Sunday, August 15, 2010

Personalities, technological innovations, hardships: Gary Joiner lectures on the clearing of the Great Raft on Wed, Aug 18, 5:15 pm, Broadmoor Library

Gary Joiner will discuss the clearing of the “Great Raft” on the Red River and how this series of ultimately successful attempts lead to the growth and success of Shreveport as we know it today, says Jameel Damlouji, president of the NW La Archaeological Society.

"Our next meeting of the Northwest Louisiana Archaeological Society is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18th, at the Broadmoor Branch Library, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive at 5:15 pm. This meeting is a continuation of our summer lecture series and features Shreveport’s premier historian, Dr. Gary Joiner. Dr. Joiner will discuss the clearing of the “Great Raft” on the Red River and how this series of ultimately successful attempts lead to the growth and success of Shreveport as we know it today.

According to the Caddo Indians, “Even the gods were powerless in defeating the Evil One, who had created the creeping beast that continually slithered and suffocated the river”. This story is full of unique personalities, technological innovations, great hardships, and the roll Shreveport would finally play in commerce and quality of life across a large area of the country when the raft was finally cleared. Anyone can attend to hear this fascinating story of the nearly 100 year effort to clear the largest logjam ever recorded in North America. Attendance is free to all interested parties. Please arrive early as seating will be limited."

Jameel Damlouji, President NWLAS
573-6335 or 865-3814

Book photo by Kathryn Usher.

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