Saturday 9/28/2024* - 10am till 3pm LA Hwy 3049 & US Hwy 71 *Revised Date
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A Day in the Country
This year focuses on the village of Gilliam - which was established in 1898 when the Gilliam family donated land for the railroad depot. Built by families who moved to the area to farm cotton in the rich Red River Basin, Gilliam remains an interesting village along our historic trail.
The self-guided tour begins at 12797 Main Street in Gilliam at our Red River Crossroads Museum sponsored by the Red River Historical & Cultural Association (RRCHCA) a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of our farming communities in north Caddo Parish.
At the museum, meet locals with memories and stories to tell. See interesting artifacts telling of bygone days. Maps and photos of past years keep our history preserved for future generations. RRHCA books for sale are Crossroads Cuisine Cookbook, Plantations Along the Upper Red River of Louisiana & Historical Marker Guides for sale.
Purchase Tickets at the Gilliam Library & Museum
Tickets for the tour ($10 age 10 & up). Renew or get a new RRCHCA membership for $10 and get a Sunflower t-shirt for $10!
Follow local youth in period costumes along the walking path to the Methodist Church Hall. Enjoy local art inspired by the region’s cotton farms and heritage. Originals and prints by artist Diane Long will be on display and for sale.
At 11:00 Darrel Folse will talk about processing of cotton from the field to the mill. Fun Q&A about past and modern ginning. Traditional cotton spinning demonstration by Kathryn Aulds at 1:00. Enjoy local art inspired by the region’s cotton farms and heritage. Originals and prints will be on display and for sale.
Sunflower Photo & Art Contest Winners Displayed at the Gilliam Methodist Church!
Visit & enjoy the Tractor Exhibit & Photo Ops at All's Well (The Douglas Home). Due to recent water damage, inside of the home is not open to the public.
Drive around to see the Gilliam Gin for a view of a modern day cotton processing factory (inside tours not available).
Then proceed 3 miles south on Hwy 3049 to Cavett, 12496 Hwy 3049. Tour the Lynn Plantation Home as well as the Lynn Plantation Commissary. Stephen Campbell invites you inside the beautifully maintained 100 year old home with original architectural features. The Lynn Plantation and Fairview Plantation are represented by Cavett descendent, Artist Kristi Jones. On display are photos of the farms and artifacts from her family as well as her original artwork. Mixed media original art and prints are available for sale.
Lynn Plantation Commissary once served 300+ families who worked the fields. Displayed are original artifacts, antique cash register and scale. Reconstructed in original style, the commissary is available as a unique event venue. Contact April Dahm with the Ross Lynn Foundation, 318-762-8946. (as of 9/10 - Box lunches advertised in brochure not available).
Relax and enjoy your day in the country. Y'all all come!
Highway 3049 -7 The village of Belcher began in 1899 when steamboat landings at Rush Point and Briarfield on the Red River were largely abandoned and shipping traffic moved over to the railroad. A new community was named "Horseshoe" and later renamed "Belcher" in honor of John Belcher who owned the land. Mayor -7 Jennifer Fant.
Veterans Memorial - Gray Street, Honoring our veterans. Playground and picnic tables.
D&I Deli & Grocery 318-378-4217 - Open! Serving lunches and homemade ice cream!
Gilliam
Highway 3049 - In the 1880s R. L. Gilliam came to the area and bought land. In 1898, when the railroad came through the area, Mr. Gilliam donated a right of way on the agreement that the railroad put a depot on the land and name it Gilliam. A post office was established in 1900. In the aftermath of a cyclone in 1908 which killed 40 people, the TS&N Railroad sent carloads of emergency supplies and provided railcars for temporary storage for belongings of the survivors. Mayor - Adam Oliver
Gilliam Shreve Memorial Library & Red River Crossroads Museum, 12797 Main St. 318-296-4227. Linda Ashton, Librarian.
Gilliam Gin Company - Highway 3049 South of Gilliam. View a modern cotton gin in operation.
Main Street Restaurant 318-296-4400
James Country Store 318-507-9567
Hosston
Highway 71 North - The area was settled between 1830 and 1850 by George Hale. Just east of Hosston, a steamboat landing was used for selling wood to steamboat captains. A ferry was operated on Black Bayou for the distribution of mail up and down North Caddo Parish and into Arkansas until Hale Post Office was chartered in 1890. The Post Office was moved to Hosston in 1901.
Big Mama's Antiques & Restoration, 6403 Parkway Dr, 318-573-2127 Open!
The Old Church House event venue will be hosting The House of Ruth Tearoom 10-3, 15615 Hwy 71, 318-287-3397
Former Hosston Elementary School and Singing Pines Recreational Complex event center 318-287-3360. An Art Deco design by Shreveport architect Edward F. Neild in 1931 now owned by the Kirby family. Will be open for tours.
Hosston History Museum in the Hosston Town Hall, 15669 US Hwy 71, 318-287-3225. Hosting a Scarecrow display.
Mira
Highway 71 North - The area was settled around 1872. The village originally was called Loma, and was later named Mira, after the daughter of an early settler.
Travel Plaza Exxon Station, 6950 Mira Myrtis Rd, Mira
Designs by Carol Quilt Shop, 17558 Hwy 71, 318-287-3380
Ida
Highway 71 North - The area was settled in the 1800's and named Ida after the daughter of the postmaster, Jonathan Chandler, when the Post Office was established in 1897. Mayor - Kenny Shaw.
Secluded Magnolia Event Venue, 7024 E. Magnolia Lane, 318-525-6981
Capt. Fletcher E. Adams 357th Fighter Group Museum & Car Museum, 18876 Alabama Ave, Open 9-4, 318-469-1060
