MARKETING FARM PRODUCTS IN BOSSIER PARISH
By Ann Middleton
Being a primarily agricultural community in 1930, farmers were exploring ways to market their products.
In its March 27, 1930 issue the Bossier Banner advocated having a curb market [a 1930 version of a farmers' market] for farm products.
"Under the direction of the Cooperative Marketing and Buying Committee of the Community Club, the possibility of a curb market in the near future is being seriously considered. All who are interested in garden dairy and poultry products are urged to meet with the Community Club each third Thursday evening at eight o'clock at the High School Auditorium."
"The proposal of organizing a local curb market should be of interest to the women especially, as there is where the surplus commodities such as jellies, preserves, pickles and dressed poultry could be turned into ready cash.
"At the curb market the wise gardener could dispose of extra plants such as cabbage, tomato, pepper and potato, of which he might have a surplus and which the less thoughtful or unfortunate gardener needs. Then there is the possibility that some shrubs, pot plants and ferns could readily find a sale, thereby keeping our dimes in our home town. This should be a dual advantage to the town housekeeper and farmer alike, in that it would create an outlet for the surplus fruit, vegetables and dairy products which the farmer and gardener might have, and give the housewife a place where she might purchase, at a fairly reasonable price, the fresh vegetables, milk and eggs which are so essential to the welfare of our children, giving them a balanced diet, with the necessary vitamins which are found in our farm products-and make for better development of both mind and body."
"Let's all get together-cooperate on this vital objective, a Curb Market for Plain Dealing."
In a similar vein, a Bossier Banner reader related how the Linton Truck Growers were marketing their produce. The paper's May 29, 1930 issue carried the following article: "The Linton Truck Growers' Association has been and is still marketing beets, carrots and potatoes. Most all of the beets and over half of the carrots will be marketed by Saturday. Due to the severe rains of the past two weeks, the potatoes began to rot, and the farmers were forced to dig and market the potatoes two weeks before the proper time. By Saturday night three-fourths of the potato crop will have been marketed. A wholesale produce company of Shreveport has purchased all of the potatoes, under contract, and is also handling most of the other products."
"This is the first season for the Linton Truck Growers' Association, as it was organized this year, at one of the meetings held by S. M. Jackson, agriculture teacher, of Benton. The Linton truck growers are planning on coming back strong next year, and will be able to supply the local market with a large variety of products, as well as ship a few carloads to markets in other states."
"The Linton truck growers are to be commended for the splendid effort made in this line of work, and, with the courage that they possess, there is no doubt but what this organization will continue to grow stronger each year… Mr. W. F. Dalrymple is president of this organization and Mr. A. L. Bundy is secretary-treasurer."
To find out more about how Bossier Parish has transitioned to a community made up of not only farmers, but industrialists, military personnel and manufacturers, visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center.