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Holy Trinity
Catholic Church |
Historical Marker
Marker: "Established in 1856, Holy Trinity was moved to this
site in 1858. Five of its priests lost their lives treating the victoms
of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1873. The present church, in Romanesque
Revival style, was built in 1896." |
In
my hobby of photography, I lean toward architectural subjects. My
hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, has many architecture themes,
not the least of which is Victorian homes. Victorian was a Period,
not a Style from about 1840 to 1900 with many styles. The term “Victorian”
commonly refers to the period of Queen Victoria of England’s long
reign (1837–1901), an era whose architecture was characterized by
increasing elaboration and complexity made possible by advances in
industry. The era encompassed a number of architectural styles, including
the Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, Italianate, French Second
Empire, Stick, Shingle, and Gothic Revival. These are the styles that
are most readily associated with “Victorian” in the public consciousness.
The most familiar is the Queen Anne style whose cottages are better
known as the “Ginger Bread Houses.”
There are about 23 of these beautiful houses remaining in Shreveport.
Many of them are designated Louisiana Historic sites. They
are located in only three areas of old Shreveport: Austin Place,
Fairfield Avenue and within the Highland Historic District.
Included in my sampling are two examples of Victorian eccesiastical
architecture. The Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Antioch
Baptist Church are both located near old downtown Shreveport and
both are of the handsome Richardsonian Romanesque style. The Marby
House is unique that it is now a restaurant. The Logan Mansion
is open for tours and has a documented history of being a “haunted
house.” It is one not to miss. The story behind the haunting and some
of the activities is most interesting. I have taken the tour and most
definitely recommend it. It is located on Austin Place, a short
street that has several other historic houses and Victorian houses
on it. |
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Antioch Baptist
Church
1057 Texas Avenue |
Antioch Baptist
Church marker & neon sign
1057 Texas Avenue |
Antioch
Baptist Church is the oldest Black church in Shreveport and dates
from 1866. It sits on Texas Avenue, which is also US Highway 80. This
street in early and pioneer days was known as the “Texas Road” as
it was the route that followed the high ground from the Red River
west into Texas that transmigrating Southerners took into Texas. |
Historic Site
Logan Mansion |
Historical Marker:
"Built 1897 by L. R. Logan, beer and ice manufecturer. Designed
by architect Nathaniel Sykes Allen. One of finest remaining Queen
Anne Victorian houses in city." |
Historic Site
Mabry House |
Historical Marker:
"Built 1902 by William A. Mabry of Goldstein & Mabry Grocery
Co. Mr. Mabry was later an attorney in private practice, district
attorney and district court judge. Although later divided into apartments
and then various uses, including a law firm and the present Mabry
Houst Restaurant, the house is extremely well preserved with most
original interior details still intact. |
Historic Site
Lewis House |
Historical Marker:
"Built 1898. One of the few remaining large Victorian houses
in Highland. Named for early owner Thomas C. Lewis, a pioneer druggist. |
I have lived
in Shreveport all of my life, about 72-years now, and I never noticed
or paid attention to these handsome places. But, once I was introduced
to them in the pursuit of my hobby, I appreciate them, really appreciate
them, not only in my hometown, but all the other places where I have
found them. - Gerald
Massey, 2009
© Gerald
Massey |
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