In 1952 Doubleday published a book by Covington resident Mary Frances Morgan. Its name was "Teacher Lady," and it turned out to be quite a success.
The book was widely reviewed in print. Click on the images to make them larger.
Numerous book clubs and other groups heard member reviews.
D.H. Holmes Department Store in New Orleans brought her in for a special book signing event.
She was a prolific writer for area newspapers and magazines.
Her article about Dr. Paine in Mandeville
A 1950 article about local star Peggy Dow
A 1956 article about Jonette Dunning Shelton
Her article about Mathilde Johnson, Lacombe Choctaw
Mary Frances Morgan was born in Atlanta, GA, on September 24, 1910, and lived in New Orleans until her marriage to Lewis Lovering Morgan Jr. at which time she moved to Covington. She moved to Shreveport in 1992 and died at the age of 90 years on Friday, February 2, 2001, after a lengthy illness. According to her obituary in the Shreveport Times, she was a noted professional writer and artist during her varied careers.
She served as president of the Covington Business and Professional Women's Club from 1949-1950, and she wrote an account of her father-in-law, the late Lewis Morgan, in the third edition of the St. Tammany Historical Society Gazette in 1978.
Her obituary noted that she was a former television talk show host and writer, having produced a number of short stories for Collier's and Liberty magazines, Detective Stories, Photoplay and True Story. Among those she interviewed during her journalism career were Eleanor Roosevelt and Amy Vanderbilt, her obituary said.
Mary Frances Morgan also served as a member of the local draft board in 1962
In 1951 she went to work for WDSU-TV in New Orleans as women's editor. She was also hostess and editor of WDSU's first live talk show. She later worked as a technical writer for the Department of Agriculture and the Selective Service.
In 1977 she was honored by the St. Tammany Parish Library along with other area authors.
COVINGTON- St. Tammany Parish Authors met the public this week at a special library program. From left to right the published authors include Dolly Stroble, Ronald Pedro, Carol Jahncke, Dr. Colleen Salley, Mary Frances Morgan and Ron Barthet. Slidell Daily Times, Dec. 11, 1977
On Arbor Day in 2003 the Covington Garden Club dedicated two dogwood and two redbud trees in memory of recently deceased members. They included Mary Frances Morgan who had been president of the club in 1955-56. Mary Frances was also the club artist who did the cover for the annual booklet of the garden club. She was a member of many civic organizations.
Links to other articles written by Mary Frances Morgan
Mary Frances Varley Morgan Roper
