Have you noticed we have nothing going for us in Alexandria?

Now I know that’s a hell of a statement to make, but if you think about it, it’s more than true.

Our city government is regressive.  I have yet to figure out what real inducement to industry they have or plan to make. In the past they have set a pitiful example of even beginning to offer anything  for outside industry or business to come in. For example. No  major restaurants of a chain nature even consider this area. If they are here now, they incorporate their smallest and least decorative building. A major investment here will just not pay off. Tourist influx and income is nada!

We have lost the chance at several manufacturing plants… They have taken a hard look at our city and parish government and inducements and our labor force potential along with education level and backed off , shaking their heads in disbelief.

Our city government fights over two hotels in downtown Alexandria. Yet are too stump dumb to even begin to realize you have to plan past that point and bring people into town to use them. Classic stupidity of a most elementary nature.

Yet they squeal  like hog’s  in a farm-yard when ever the subject is brought up.

Our local education system is at best only moderately effective. I sincerely belive our education level is probably 10th grade and that is pushing it.

There seems to be no work ethic being passed down in family’s  in this area.

It is more of a welfare ethic.  Saggy pants and high wheel mud trucks do not speak education or a  drive to better one’s self.

There is no real sence of pride in our city or surrounding area. No real promotion. We are just an exit on the interstate. A place to perhaps spend the night and in the morning move on to something a bit more exciting with attractions that  challenge our minds.

Improvements to streets are fine. Building parks and dog parks and bicycle paths do not bring in outside traffic. They in truth  just end up costing the city more in future maintenance cost and offer more space for graffiti and vandalism from our undereducated young. That money could be put to more constructive use. Industrial parks, etc. (perish the thought!)

We tend to start a project and then forget  it’s direction, due to lack of true leadership.

We are divided in direction by race. That is a subject that should have been put behind us years ago. Everyone needs to work for one direction, not go in every direction of the compass at once. Leave the selfishness and greed behind. Work for the good of the city, not a select few.

I am dumbfounded at the rank stupidity of some of our elected officials.

Yet they are lauded for their jackass views and braying!

Instead of attacking a member of a political governing group for some stupid , meaningless pathetic selfish reason. Offer up constructive suggestions that can help us claw our way out of this deep, dark , putrid,  mud hole we are in!

I could continue to comment for eight or ten more paragraphs, but it is really a waste of time and thought.

Hell yes I have ideas that could improve our image..but I do not fool myself with delusions of grandure..Anything I might say is totally meaningless in this warped world we live in here in Alexandria.

If I have stepped on anyones toes by inference..I hope it hurts like almighty hell!

Alexandria is a  city I love with all my heart!

I wish a few other people felt the same way…

If you do, back it up with action..not just the same old bull-shit!

I am really surprised no one has commented on this rant..Guess everyone agrees..

(That’s  unusual!)

Alex

Life on the Red River. 1900-1904. G.W. Bolton on Pineville side of river.

Lets step into our time machine and go  back to about 1900 or a few years after.  This is probably the boat  “G.W. Bolton” loading passengers and perhaps a buggy or two to cross the Red River and deposit its load on the Alexandria side. Notice the “B” above the wheel house. May be some of your kin  folks on board, who knows?

Alex

Life on the Red River...

An observation on a specific label. (Museum) Alexandria Museum of Art..Louisiana History Museum..

Here in Alexandria, we have several “Museums.” We have: The Alexandria Museum of Art. The Louisiana History Museum. The fantastic Kent House.  (A tourist attraction.) The Tree House children’s Museum and several other small Museums…

Now  I notice a glaring discrimination when it comes to these museums.

Every single time I read a story in the Clown Talk, what do they  say?

The “ Museum”  did this or the museum did that.  We have two important city sponsored museums in Alexandria, each with a different purpose, yet it is always the museum. (In reference to the Alexandria Museum of Art.)

When are you idiot’s in the media and you slow-witted folks in the tourist industry going to wake up to the fact that there is the Louisiana History Museum and the Alexandria Museum of Art. TWO  completely  different museums serving two completely different purposes. (Both hopfully with our wonderful city’s best interest as their basic purpose.)

The Louisiana History  Museum collects and displays the history of Alexandria, Central Louisiana and the State of Louisiana. They do not grind through grant money. .The Louisiana History Museum survives on private donations. They do not have grand social events. They concentrate on building the history of our area with new displays almost monthly. They serve this area in the oldest city building, built in 1907, that is still being used for its original purpose.  They serve our city and population with  volunteers who are the best in their fields. They charge no admission. Require no membership. A tour normally takes one to one and a half hours. Their visitors come from countries such as Japan, France,Germany and the many different states of our U.S.

The Alexandria Museum of Art serves the Art community which is a completely different venue.

I know for a fact, the Louisiana History Museum has offered a fantastic display of early Alexandria and Central Louisiana Photographs,  ( Well over 80 photographs framed and ready to display.)   to which the Art Museum has not responded in any way shape or form. (The Art Museum Director was contacted personally and showed no interest, I was told..)

It is a very sad state of affairs, to which perhaps there is no real answer.

Lets learn to define the term Museum, media. Art Museum or History Museum…Do not use the term in general.  Do not discriminate and show favoritism as you now glaringly do….Shame On You!!!

(Yes, I am showing favoritism, also , but what else can I do?)

Alex

Funny how things never change, they just come back as “new ideas” .

This one really needs no commentary. It was taken in the 1930′s in front of the beautiful old city hall, in Alexandria, La..

We never learn….

Alex

In the heart of Louisiana. Illustrated History of Rapides Parish. By Father Chad Partain.

I will be short and to the point.. This is a book  that if you know little about Central Louisiana..You need to read! I know Father Chad as he is called.  He is  interesting, humorous and a pleasure to talk with. He knows his history.

Father Chad has written a short history with illustration on Central Louisiana. All proceeds from the book go to the Historical Association of Central Louisiana.

It is on sale  now at the Alexandria Genealogical Library at 503 Washington Street. The price is $25.00. Money in my mind, well spent. If some of the other blogs would pick up on this, I think it would be effort well placed… Alex highly recommends it!

Baptist Hospital …1930-40. Delivery room. You may have been born here..or your parents.

To me it is fun to come  up with the most unexpected subject matter for a post that I can. Not easy to do but  every once in a while I manage.. So…If you were born in the 1930′s or perhaps until  about late 1940′s…This is a picture of the room. If you were born at the  Baptist Hospital, now Rapides General…This is the place…..Notice all the equipment in the cabinet on the right…The scale on top for weighing the newborn…All state of the art equipment….I was born there..were you?

Alex

Lets play a guess where and what game about Alexandria. (Solved)

Since I have no one to make fun of or put down, lets play a guessing game.

Where was this building in downtown Alexandria and what was it’s name?

The bottom photograph is sadly all that remains of it. There is no prize.

Let’s just see how much you are aware of our past.

Barry got close enough. See comment #3..

Enjoy!

Alex

All that remains of another old building.