Avoyelles Parish Celebrates 90 Years of History

Milestones from the Past Nine Decades Chronicled in Local Newspaper

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:37pm

The Avoyelles Today newspaper has compiled a retrospective chronicling 90 years of history in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with highlights from its archives dating back to 1936. The report covers a wide range of local milestones, from business leadership changes and civic appointments to cultural events and agricultural achievements over the decades.

Why it matters

This comprehensive look back at Avoyelles Parish's past provides valuable insight into the community's evolution over the past century, showcasing the people, organizations, and events that have shaped the region. The historical record offers a unique window into the parish's social, economic, and cultural development.

The details

The report covers a variety of notable events, including the election of W.W. Voinche as president of the Marksville Lumber Company, the arrival of a television station broadcast from Bunkie, the recognition of local vegetable growers, the staging of a high school drama production, and the opening of a physical therapy clinic. It also highlights the achievements of individuals such as Janelle Ducote, who was invited to audition for the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra, and Timmy Guillory, who was named grand champion at the Avoyelles Youth Expo.

  • In March 1936, Mr. W.W. Voinche was elected president of the Marksville Lumber Company.
  • In March 1946, the J.C. Wilson Broom and Mop Company products were greeted favorably.
  • In March 1956, Miss Rosemary Scallan was named Sweetheart of the Mansura FFA Chapter.
  • In March 1966, W.C. Earnest, Jr. of Bunkie was elected to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana School Board Association for the fourth time.
  • In March 1976, Timmy Guillory was named the grand champion at the Avoyelles Youth Expo.

The players

W.W. Voinche

Elected president of the Marksville Lumber Company in 1936.

J.W. Porter

Manager of the Marksville Variety Store who announced he was leaving and returning to employment in Opelousas.

Albert Gremillion

Appointed as Justice of the Peace in Ward-2 by Governor Noe.

Janelle Ducote

A junior at Marksville High School who accepted an invitation to audition for the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra.

Timmy Guillory

Named the grand champion at the Avoyelles Youth Expo in 1976.

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The takeaway

This retrospective on Avoyelles Parish's history showcases the diverse range of milestones and achievements that have defined the community over the past nine decades, from business leadership changes and civic appointments to cultural events and agricultural successes. The comprehensive record provides valuable insight into the parish's social, economic, and cultural development, offering a unique window into the people, organizations, and events that have shaped the region.