Manuscript Resources on Baton Rouge History

Exxon Mobil Corporation. ExxonMobil Baton Rouge historic collection, 1924-2016 (bulk 1950-1999). 9 linear ft., 1 manuscript volume. Location: 76:1-8; 104:-105:; OS:E. The collection consists of printed materials (1924-2016) created by or about Exxon Baton Rouge, its predecessors or divisions, and the oil industry, and photographs (bulk 1950-1999) related to the production of Exxon Baton Rouge’s and its predecessors’ in-house print media, especially the Baton Rouge Record. Photographic materials are arranged as they arrived from the corporation in two large divisions-one identified by the publication in which the images were used and the other by topic. Mss. 5030.

1st United States Infantry Regiment of Louisiana Volunteer Corps d'Afrique, Company II. Muster roll, 1863. 1 item (21 x 30.5 in.). Location: VAULT:72. In April 1863 Brigadier General Daniel Ullman was sent by the U.S. War Department to New Orleans, Louisiana, to raise a brigade of African-American troops; Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, at Opelousas, proposed the formation of the Corps d'Afrique. Muster roll identifies Edward Carter as captain, Spencer H. Stafford as colonel, and the regiment's sergeants, corporals, musicians, a teamster, and privates. Soldiers are listed by their names, and further description includes rank, time and location of enrollment, time and location mustered into service, and pay roll information. Most soldiers enrolled and were mustered in at New Orleans, while others were at Baton Rouge, St. Mary Parish, Bayou Ramos, Fort Jackson, Fort St. Leon, and Thompson Creek. Verso of item also contains lists of deceased, discharged, deserted, and resigned soldiers in the regiment. Several soldiers are listed as being killed in action before Port Hudson. Muster roll covers the period from July 1 to August 31, 1863, while pay roll covers the period from June 30 to September 1, 1863. Mss. 5379.

Acadia Plantation records, 1809-2004 (bulk 1940-1979). 49 linear ft., 30 volumes, 8 rolls. Location: 93:7-30; J:4; 75:; MAP CAGE (UNNUMBERED CASE); 1 NORTH (ON TOP OF MICROFILM CABINET). A working sugar plantation, Acadia Plantation of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is comprised of three major properties originally known as Acadia Plantation, St. Brigitte Plantation, and Evergreen Plantation. It was acquired in 1875 by Edward J. Gay, became the residence of Representative Andrew and Mrs. Anna Gay Price. Records are comprised of correspondence, financial and legal documents, printed items, volumes, maps, plats, and photographs. Papers document business and legal affairs of the plantation owners and operators, as well as plantation operations such as sugar cane farming, the crops of tenant farmers on the property, and the planning and development of the plantation lands throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Mss. 4906.

Achord, M. H. Map, 1931. 1 item. Location: OS:A. Map drawn from memory by M. H. Achord depicting an area on the boundary of East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish, Louisiana. The map indicates that a Civil War skirmish or other war-related incident took place in this area. Available on University Publications of America microfilm 5735: Confederate Military Manuscripts Series B, Reel 1. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Ada C. Pollock-Blundon Association letter, 1929 Dec. 10. 1 item. Location: MISC:A. The Blundon School and Orphanage reportedly had its beginnings at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Signed by Gertrude Snell Brown thanking Mr. Edgar M. Hurlburt for his contribution to their organization. She reports on the number of children enrolled in the home and the seven day schools, as well as the work done on the new nursery. Mss. 4905.

Albrizio, Conrad Alfred. Papers, 1894-1973. 1.5 linear ft. Location: 64:4, T:14, OS:A, 104:-105:. Artist. Albrizio studied architecture at the Beaux Arts Institute, and later studied painting and drawing in New Orleans, Louisiana and Paris. He learned fresco painting and mural composition in Rome. In 1935 he joined the LSU Art Department. Collection includes personal and professional letters, slides, photographs, sketches, and printed items. Slides and photographs depict his work in the mural and fresco genres. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3349.

Allgower, Charles F. Headquarters of Colonel William Wilson, commanding 1st Brigade Grovers, pencil drawing, 1863 Feb. 12. 1 item, Location: OS:A. Allgower was a soldier in Co. C, 6th New York Infantry (also known as Wilson's Zouaves), which was part of the 1st Brigade of Grover's Division, commanded by Colonel William Wilson, also of the 6th New York. Brigadier General Cuvier Grover commanded the 4th Division, 19th Corps, in the United States Army, Department of the Gulf. Known as Grover's Division, the force occupied Baton Rouge in December 1862 before participating in the campaign for Port Hudson in the summer of 1863. Pencil drawing on paper depicting the occupation of Baton Rouge and showing Wilson's federal encampment in Baton Rouge, with the Louisiana Deaf and Dumb Asylum in the background (and possibly the State Capitol). Mss. 4832.

American Association of University Women. Baton Rouge Branch. Records, 1951-1994 (bulk 1980-1993). 2 linear ft., 3v. Location: UU:113. Official papers of the Baton Rouge Branch of the American Association of University Women during the presidency of Mrs. May Lee Denham. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 666.

American Association of University Women. Louisiana State Division. Records, 1925-1941. 1,167 items, 1 ms. Vol., 45 printed vols. Location: UU:1-4. Official records consisting of correspondence, annual reports, programs, and related printed materials from presidents and committee chairmen of branches in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Lafayette, Natchitoches, Ruston, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Included are mimeographed and printed material from A.A.U.W. National Headquarters. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 666.

American Civil Liberties Union. Baton Rouge Chapter. Records, 1968-1976. 4 linear ft. Location: 9:1-4. Official records of the Baton Rouge ACLU Chapter include minutes of meetings; agendas; financial and membership records; correspondence; files on projects and involvements; newsletters; and other imprints from local, state, and national organizations. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3203.

Andrews, John. Letter, 1811 April 23. 1 letter. Location OS:A. John Andrews was a sergeant stationed at Fort Claiborne in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Andrews writes to his parents of his service and the events surrounding the acquisition of Baton Rouge by the Americans. The letter mentions Col. Pike and Col. Covington. Mss. 5173.

Anonymous account book (M), 1748. 1 volume. Location: Vault:1. Account book for Baton Rouge merchant containing entries for mercantile items, loans, and passage and shipping to the West Indies (Jan. 1-March 20, 1748). For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 519.

Anonymous Civil War letter, 1863 April 18. 1 item. Location: Misc:A Letter from a Union camp in Baton Rouge describing camp life and mentioning the siege of Port Hudson. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2824.

Anonymous prescription book, 1900-1902. 1 volume. Location: F:4. Volume containing approximately 6,000 prescriptions principally from Baton Rouge medical doctors. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Arceneaux, William. Papers, 1964-2007 (bulk 1972-2007). 15 linear feet and 20 volumes. Locations: 4:36, 4:43, 110:4-11, OS:A, Vault:2. Louisiana higher education official. Papers consist of correspondence, business papers, photographs, printed items, and scrapbooks related to the professional, civic, and personal activities of William Arceneaux. A small amount of correspondence is in French and Spanish. For further information, see online catalog Mss. 4107.

Arndt, Hilda C. M. and Harrison A. Dobbs Papers, 1946-1956. 242 items. Location: D:94. Faculty members of the School of Social Welfare, LSU, Baton Rouge. Correspondence, records of Arndt's and Dobbs' community and public service activities, reports, and newspaper clippings. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2508, 2518.

Aswell, James B., Jr. Letters, 1954-1955. 16 items. Location: MISC:A. Author and resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana; son of James B. Aswell (1869-1931), educator and U.S. congressman. Letters of James B. Aswell, Jr. to Charles East pertain to book reviews written by Aswell for the MORNING ADVOCATE, to other writings, and to personal matters. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3048.

Augur, Christopher Columbus, 1821-1898. Photograph, undated 1 item. Location:E:73. Union general and commander of the District of Baton Rouge (1862) and of troops attacking Port Hudson. Carte-de-visite photograph of Augur in uniform. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3538.

Avery, Dudley. Letters, 1815 January. 2 items [photostats]. Location: Misc.:A. Physician, resident of Baton Rouge, and speaker of the house in the West Florida legislature. Letters from Dr. Avery to Mrs. Mary Ann Avery during his service as a volunteer medical doctor with the Louisiana militia in New Orleans. Letters contain an account of the Battle of New Orleans. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1874

Badley Family papers, 1834-1940, undated (bulk 1845-1865). 0.3 linear feet. Location: W:2, OS:B, F:2. Badley family, plantation owners in Port Hudson and East Baton Rouge Parish. Personal papers and printed items document their plantations, landholding, and political and professional activities. Works Progress Administration manuscripts collection notes and botanical specimen books are also present. For further information see online catalog. Mss. 3062.

Bagwell, Harrison G., 1914-1973. Papers, 1916, 1947-1969, undated. 4 linear ft. Location: 6:33-36, OS:B, 98:. Attorney of Baton Rouge and state Republican Party leader. Correspondence and other papers pertain to the development of the Republican Party in Louisiana; the presidential campaigns of 1952, 1960, and 1964; and Harrison Bagwell's Louisiana gubernatorial campaign of 1951. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2840.

Bain, Emily Johnston. Papers, 1757-2002, (bulk 1940-2000). 4.25 linear ft. Location: 106:5-6. Louisiana artist and educator who served as a Home Demonstration agent to the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and as Louisiana State Supervisor of Art for the Department of Education in addition to her teaching career. Papers comprise materials related to her education and career as a teacher and artist in Louisiana and Texas. Records include Bain’s genealogical research, autobiographical and creative writing, photographs, slides, correspondence, printed materials, ephemera, and clippings. Mss. 5172.

Bankston, Jesse. Papers, 1924-2010 (bulk 1956-1992). 2.3 linear ft., 1 sound disc. Location: 116:24-25, OS:B, VAULT:1. Correspondence, political files, newspaper clippings, campaign material, and photographs reflecting Jesse H. Bankston's involvement in Louisiana state government and the Louisiana Democratic Party Bankston served under multiple Louisiana governors, including as director of the Department of Institutions, which supervised all mental, tuberculosis, and general hospitals. Mss. 5078.

Bannon, Lois Elmer. Research Papers, 1983 ca. .5 linear ft. (115 items). Location: U:154, Misc:B. Papers pertaining to the history, structure, and National Register nomination of Magnolia Mound Plantation and the history of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, both in Baton Rouge. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2810.

Barbari, Marjorie Washburn. Papers, 1926-2002 (bulk 1966-1996). 5.25 linear ft. Location: 38:76-81. Writer of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Papers consist mainly of personal correspondence, poems, and photographs. Other writings include manuscripts of aphorisms, reflections, short stories, novels, and a novelette. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3386.

Barnard, Mills H., 1837-1914. Letters, 1862-1912 (bulk 1862-1863). 9 items. Location: Misc:B. Sergeant in the 25th Connecticut Infantry during the Civil War. Letters include a description of Baton Rouge and the Union occupation of the city, references to the Battle of Port Hudson, and comments on Barnard's duties in the commissary, supplying troops engaged in the siege of Port Hudson. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3235.

Barrow & Pope (Firm). Records, 1858-1961. 1 vol. Location: M:19. Firm located in Baton Rouge, serving as attorneys for the Baton Rouge, Grosse Tete, and Opelousas Railroad Company. Letterbook contains correspondence related to legal cases handled by Barrow & Pope. Some correspondence concerns the Baton Rouge, Gross Tete, and Opelousas Railroad Company. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 471.

Baton Rouge census document, 1782. 1 item [photocopy]. Location: Misc.:B. Census of the District of Baton Rouge lists names of heads of families, free African Americans, and slave population; their professions; number of dwellings; production of indigo, tobacco, rice, corn, and lumber; and the number of militiamen. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2514.

Baton Rouge Land Survey Document, 1848. 1 item. Location: Misc:B. Land survey document dated April 11, 1848. Includes property drawing and description by prominent Baton Rouge surveyors and civil engineers Henry and William Waller. The survey was made at the request of the mayor of selectmen of Baton Rouge to assess the dimensions of a Mr. Vincent's house and gallery on the corner of North and River Streets. For further information see online catalog. Mss. 5016.

Baton Rouge view engraving, 1855. 1 printed item. Location: OS:B. Engraving from Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion depicts Baton Rouge as seen from the west bank of the Mississippi River. The page also includes a brief description of the town. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3020.

Baton Rouge funeral notices, 1884-1897. 142 items. Location: U:7. Funeral notices for persons being buried in Baton Rouge by families in the city, fraternal organizations, and families from the surrounding areas. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 643.

Baton Rouge aerial views, ca. 1920s. 3 items. Location: E:. Photographs of taken from a rooftop near North Boulevard and Third Street First image looks southwest toward the Old State Capitol. Second image shows the intersection of Saint Louis Street and North Boulevard. Third image looks north along Third Street. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3693.

Baton Rouge post cards, undated 3 items. Location: E:. Three postcards of Baton Rouge and LSU. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3726.

Baton Rouge Arsenal. Papers, 1848-1927. 5 items [photostats]. Location: U:7. Plats and a survey from the late U.S. Surveyor General's Office, Louisiana, now a part of the records of the State Land Office. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Baton Rouge Audubon Society. Records, 1962, 1974-1988 (bulk 1975-1988). 8 linear feet. Location: 109:35-38. Newsletters, brochures, newspaper clippings, correspondence, press releases, publicity information, by laws, and miscellaneous organizational records document the activities of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society (BRAS). Includes copies of the BRAS newsletter BARRED OWL (1975-1985), and numerous publicity and press releases pertaining to events and environmental awareness. Lists of the Christmas bird counts also included. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4133.

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Programs and brochures, 1959-1994. .4 linear ft. Location: E:38. Non-profit company organized in Baton Rouge in the late 1950s as the Baton Rouge Civic Ballet, and incorporated in 1960 as the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Programs of performances and brochures. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4610.

Baton Rouge Barracks. Papers, 1821. 4 items. Location: Misc.:B. Report from Colonel Talbot Chambers, commander of the military post at Baton Rouge to General Edmund P. Gaines, with accompanying statements from the quartermaster and surgeon at the post. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2115.

Baton Rouge Board of Trade. Letter, 1911. 1 item. Location: E:Imprints. Form letter advertising exhibition of the Gates Biplane on the Kleinert Tract. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2395.

Baton Rouge Business and Professional Women's Club. Papers, 1925-. Location: MISC:B, OS:B, 5:. Papers consist of newspaper clippings, photographs, committee reports, monthly minutes, yearbooks, programs, scrapbooks, a history (1925-1950), and other items. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2738.

Baton Rouge Civil War broadsides, 1860-1864 (bulk 1862-1864). 22 broadsides, 26 photocopies. Location: MISC:B, OS:B. Broadsides include a political poster of the Constitutional Union Party; a resolution of the Confederate city government of Baton Rouge; and broadsides posted by federal occupation authorities. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2779.

Baton Rouge Civil War images, 1863. 3 items. Location: E:73. Three images (cartes-de-visite) taken in Baton Rouge during the Civil War: an African-American male in a wagon pulled by mules; a military encampment (possibly Pikes Hall); and a tree-lined street (Garrison Lane). The first is by McPherson and Oliver, and the other two are probably their work as well. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3272.

Baton Rouge Community Concerts Association. Records, 1931-1983. 0.5 linear ft., 3 printed volumes. Location: OS:B, UU:197. Records, chiefly printed materials, document the activities of the Baton Rouge Community Concerts Association. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4592.

Baton Rouge Council on Human Relations. Records, 1965-2000. 1.5 linear feet. Location: W:123-124. Minutes, newsletters, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and committee records document the activities and concerns of the Baton Rouge Council on Human Relations, a non-profit civic organization created in 1965 that promoted racial desegregation and better race relations by counteracting prejudice and discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. Concerned specifically with the Baton Rouge community. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4813.

Baton Rouge Foreign Mission Association. Scrapbook, 1877. 1 ms. Vol. Scrapbook compiled by Cecil H. Hackney, president of the Baton Rouge Foreign Mission Association. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2087.

Baton Rouge Garden Club. Records, 1938-1989. 4 linear ft. Location: 51:. Club organized in 1928 by members of the Baton Rouge Civic Association. It sponsors flower shows, lectures, courses in flower arranging and gardening, and civic beautification projects. Records include nine scrapbooks of newspaper clippings, programs, award ribbons, and other materials, for the years 1938-1941, 1952-1963, 1969-1971, and 1981-1983. Additional materials pertain to flower shows, awards, and study groups. A typescript of the club's history from 1929-1989, compiled by Beulah E. Bates, is included. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4191.

Baton Rouge Gas Light Company. Record books, 1859-1874. 2 vols. Location: M:15. One volume is a register of subscribers to the Baton Rouge Gas Light Company's capital stock for 1859. The other volume contains business papers (1859-1864, 1871-1874) generated or received by the company. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 992.

Baton Rouge German Benevolent Association. Dance program, 1881 January 3. 1 printed item. Location: E:Imprints. Program of the Fifteenth Anniversary Ball of the Baton Rouge German Benevolent Association listing floor managers, dances, and composers. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3243.

Baton Rouge Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Programs and brochures, 1978-1994. .2 linear ft. Location: E:38. Organized in Baton Rouge in 1976, the Baton Rouge Gilbert & Sullivan Society presented its first production in April 1977. It is sometimes referred to as the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Baton Rouge. Programs of performances and brochures. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4611.

Baton Rouge Little Theater, Inc. Programs and brochures, 1981-1995. 1 linear ft. Location: E:3. Little Theater group organized in Baton Rouge in 1946. Programs of both regular season productions and summer musicals, and miscellaneous brochures. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4614.

Baton Rouge Opera. Programs, 1983-1991. 6 items. Location: N:28. Opera founded in 1981, governed by the Board of the Baton Rouge Opera Company, and financed through private donations. Programs. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4654.

Baton Rouge Sacred Music Society. Program, 1845. 1 item. Location: E E:Imprints. Program for the first concert of the Baton Rouge Sacred Music Society, which was held at the Presbyterian Church. A. R. Fuertes, director, and William McCaughey, secretary, are listed as officers. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Baton Rouge Scenes, c. 1920-1930. 14 items. Location: 111:1. Picture cards of various scenes from Baton Rouge, La., including the capitol building and Louisiana State University. For further information see online catalog. Mss. 4999.

Baton Rouge Transportation Company. Records, 1916-1919, 1935-1943. 2 ms. vols. Location: F:3. Log books of Baton Rouge ferry boats Hazel and City of Baton Rouge. The early volume records a few local items, the weather, and river conditions. The second volume contains entries for routine fire drills and inspection of equipment. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2388.

Beauregard House Association program, 1932. 1 item. Location: E:Imprints. Program for the play 'An Old Romance' by Grace King, presented by the New Orleans Beauregard House Association. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1834.

Bechtold, John Adam. Photographs, 1909 - 1950s. 1 linear foot. Location: 10:43. John Adam Bechtold was an executive of the Standard Oil Company of Louisiana and amateur photographer. He documented the establishment of the company in Baton Rouge in two photograph albums and collected approximately 135 loose photographs. Images include the early days of Standard Oil of Louisiana’s operation in Baton Rouge as well as scenes of everyday life in Baton Rouge. Mss, 5175.

Beck's Studio. LSU campus photographs, 1938. 17 items. Location: 6:23. Photography business established in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, ca. 1937. 17 black and white photographs of the campus of LSU, Baton Rouge, taken in 1938. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2755.

Belcher, Eric. Collection, 1948, circa 1962-1973. 1 picture postcard, 2 mailing envelopes. Location: MISC:B. Picture postcard of Earl K. Long with notations on verso, written possibly by Blanche Long and Earl K. Long. Notations designate postcard as an invitation to Earl K. Long's inaugural ball. Mailing envelopes have the letterhead of Orleans Parish district attorney Jim Garrison printed on them. Mss. 5338.

Belcher, Fred, 1913-, interviewee. 1 sound cassettes (1 hour), transcript (69 p.). Location: L:4700.0721. Fred and Helen Belcher are the son and daughter-in-law of Arthur and Corrie Belcher, founders of the Volunteers of America in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Interview describes the Salvation Army and Volunteers of America with a focus on the community programs and projects including prison ministry, work with the African American community, New Orleans maternity home, the role of VOA in adoptions, and Hanson's Disease Center at Carville, Louisiana. They also discuss the racial composition of South
16th St., role of religion in the VOA, 1920s automobiles, and the flood of 1927. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4700.0721.

Belew, Louise E. Letters and writings, 1961-1969, undated. 12 letters, 1 article. Location: MISC:B. Resident of Baton Rouge, La. and New Orleans, La.; Korean war veteran; and student at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Graduate School of Library Science. Letters document Belew's ongoing feuds and criticisms that she had with staff of the LSU Library, the LSU Graduate School of Library Science, and the New Orleans Public Library. Mss. 2625.

Bellemont Hotel. Collection, 1973-1992 (bulk 1980-1992), 1.5 linear feet. Location: UU:58-59, OS:B. The Bellemont Motor Hotel was a plantation-style hotel and convention center on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, LA. The hotel was built in 1946 by developer A. C. Lewis and his partner, Jamar Adcock. The collection consists of hotel office files with information on advertising, rates and listings, guest services, staff and employees, invoices and service agreements, hotel inventories, promotional plans, and other documents relating to the hotel’s operation. Mss. 5219.