Covington Hosts La. Press Association - 1909

 In 1909 the Louisiana Press Association, then in its 30th year, met for its annual convention in Covington. Representative of the news media converged from throughout the state onto St. Tammany Parish. Many of the events were held at the new Southern Hotel.

Local Covington representatives forewarned those attending the convention that while there would be plenty of pure clean artesian water to drink at the event, there may also be some alcoholic beverages available, which may upset the "prohibitionist" leaning members of the group. 

As the convention drew closer, plans were firmed up for visits to other towns in the area, the paper mills in Bogalusa, and the creosoting and brick industry in Slidell. 

At one meeting, music would be provided by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Convent. The members of the Covington Women's Progressive Union were also to host a reception for women of the Press Association. 

The convention was a resounding success, with the cooperation of several local civic organizations. 

Click on the above article to make it larger and more readable. 

Louisiana Governor Sanders gave the welcoming address. The text of his speech may be read at this link.

Here is the program from the convention. Click on the images to make them larger. 

After the event, an editorial in the St. Tammany Farmer assessed the convention and its impact on the community. 

Links of interest:

Governor Sanders Praises Covington

The official program of meetings and events.