June 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

CLegends and Lore of Lincoln Parishsubmitted by Jaisle BaileyIncoming Reporterommunity Service ChatterboxRuston High School June 2, 2011 Page 22Last Saturday, members of the Speech team brought some of Ruston‘s historical figures to life at Greenwood Cemetery to inform citizens of Ruston‘s history and to raisemoney to renovate the cemetery. The list of historical figures depicted this year include Robert E. Russ, founder of Ruston and the first sheriff of Lincoln Parish; WootenRichardson, who sold the property which became Ruston to Russ; Col. T. C. Standifer, investor and trustee of Ruston Industrial Institute, which became La. Tech; Mrs. SaraStandifer, cultural and educational leader; Dr. J. J. Booles, organizer, initial president, and largest stockholder of Ruston's first bank ; Mattie Williams, "Mother of the LA Chautauqua;"W. A. J. Lewis, businessman and civic leader; and Allen Greene, a politically influential and controversial figure who brought about the formation of Lincoln Parish.The Lincoln Parish Museum was able to collect $265 to help with cemetery preservation, as well as to raise awareness of our historical treasure in Ruston.Connor Haskins and Emma Jones, who broughtMr. and Mrs. Standifer to life, stand next to their graves.Matt Cardenas, whose character was J. J. Booles,stands next to his grave.