"OUR RICH BLACK HERITAGE" : HATTIE MCGRAW MCCLANAHAN, wife of Dr. G. McClanahan

"GOT MILK?" What a way to begin this week's article! Well, I thought that I would use the question to remind everyone, especially the younger generation, that the idea of food delivery service to our homes in Monroe, Louisiana was around before Domino's and Johnny's Pizza ever became popular. I guess you can say that it was one of the first types of "FOOD TRUCKS" to hit the streets and neighborhoods of Monroe, Louisiana. Of course, I am referring to the "FOREMOST DAIRY FOOD TRUCK." In the early 1970s, I can remember our neighborhood Milk-man, dropping off milk, eggs, and other dairy products to our house. Back then, my family lived in Bryant's Addition, on the Southside of Monroe. Our Milk-man's name was,"Alex Butler Jr., the husband of Edna Butler of Monroe,they have been happily married for approximately 62 years." By the way, here's an interesting story involving me and Mr. Butler's milk-truck that taught me a valuable lesson, when I was around the age of eight. The incident happened one morning, while I was walking to school. You see, since we lived close to Swayze Elementary School, we had to walk to school. For some reason, I decided to take the route that took me down Ford Street. After I got on Ford Street, I happened to spot Mr. Butler 's milk-truck sitting by the side of the road. All of a sudden, a crazy idea got in my mind. My mind told me that I could hop on the back of Mr. Butler's truck and get a free ride to school. "Oh yeah, I got a free ride alright!" Once Mr. Butler started up the truck and started to pull away, my foot slipped off the back bumper rail, and instead of catching a free ride, I ended up getting dragged a couple of feet up the street, Lol! Additionally, for some reason, my mind wouldn't let me release my hand from the hand rail. Fortunately, Mr. Butler stopped the truck in time for me to escape any serious injuries. So, with the exception of a few scratches on my knees, my pants being torn, and a bruised ego, I was fine...and YES, I MADE IT TO SCHOOL ON TIME TOO!!! Now on to this week's Pioneer! Hattie McGraw McClanahan certainly left her mark & footprints on the Black Community of Monroe, Louisiana. First, as a local teacher, where she taught at Monroe Colored High School, and she also helped out at North Louisiana Industrial High School, also known as Monroe Academy, which was a school established for Negro Children in Monroe. Next, Hattie once served as President of the Sunday School Convention that was organized in 1892. Finally, not only was she a pianist for Zion Traveler Baptist Church, but Hattie also served as President of the Zion Traveler Church Choir. Also, because Hattie believed so strongly in helping people in need, "she formed the Goodwill Charity Club at her church." Hattie and her husband, Dr. G. McClanahan, not only donated food and clothing, but they donated their time and money too! In closing, it is my hope that more and more people will come forth with names, events, and stories about "THE LOCAL BLACK HISTORY OF THE PAST, IN MONROE LOUISIANA."