled correctly.
Shreveport Times 03-Jun-1903, Page 4
1905
A. Ragan, listed as representing Surry (spelled Surrey here) is mentioned in a newspaper article about area teachers attending summer school conducted at the Central High School in Shreveport.
The (Shreveport) Caucasian 18-Jun-1905, Page 4
Various professors and other educators taught sessions covering:
- Arithmetic
- Art
- Geography
- Grammar
- History
- Language
- Literature
- Music
- Nature Study
- Pedagogy (teaching methodology)
- Physiology
- Reading
Note other area teachers listed as attending included:
- J. D. Barber, Ida
- W. Barnes, Blanchard
- B. Currie, Latex
- T. Humphries, Mooringsport
- M. Newton, Blanchard
- I. Thomason, Vivian
- A. Thompson, Belcher
- B. Tillinghast, Mooringsport
1909
Miss Pet Davis is assigned to teach at Oil City.
Shreveport Times 16-Jul-1909, Page 12
The picture is as published in Sam Collier's book "North Caddo Parish" from a Myrtis School class picture in 1910.
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| Miss Pet Davis |
Mrs. Warren's school history states the first Oil City teacher was a Mrs. Dean who taught in a one-room school house opened in 1910. That was 11 years before her arrival in Oil City, and she was relying on the distant memory of former student John Gordon Mettauer (1900-1985) when writing this. It is possible and even likely Mrs. Dean was actually Miss Davis, who per the 1910 U. S. Census was recorded as a boarder at the local Hotel Norman, with occupation of public school teacher,
1912
L. L. Martin is referred to as Oil City principal in this Gibsland, La. social column entry.
Shreveport Times 10-Mar--1912, page 6
The following year Louis Leroy Martin (1893-1975), already a Centenary College graduate, was accepted into the United States Military Academy; where he graduated in 1917. He made the army a career and retired a full Colonel.
1917 U. S. Military Academy Howitzer (yearbook), Page 126
Sylvest sisters (Mamie and Myra) are named OC teachers for the fall term.
Shreveport Times 02-Sep-1912, Page 2
Their hometown newspaper in Franklinton, LA acknowledged the young women in the following article.
+Era-Leader+12-Sep-1912+Page+3+Misses+Myra+and+Mamie+Sylvest+OC+Teachers.jpg)
1913
The Caddo Parish School Board approved construction of a new school to serve Oil City and Caddo City,
Edward F. Neild is commissioned to design a four-room wood school building.
The American Contractor, 14-Jun-1913, Page 26
The new building was reported to be ready for the 1913-1914 school year.
Shreveport Times 16-Sep-1913, Page 3
An early teacher was Miss Athline Connell, freshly graduated from Louisiana State Normal School (now Northwestern State University) who came to Oil City with classmate Katie Ernest.
1914
Teacher assignments, 1914-15:
Shreveport Times 13-Sep-1914, Page 7
Principal L. E. Wilson as shown in Mrs. Warren's school history.
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| L. E. Wilson, Principal |
Top Row (L-R): Callie Flower, Lela Gossage, unidentified, Fay Clevenger, Lottie Sawyer, Thelma Kimbrough, unidentified, Zelma Ferguson
Third Row: Etta Loper, Ida McNeely, Willie McKinley, Lenard Thompson, Frank Doles, Gordon Mettauer, Clyde Thompson
Second Row: unidentified, Ioma Adcock, Maggie Smith, "Jake" Emma Lipscomb, Jewel Nordyke, unidentified, Sudie McLoud, Pearl Loper, Luther Nell (or Knell), Gale (last name unknown), Melvin Norman
Front Row: L. E. Wilson (principal), Ida Mae Holiman, Johnie Vaughn, Jinks Nichols, unidentified, Veto Graham, Vernon Ferguson, Archie Marshall, (first name unknown) Graham
Source: Gordon Mettauer, as published in Mrs. Warren's school history.
While not listed in the teacher assignment above, per Gordon Mettauer as well as a Northwestern State University alumni bulletin, Louise Van Den Bosch taught at Oil City in 1914 after graduating from LSN. She later married oilman Robert Sim Barnwell and established the Barnwell Center in Shreveport in his honor.
1915
Teacher assignments, 1915-16:
Shreveport Times 12-Sep-1915, Page 24
Note a teacher is named for Plum Point, located west of Oil City approximately three miles. This would have been a predecessor to or the same school later referred to as Oak Grove.
1916
A new school building is authorized to be constructed west of Oil City for the children of oilfield workers in the Ferry Lake area.
Shreveport Times 27 Aug 1916 Page 13
Lillian Alice Brock (Kerr) (1897-1965) of Plain Dealing is stated to be teaching at the Ferry Lake School, presumably the one referred to above as Plum Point.
Bossier Banner 09-Nov-1916, Page 3
Oil City student's created a working model of an oil derrick that was displayed at the Louisiana State Fair.
Shreveport Times 26-Nov-1916, Page 29
Apparently the purchase by Mr. Glenk did not go as reported above (or perhaps it was later returned), as the derrick model was itemized among the inventory of Louisiana State Museum artifacts per a 1918 curator's report.
While not personally verified, others have advised the "panoramic group" is on display at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport.
1917
One of, if not the first of hundreds of former students to serve in the armed forces, Marvin Doughdrill (1899-1988) is shown in his U. S. Navy uniform in 1917. His parents had to sign for him to join, as he was only 16 at the time.
Source: Mrs. Warren's school history
Those who served our country, including many who attended the local school, are profiled at Remembering OC's Veterans.
The earliest found evidence of athletic competition simply notes the local boys prevailed over those from Mooringsport in baseball.
Shreveport Times 02-Apr-1917, Page 2
By 1917, increased numbers of students warranted the addition of four new rooms.
Shreveport Times 28-Oct-1917, Page 92
1918
The 1917-18 faculty was mentioned in a social column article about local fundraising for the war effort.
Shreveport Times 25-Feb-1918, Page 9
The school board provided a home for the principal on the school property to attract "men of family."
Shreveport Times 14-Mar-1918, Page 14
Another article reveals the first names of several of the then-current teachers:
Shreveport Times 17-Mar-1918, Page 12
Faculty announced for the 1918-1919 school year.
A later social entry identified teacher grade assignments:
Times 29-Sep-1918, Page 21
1919
Teacher assignments, 1919-20:
Shreveport Times 18-Sep-1919, Page 9
While Henry W. Smi(th) was listed as principal, other records indicate that Clarence Eugene Dugdale, Phd. (1897-1985) actually led the school for the 1919-1920 school year. He was a WWI veteran and graduate of Louisiana State Normal School (now Northwestern State University),
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| Clarence Dugdale at LSN (1917) |
He obtained his masters degree and doctorate from the University of Texas, and eventually served as Dean of Northwestern States's College of Arts and Sciences. The 1920 U.S. Census shows him living in Oil City with the occupation of school principal.
1920
Teacher assignments, 1920-21:
Shreveport Times 18-Sep-1920, Page 3
The new principal, C. J. Robertson, had been a teacher in Baton Rouge.the prior school year,
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| C. J. Robertson |
1921
Teacher assignments, 1921-22:
Shreveport Times 18-Sep-1921, Page 7
Listed among the group was Miss Maggie Smith, an alumnus of LSN originally from xxx, Louisiana. She would live in Oil City for over 50 years and later write about her experiences as a teacher there.
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| Miss Maggie Smith |
1922
Teacher assignments, 1922-23:
Shreveport Times 31-Aug-1922, Page 12
1923
High school building supported by the newly chartered Alco Club.
Shreveport Times 14-Mar-1923, Page 7
A special millage vote was held to finance the school.
Shreveport Times 15-Mar-1923, Page 1
Plans are drawn for the new school building, designed by noted Shreveport architect Edward Fairfax Neild, Sr. (1884-1955), who also designed several other area schools. Other notable works include the Caddo Parish Courthouse and Louisiana State Exhibit Museum on the state fairgrounds. He died in 1955 while in the process of designing the Truman Presidential Library.
Shreveport Times 17-Jun-1923, Page 5
Shreveport Times 07-Jul-1955, Page 2-A
A notice to contractors desiring to bid on construction of the building.
Shreveport Times 04- Aug-1923, page 10
This recap of a visit by business "missionaries" sponsored by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce provides a description of the town at that time, and notes school construction was nearing completion.
Shreveport Times 19-Sep-1923, Page 7
This finished product.
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| Oil City High School (1950) |
Teacher assignments, 1923-24.
Shreveport Times 21-Sep-1923, Page 3
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| Hattie Ruth Vaughn |
1924
Lafe W. Ferguson became principal, coming over from the Ida, La. school.
Shreveport Times 01-Mar-1938 Page 3
The new school, barely open, was already overflowing.
Shreveport Times 26-Oct- 1924, Page B-6
The school hosted a show to raise funds for library books.
Shreveport Times 01-Nov-1924, Page 2
The juniors host a halloween party for the seniors.
Shreveport Times 04-Nov-1924, Page 3
School consolidation began in the early 1900s that would ultimately lead to the closing of the Oil City school 90 years later. Previously, in addition to town schools, there were numerous one or two-room schools in the countryside across northern Caddo Parish. Examples included Russell (near Blanchard, Dawes (between Oil City and Mooringsport), and Monterey (southwest of Vivian. For efficiency and cost savings, these were closed and the children sent to schools in nearby towns. Oak Grove, a similar school located in the Ferry Lake community west of Oil City continued to operate for a few more years.
Shreveport Times 07-Nov-1924, Page 12
Oil City Football 1924
This was the first year the school fielded a football team. A complete schedule hasn't been found, but the following are several scores found:
St. John's (now Loyola) 41, OC 6
OC 6, Centenary Academy 0
OC 13, Shreveport (now C E Byrd) JV 0
OC 9. Centenary Academy 0
Jonesboro 65, OC 6
Coached by Lloyd E. Walker, the starting lineup was comprised of:
Left End - Austin
Left Tackle - Parson
Left Guard - Skinner
Center - Gatling (likely Gutting)
Right Guard - Richardson
Right Tackle - Murray
Right End - Loveall
Quarterback - (Barker) Gourrier
Left Halfback - Panky
Right Halfback - Reynolds
Fullback - Burton
At season's end, home economics teacher Eola Porter conducted a banquet to honor the team, Coach Lloyd E. Walker, and Principal L. W. Ferguson.
Of note, Principal Ferguson was later Principal at Haynesville High, president of the Louisiana Teachers Association, and served as an official in the Louisiana state education department. He was the father of John Ferguson (the "Voice of the LSU Tigers"), and Dr. Milton Ferguson, dean of the college of education at the University of New Orleans; both one-time OC students. Coach Walker was principal at Mooringsport High for over 20 years. Quarterback Barker "Bat" Gourrier became assistant track coach at LSU and was associated with the athletic program there for over 40 years.
Parent Teacher Association held at Cool Point, later spelled "Kool Point."
24-May- 1925, Society and Features, Page 4
First baccalaureate service in new building.
Shreveport Times 31-May-1925 Page 8
1926
Students receive spelling certificates.
Shreveport Times 29-Apr-1926, Page 9
Among the group of excellent spellers was tenth grader Charles Alexander, son of Dr. Paul Thomas and Helen Alexander. He would have the rare distinction of earning an appointment to the United States Naval Academy while already enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated in 1935.
1935 U. S. Naval Academy Lucky Bag (yearbook), Page 182
1926 graduation activities included production of a senior play, the proceeds from which were to be used to purchase an electric clock system for the school as the class gift. Many if not all of those graduating were among the cast. Of note, one participant, Harriet Milford (later Cook) would teach at the school for over 30 years.
Teacherage is remodeled.
Shreveport Times 09-Sep-1926, Page 8
OC School and faculty described.
1935 U. S. Naval Academy Lucky Bag (yearbook), Page 182
1926 graduation activities included production of a senior play, the proceeds from which were to be used to purchase an electric clock system for the school as the class gift. Many if not all of those graduating were among the cast. Of note, one participant, Harriet Milford (later Cook) would teach at the school for over 30 years.
1926 graduation activities included production of a senior play, the proceeds from which were to be used to purchase an electric clock system for the school as the class gift. Many if not all of those graduating were among the cast. Of note, one participant, Harriet Milford (later Cook) would teach at the school for over 30 years.
Teacherage is remodeled.
Shreveport Times 09-Sep-1926, Page 8
OC School and faculty described.
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| Blanche Patton |
Not a clear photo, but the earliest one found of the school.
A school play described.
Shreveport Times 14-Nov-1926, Page 11
Oil City High School receives membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the organization that accredits schools in recognition of meeting certain academic standards.
The home economics department under teacher June Courtney held a banquet to recognize the boys football and girls basketball teams and respective coaches.
Shreveport Times 09-Dec-1926, Page 9.
1927
When a fire destroyed the Star Theater in September 1926, the high school auditorium was temporarily used until a new movie house could be constructed.
Film Daily 20-Jan 1927, Page 5
Shreveport Times 06-Feb-1927, Page B-11
The 1926-27 girls basketball team, known as the Lady Cats, went undefeated, winning the newly created North Caddo Parish basketball league. Scores found include 12-10 and 22-15 over Ida, 20-5 over Vivian, and 33-13 over Mooringsport. The only individuals identified are coach Mattie Weatherford (far left), and Eunice Barton (far right, holding ball). Other members of the team that year were:
- Mabel Almokary
- Ruby Flash
- Ruby Guess
- Mildred Nowlin
- Tinny Pourteau (confirmed by family to not be pictured)
- Nina Reynolds
- Ruby Tackett
- Lethia Winkler
Mrs. Lonnie W. (Rosa) Guess, mother of Ruby, entertained the girls and coach with a banquet honoring their achievement.
Coach Weatherford as a student at LSN.
A gifted athlete, Joe Almokary (1908-1991) played football and once was once Oil City's "track team" as its sole participant at a tri-state meet held at Centenary College.
Shreveport Times 08-May-1927, Page 11
"Recruited" to Shreveport (later Byrd) High in Shreveport, he led the Yellow Jackets to an undefeated season in 1928 and as an "All-South" selection before eventually enrolling at Louisiana State University where he lettered in football for three years.
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| Joe Almokary as an LSU Tiger in 1932 |
Shreveport Times 03-Sep-1927, Page 3
A photo of the high school from 1927. Note the two automobiles in front and a cistern on the roof. Barely visible at lower right appears to be a white wooden structure, possibly an classroom building or even the principal's home. This became the elementary school when a new high school building, constructed directly behind this one, opened two years later.
Times 17-Oct-1927, Page D-9
Local businessmen support a bond issue to finance a new high school.
Shreveport Times 10-Nov-1927, Page 5
Oil City students formed a local chapter of the Hi-Y Club (misspelled in article). Part of the YMCA, Hi-Y's club's mission was/is to "promote Christian character through fostering speech, sportsmanship and scholastic achievement."
Honor students for the fall term were mentioned in the newspaper published Christmas Day 1927.:
Shreveport Times 25-Dec-1925, Page 23
About this group - Some may be familiar names to readers: Luteal Bailey (Beck), Valarie Blackman (Dickson), Freida Feurstein (Kottle), Shelton Flash, Ruby Guess (Cooper Melton), Willa Guess (McCord), Lonnie Hardy, and Tinny Pourteau (Bennett).
Two boys - Teddy Guess and Woodrow Page would lose their lives in World War II. Another, Vernon Alborty, served in the war.
Several girls became educators (e.g., Mary Bell White (Belaire)), and some of those returned to their alma mater to teach, including: Edna Collins (Gaines), Anna Belle Ferguson (Gibson), Versa Ferguson (Farnol Plummer), Ida Feurstein (Goodman), Gale George (Hammond), and Barbara Pye.
If a reader knows something additional about these or the other students mentioned, please post in the comment section.
1928
By the time an election was called, the amount totaled $100,000.
Shreveport Times 12-Jan-1928, Page 16
Honor students are announced.
Shreveport Times 18-Feb-1928, Page 8
Shreveport Times 12-Apr-1928, Page 11
Edward F. Neild, architect of the original brick school building, is designer of the new one.
Shreveport Times 24-Jul-1928, Page 11
The construction contract awarded to J. M. Brown.
Shreveport Times 23-Aug-1928, Page 1
Teacher assignments, 1928-29:
S T 19-Sep-1928, Page 12
Joining the faculty that year was William Franklin Bozeman (1903-1994). He would serve as teacher, coach, and later principal in a 40-year relationship with the school.
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| William F. Bozeman (1928) |
A biographical profile is linked at William Franklin "Bill" Bozeman (1903-1994).
Also on the staff was his future wife, Marguerite Courtney, who had joined a few years earlier.
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| Marguerite Courtney as a LSN student (1924) |
First Grade Class - 1928-29 school year.
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Sitting (l-r): Jimmie Dillard, Frederick Stanford, Unknown, Leon Sanders, Unknown, Jack Newton,
Alice McKinley
Middle: Unknown, Unknown, Mary Flower, Irma Waldron, Louise Claire Ellis, Nellie White, Unknown,
Eugenia Westmoreland, Nona Mae Byerley
Back: Unknown, Jimmie Law, Ervin King, Unknown, Unknown, Edwin Brinkley, Stanley Weaver,
Virginia Crawford, Unknown
|
1929
New high school building ready for students, Nield is again architect, other contractors mentioned
(also Maricopa AZ county courthouse (Phoenix) based on Caddo)
Shreveport Times 17-Feb-1929, Page 10
Shreveport Times 11-Apr-1929, Page 16
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| Home Economics Cottage (1948) |
Teacher assignments, 1929-30:
Shreveport Times 28-Aug-1929, Page 7
The new $65,000 high school is ready for use in the coming school term.
Shreveport Times 10-Sep-1929, Page 14
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| "New" high school building, circa 1949 |
1930
Spring 1930 graduating class:
Shreveport Times 31-Aug-1930, Page 10
1932 Fair Park Sequoyah (yearbook), Page 28
1931
1931 graduating seniors:
Times 28-May-1931, Page 5
1932
Eleven year-old Mary Bell White finished second at the state spelling bee championship held at LSN.
Linuel Newsome, identified as an outstanding student, won the 100-pound class Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) southern region championship in New Orleans.
Shreveport TImes 15-Apr-1932, Page 13
Former teacher Maggie Smith later married druggist Henry Heard Warren, and in 1932 served as president of the local Parent Teacher Association (PTA). She's shown below with then principal, Roy Evans.
Shreveport Times 10-May-1932, Page 14
Senior class roll. See 1932 Oil City High Graduating Class.
Source: Ridge Collection
Teacher assignments, 1932-33:
Shreveport Times 30-Aug-1932, Page 6
Several teachers listed above would have long careers teaching at Oil City:
Lillie Mae Averre (Stone, later Bozeman)
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| Lillie Mae Averre, LSN student (1926) |
Bernice Bates (Pickle)
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| Bernice Bates at Centenary College (1928) |
Harriet Milford (Cook)
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| Harriet Milford, LSN (192x) |
Read more about each, as well as many other former teachers who are profiled at School Days - Teachers.
Oak Grove School
This school existed for several years in the Ferry Lake community, approximately three miles west of Oil City. In fact, today there remains a Ferry Lake School Road in the area where it once stood. Hosston resident Charlie McKinney Fowler (1911-2005) began her teaching career there after graduating from LSN. When Oak Grove closed, she continued teaching at Oil City, where its students were transferred. Below she describes her experience.
My First Teaching Job
After attending college for two years, I received my certified teacher's certificate, qualifying me to teach elementary grades in Louisiana. Nearly all of my friends had to quit school after two years and go to work. Schools did not need any teachers and I could not find a regular position the first year after getting my certificate. However, I did work nearly all the time as a substitute teacher in the Hosston school.
After several visits to the Caddo Parish School Board office, I was finally assigned a position at the Oak Grove School near Oil City. I took the place vacated by Miss (Jennie) Sullivan. She had been there for a long time and decided to retire and go back to her home in Nashville, Tennessee.
The teachers in those days were barely paid enough to live on. As a substitute, I was given $3.00 a day; as a regular, I was paid $5.00 a day. For one month's work, I received $100. Each year of teaching we received an increase of about $1.00 a day.
I had to do everything, no aides, no helpers, skimpy material to work with, but one thing was in our favor: we had very little discipline problems. From these small rural schools came some of the finest doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, and just plain, honest, hard workers who became leaders in our communities. And, I might add, these people were taught by my generation of "old fashioned teachers."
At one time the Oak Grove School had four or five teachers and a large number of pupils in grades one through six. This school was located near Caddo Lake, amid a group of oil field workers. These pupils were some of the nicest children I ever taught. I had no discipline problems and even though I had lots of work to do in planning studies for three grades, I really enjoyed teaching at the Oak Grove School.
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| Charlie as a student at La. State Normal School |
After two years, the school closed its doors and all the students were bused to Oil City. I was transferred there to teach the sixth grade. There I remained for the next ten years.
While teaching in Oak Grove and Oil City, I boarded with Mr. and Mrs. (Samuel) Clyde (and Ruby Mabry) McKenzie. They were two of the kindest people I have ever known. Mr. Mac (as he was affectionately called) was crippled very badly with rheumatoid arthritis and became almost totally blind. He was in great pain all the time, but never complained. Mrs. Mac supported her family by milking cows and selling the milk and butter. She delivered it to her customers each morning and night. Also, she cooked wonderful meals and served breakfast, lunch, and dinner to sometimes as many as fifteen teachers and town people who had heard about her good meals.
My roommate was a girl named Toppye Malone. She was a saleslady for the Dixie Mercantile Company in Oil City. It was through her that I met Clare (husband Max Clare Fowler), who was working at the Dixie; and who I later fell in love with and married.
Contributor: Jan Fowler (daughter)
Graduating seniors recognized.
Times 23-Apr-1933, Page 9
Area teachers assigned for the fall 1933.
Times 19-Sep-1933, Page 15
OC vs. Bossier
Shreveport Times 03-Nov-1933, Page 13
1934
Teacher assignments, 1934-35:
Shreveport Times 07-Sep-1934, Page 3
PTA Meeting
Shreveport Times 16-Dec-1934, Page 6-B
1935
In 1935 the OC girls were again basketball league champs.
Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum
While who is who in the picture above is not known, the names of the girls are listed in this article detailing their accomplishment.
Shreveport Times 24-Feb-1935, Page 15
A picture of some of the 1935 graduating senior girls. The names listed do not match faces exactly, as there are 15 faces but only 14 names.
Source: Loreace Hardy Brooks by way of Thom Butenhoff
All 1935 OCHS graduates are listed in an article about the senior play.
Shreveport Times 28-Apr-1935, Page 13
Shreveport Times 12-Sep-1935, Page 3
1936
A remarkable occurrence in the 1935-36 school year was that seven former Oil City students were concurrently attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, flagship institution of the state.
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| Clockwise, beginning at top: Lonnie Hardy, Marjorie Harrington, Maxine Harrington, John McLeod, Evelyn Nelson, John Peddy, O. R. Simmons (center) |
Also attending college that year was William Ferguson at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute. He transferred to LSU the following year and eventually Loyola School of Dentistry in New Orleans.
 |
| William H. Ferguson |
1936 graduates:
Times 24-Apr-1936, Page 11
A list of students identified as "perfect spellers" was published at year end and identifies many students of the time.
These bleachers were dilapidated but still in use until sometime around 1963-65, when they were torn down and replaced by a smaller steel structure with wooden plank seats.
Teacher assignments, 1936-37:
Shreveport Times 03-Sep-1936, Page 2
Ida Feurstein Goodman (1912-1984) emigrated to the U. S. from her native Poland. Her family settled in Oil City where she attended high school. Upon graduation from Centenary College she returned to teach for many years.
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| Ida Feurstein (Goodman) |
1937
Spring 1937 graduating class:
Times 07-May-1937, Page 11
In September, Principal Roy Evans moved to a new position as assistant principal at C. E. Byrd High in Shreveport. He is succeeded by assistant principal and coach, William F. Bozeman.
Times 09-Sep-1937, Page 1
With former Coach Bozeman now elevated to principal, Earl Davis Nolan began his tenure at OC. A three-sport star at Centenary College, he graduated in 1932 and had stints at Gibsland, Belcher, and Vivian before taking charge of Oil City athletics for the next 30-plus years; save for three served in the U. S. Coast Guard during World War II.
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| Coach Earl Nolan (1939) |
Virginia Crawford, outstanding girl 4-H
Shreveport Times 16-Oct- 1937, Page 1
She would notably become one of the first women aviation students at Louisiana Tech, and a member of the Hall of Master Folk Artists at the Louisiana Folklife Center.
1938
Teacher assignments, 1938-39.
Shreveport Times 11-Sep-1938, Page 26
Among the faculty for several years in the 1930s was William Cristy Johns (1907-1981). He later served as Assistant Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools.
.jpg) |
| William Christy Johns (date unknown) |
For his masters thesis at LSU in 1940, his subject was A Study of the Guidance Needs of Pupils in the Oil City High School.
The OCH band, 1938-39 school year.
 |
Front row (l-r): Margaret Pace, Irma Waldron, Mildred Leidig, Betty Roberts, Don Mike Sullivan, Huey
Doss McAfee, Eugene Self, Bertrand Pourteau, Don Sanford,, Elaine Vaughn, Ester George, Kathryn Gibson,
George Roberts, Mr. Henry Farnol (band director)
Second row:Margie Sanford, Lula Mae Morrison, Bobbie Cooper, Roy Sullivan, Caswell Hearndon, Orman
Matthews, Gene Hill, Paul Fouche, Jack Newton, Billie Bass
Third row: Dorothy Bridges, Inez Simmons, Dorothy Warren, Jerry Guess, Billie Snider, Eva Lee Ferguson,
Huey Hardy, Kathryn Chipman, Dickie McGee
Fourth row: Herve Wilson, D. J. Hearndon
|
Source: Ron Newton
1939
Bond measure approved to construct a gymnasium.
Shreveport Times 10-May-1939, Page 1
Architect Henry E. Schwarz's rendering of the new gym.
Shreveport Times 06-Aug-1939, Page 13
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| Henry E. Schwarz, Architect |
Erected by Maple Construction.
Shreveport Times 17-Aug-1939, Page 5
Teacher assignments, 1939-40.
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| Lida Wilson (Ferguson) |
The completed gym, circa 1950.
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| Oil City High School Gymnasium (1950) |
1940
1940 Graduating Class.
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Front Row (All L-R): Jack Stutsman (Class Sponsor), Ruby Lee Shaw, Helen Bryant, Virginia Richmond, Mildred Pine, Margaret Pace, Billie Snider, Norma Nell Herring, Ester George, Ida Goodwin (Class Sponsor)
Second Row: Leon Davis, Orman Mathews, George Roberts, Leon Harrelson, Bobbie Cooper, Marcelle Robison, Lois Ackley, Leona Mooneyham, Georgia Moore, Dorothy Bridges, Maxine Shafer
Third Row: Herve Wilson, Nick McBride, James Allen, Frank Flash, Matt Iles, William Greer
Back Row: Henry Lee Ritter, Junior Baldridge, Paul Fouche, Edwin Vaughn, Ray Hardy, Stanley Weaver, W. F. Bozeman (Principal), Bruce Weaver
Not Pictured: Daryl Bickham
|
The school board voted to purchase the 3.5 acre property used as a football field, apparently leased previously, for $1,250.
Shreveport Times 05-Dec-1940, Page 18
1941
Willie Ruth Farquhar was OCHS senior class valedictorian in 1941.
Shreveport Times 25-May-1941, Page 7
1941 graduating class:
Teacher assignments for 1941-42:
Shreveport Times 14-Sep-1941, Page 22
Joining the faculty that year was another long-time OC teacher, Edna Earle Collins. Gaines, herself a 1930 graduate of Oil City High.
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| Edna Collins Gaines (1946) |
Johnnie Sue Wall was Mardi Gras queen that year.
Shreveport Times 25-Feb-1942, Page 18
Dorothy Warren wins DAR award and trip to Chicago.
Shreveport Times 19-Apr-1942, Page 23
S T 08-Oct-1942, Page 3
1943
Many of Oil City's sons and daughters served their country during World War II, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice. In 1939, Herve Wilson once scored four touchdowns, two by separate runs of 70 yards, in a 30-0 Oiler (as the team was then known) victory over Dubach. Less than four years later he was killed-in-action in the Bouganville Campaign in the Pacific, for which he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal.
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| Herve Wilson as an Oil City Oiler (left) and U. S. Marine |
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| Note: Oran is actually second from right. |
Read more about Herve, Oran and many others at Remembering OC's Veterans.
Gloria Dawn Tabor won the American Legion award at the 1943 graduation exercises, where she finished at the top of her class. She was awarded as scholarship to LSU.
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| Gloria Dawn Tabor |
1945 was the first year the school yearbook, named "The Bengal" was published. This 1995 newspaper article provided details of its contents.
Caddo Citizen 17-Aug-1995 Page 5A, contributed by Charlotte Iles Ochoa
1944-1945 Senior Class:
1945 Oil City High School Bengal (provided by Pamela Trimble Flair)
Helen Jean Walker was class valedictorian, and won a scholarship to Louisiana Tech. She's shown here receiving the American Legion award.
Shreveport Times 14-Jun-1945, Page 6
Also recognized by the American Legion was Don Mike Sullivan.
Shreveport Times 19-Jun- 1945, Page 8
Teacher assignments, 1945-46:
Shreveport Times 06-Sep-1945, Page 8
1946
Boys basketball team went 25-2 including wins over the Byrd Yellow Jackets and Fair Park Indians. They were later eliminated in the North Louisiana tournament held in Ruston..
Shreveport Times 24-Feb-1946, Page 18
1946 Oil City High Bengal (yearbook)
Billie Jean Purdy, DAR Good Citizen.
Shreveport Times 07-Mar-1946 Page 13
Mardi Gras court.
Shreveport Times 10-Mar-1946, Page 11
A better view of Queen Betty Roberts and King Melvin White.
1946 Senior Class:
1946 Oil City High Bengal (yearbook)
A 1946 graduate failed in his first trip to Hollywood, intent on becoming a movie star. Earl Holliman returned home disappointed but, still determined, set out on a new path that ultimately led to a long acting career, appearing in film classics such as Giant, Gunfight At the OK Corral, and The Sons Of Katie Elder, as well as the popular television program Police Woman. Below he is shown with Katherine Hepburn in a scene from "The Rainmaker" (1956) that also starred Burt Lancaster.
His life and film career are profiled at From Oil To Earl - Oil City In Film.
Teacher assignments, 1946-47:
Shreveport Times 07-Sep-1946, Page 2
1946-47 school year cheerleaders.
1947 OCHS Bengal (yearbook) provided by Darrell McCauley
1947
This picture of Mary Louise Fricks, named "Friendliest Person" of the 1946-47 school year, includes the principal's residence in the background.
1947 OCHS Bengal (yearbook) provided by Darrell McCauley
1947 graduates named.
Shreveport Times 29-May-1947, Page 5
1947 Seniors:
1947 OCHS Bengal (yearbook)
1948
In prior years the eleventh was the final grade in high school, with grades 9-11 referred to as sophomore, junior, and senior respectively. 1947 seniors were given the option of graduating, or returning for the newly added twelfth grade. Only these three chose to do so.
1948 Oil City High Bengal (yearbook)
George Riley (1930-1961) was a junior college football All-American in 1951 at what is now Kilgore (ne Junior) College, and a 2009 inductee into their athletic hall of fame. Transferring to East Texas State College (now Texas A&M-Commerce), he earned honors on the All-Lone Star Conference second team (1952) and first team (1953). He also ran track and was inducted into the their athletic hall of fame in 1991.
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| George Riley at Kilgore Jr. College |
1949
Bobbye Jean Blizzard (Wendell) is selected to attend Girls State at LSU.
1949-07-03 Shreveport Times 03-Jul-1949 Page 28
1949 graduate Jack Green taught himself to play guitar by listening to Jimmie Rodgers records. One night while playing for a square dance at the American Hall, country singer Red Sovine stopped by after he had performed at nearby Kool Pont, and hired Jack on the spot. This led to a professional career where he played with some of the country music greats of that time including Red, Webb Pierce, Patsy Cline, and Floyd Tillman.
A school cafeteria was approved by the school board, and after considering several locations, it was placed at the end of the gymnasium.
1949 Seniors:
1949 OCHS Bengal (yearbook)
Teacher assignments, 1949-50:
Shreveport Times 04-Sep-1949, Page 8
Shreveport firm Walker and Walker and Associates are cafeteria architects.
The cafeteria construction contract is awarded to W. A. McMichael, plus lights are approved for the football field.
Shreveport Times 06-Oct-1949, Page 3
Front view (west side) of the cafeteria.
1956 Bengal
Back view.
1953 Bengal
1950
1956 Bengal
Back view.
1953 Bengal
Peggy Green (Fedd) was drum major for the 1949-1950 school year.
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| Peggy Green |
1950 Senior Class:
1950 OCHS Bengal (yearbook)
Music director Allen Myers shown as a soloist with the Shreveport Symphony. He held a masters degree, had studied in Europe, and played with several orchestras around the country.
Shreveport Times 29-Oct-1950, Page 44
1951
Betty Jo Densmore (Craig) is elected band sweetheart.
Shreveport Times 13-May-1951, Page 19
1951 Senior Class:
1951 OCHS Bengal (yearbook)
Fon Ann Pickle and Laverne Hardy, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Pickle and Mr. and Mrs. Hardy respectively, were recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian of the 1951 graduating class.
Shreveport Times 24-May-1951, Page 8
Guest speaker at the ceremony was Bryant Davidson, history professor at Centenary College.
1952
A view looking northeast of the high school building, with football stadium and concession stand beyond. Notice the oil derricks that once dotted the landscape.
1952 Seniors:
1952 OCHS Bengal
1952 graduate Jimmy Darnell earned a degree from North Texas and became a film journalist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was riding in the motorcade just six cars behind the President on that fateful day in Dallas and took some of the iconic footage later seen by the nation and world as the national tragedy unfolded.
Read about him at 22-Nov-1963 - Al Local Connection.
1953
1953 Senior class, shown as Juniors in the prior yearbook.
1952 OCHS Bengal
1953 Senior class, shown as Juniors in the prior yearbook.
1952 OCHS Bengal
1953-54 teacher assignments.
The ticket booth and "Tiger's Den" concession stand, both shown in 1953, stood to the north of the bleachers at the football field. All were on the west side of the field which ran north/south.
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| (L-R): Mr. Jim Creighton, Mrs. Margaret Nolan, Mrs. Edna Gaines, Mrs. Marguerite Bozeman (all teachers, Mr. Creighton was also assistant coach) |
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| L-R: Sarah Woodell, Eual Price, Mrs. Edna Gaines, Patsy Elmore, Marilyn Parker, Don Batts, Murlean Weaver, Bessie Abbitt |
1954 OCHS Bengal (yearbook) provided by Darrell McCauley
Senior Class:
1954 OCHS Bengal
Teacher assignments, 1954-55:
Shreveport Times 02-Sep-1954 Page, 11-A
The Oil City Tigers lost their final football contest as a high school 34-6 to Delhi in the first round of the Class B state play-offs. They posted a 7-3 regular season record and were District 1-B champions.
%2BOC%2Bvs%2BDelhi).jpg)
Several players earned post-season honors including:
- All-State (First Team): Edgar Beene, Earl Nolan
- All-State (Honorable Mention): Wayne Bagley, J. E. Cagle, Thomas Mandina
- All-District (First Team): Beene, Mandina, Nolan
- All-District (Second Team): Bagley, Cagle
- All-District (Honorable Mention): Kenneth "Punt" Boyter, Roy Bridges, Billy Gaines, Mac Goodwin, Charles "Sonny" Lessenger
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| Standing (L-R): Mac Goodwin, Roy Bridges, Punt Boyter, J. E. Cagle, Wayne Bagley, Sonny Lessenger, Billy Gaines Kneeling: Earl Nolan, Edgar Beene, Thomas Mandina |
1955
Oil City held its first ever science fair in January, directed by science teacher James Dewey Thacker.
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| James Dewey Thacker |
Shreveport Times Jan-1955 Page 8-D
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| William Jobe, high school division winner |
In February 1955 the Caddo Parish School Board approved consolidation of seven high schools in the northern part of the parish, including Oil City High. The new campus then under construction is in Vivian, the largest of the communities. The other schools would remain open, hosting grades 1-8.
Ruby Nell Bobbitt (top right)was named representative to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) good citizenship pilgrimage.
Shreveport Times 06-Feb-1955 Page 8-E
The final graduating class of Oil City High School:
1955 OCHS Bengal (yearbook)
Betty Baker and Billy Gaines were honor students of the final graduating class.
Shreveport Times 05-Jun-1955, Page 6-B
North Caddo opened its doors in the fall of 1955. Oil City's days as a high school were over for good.
1956 North Caddo Rebel (yearbook), courtesy of Clarence Reece
Joining the new school's faculty from the Oil City staff were James Creighton (industrial arts) and Martha Mason (physical education); as well as former teacher Varie Aulds Elder (business education), who taught at OCH from 1945-1948.
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| James Creighton |
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| Martha Mason |
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| Varie Aulds Elder Petit |
Longtime resident Corinne Davidson McKenzie, who taught at OC early in her career, later joined the North Caddo faculty teaching mathematics.
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| Corinne Davidson McKenzie |
Among standouts on the first Rebel football team, that posted a 7-3 record, were former Oil City players Roy Bridges (1st team All-District 1-AA, honorable mention All-State), Kenneth "Punt" Boyter, and Charles "Sonny" Lessenger..
In November, the now junior high Tigers won the first championship of a newly created football league comprised of the former high schools.
Shreveport Times 09-Nov-1955, Page 6-B
1956 and beyond
See also:
Oil City School History - Junior High And Elementary Years 1955-1970
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