Historical Shreveport - Commercial Photography

This is the second time I have had the honor of working as the photographer on a task to get a local school listed on the national historic registry. The first school was Booker T. Washington High School. This past week it was Bethune High School, which is now Oak Park Elementary.

From front east corner looking west

I truly have a love for old buildings and architecture. These projects give me an opportunity to meet incredible people in our community, learn history, and of course, my favorite, about the buildings and their historical relevance. Oak Park/Bethune was no exception!

This building was only a high school for only about twelve years before it changed to an elementary/middle school. The school was built as what was called a "neighborhood" school. Its design matched the homes that were in the surrounding area, but it had some original features such as exposed beams, open walkways, color glazed bricks, and areas that were made to look like they could be exterior features but they were on the inside.

Once the package of information is assembled and turned in it will still take a few months to know if this school will get added to the registry. I look forward to this step and hopefully the incredible ceremony that will follow and highlight the area's architecture and history.