Olla, Louisiana
Encyclopedia
Olla is a municipality
in northwest La Salle Parish
, Louisiana
, United States
. Olla has a federally recognized downtown Historic District
. The population was 1,617 at the 2010 census. Olla is the site of the annual Central Louisiana Bluegrass Festival each April and to the Olla Founder's Day Homecoming Celebration that coincides with the local high school Homecoming
each Fall
.
, the town of Olla was known as Castor Sulfur Springs, and a steamboat port on nearby Bayou Castor
was its original site. The area had a post office, general store, hotel, spa, and a dry goods and cotton storage facility.
Naturally occurring sulfur muds and spring water made Castor Sulfur Springs a nationally known health spa, providing treatment for a variety of ailments. The curative powers of “Balance Sulfur” mud was publicized over a large part of the nation, and chronic sufferers of gout
, arthritis
, rheumatism
, and other muscular troubles were frequent visitors.
In 1890, Riley Joe Wilson established the Olla Military Institute, a private military school. The first faculty members consisted of Mr. Wilson, Olla Mills, John Paul Jones, Missy Robertson, Rev. Elijah Bryant, and Bell Murphy. The school flourished for several years until a fire destroyed it in 1899, and it was never rebuilt. At this time, a public school, Olla High School, was constructed to serve the towns of Olla and Standard. In 1950, Olla, Urania, and Tullos High Schools consolidated as LaSalle High School. The Olla-Standard Elementary School now sits at the former site of the Olla Military Institute and Olla High School.
In 1891, the Houston, Central Arkansas, and Northern Railroad came to what was then northwest Catahoula Parish and bought a 200-foot-wide right-of-way over which it would construct a railroad more than a mile away from Castor Sulfur Springs. Community leaders were faced with the possibility that their town would be cut off and decided that a railroad station must be constructed for passenger and commercial services to ensure the survival of Castor Sulfur Springs. Dr. Frank Mills, with the assistance of Mr. J.D. Adams, set aside 40 acres of land for a station and town-site. This transaction was recorded on February 9, 1891. When the new site was chosen and incorporation paperwork was submitted naming the new community “New Castor Sulfur Springs”, their request was denied. The legislature was not accepting new municipalities named in reference to springs, rivers, bayous, or creeks to avoid duplication and confusion. New Lebanon was considered as well as many Greek
and Biblical names, which were very popular at the time. After much debate, it was decided that the new community should be named for Olla Mills, daughter of Dr. Frank Mills and sister of Judge W.H. Mills, who were residents of Castor Sulfur Springs for many years. Ms. Mills was an accomplished, attractive, and popular young lady who was dramatically inclined and took part in all constructive community activities. Because of her background in education and her gift for expression, Miss Mills had served with distinction as the head of the Olla Military Institute’s English
department. Miss Olla Mills, who later became Mrs. CC Young, died in 1901 and is buried in the Olla Cemetery.
The Town of Olla was officially incorporated on August 1, 1899, with Dr. William V. Taylor III as its first mayor. In 1906, the Zeagler Family established and erected the Olla State Bank as the cornerstone of the downtown. Built in Romanesque Revival style, the bank’s structure is said to be influenced by Louisiana
native and architect Henry Hobson Richardson
. The Olla State Bank served Olla and the surrounding region throughout the Great Depression
until its merger with Southern Heritage Bank in 1980s. The Ernest Gray Gang as well as The Jimmy Yarrell Gang held up the bank in the 1930s.
Olla is also the location of the only train holdup in Louisiana history. In August 1900, unknown bandits built a fire on the tracks north of Olla and forced the train to stop. The group then boarded and ordered the conductor to disconnect the mail and express cars from the train. The express safe was cracked, but the expected big money shipment from St. Louis, Missouri
to New Orleans was not aboard. The robbers got away with less than $50.
Near the site of the former Olla Military Institute, B.E. Zeagler of Olla and L.C. Nunn of Columbia, Louisiana
organized and constructed the North Central Louisiana Fair or Carnival fair barns, and an equine racetrack stadium in 1912. Since its inception, the open space has served the parishes of La Salle
, Winn
, Grant
, and Caldwell
, and it is now called the Olla Fairgrounds. Still host to an annual event every fall, it is one of the oldest continuously running fairs or carnivals in the United States
. The fairgrounds also contains a modern rodeo arena that hosts the Olla Rodeo, sponsored by the local Kiwanis International club, annually.
In 1910, the state of Louisiana split Catahoula Parish in half. The western half where the Town of Olla is situated became La Salle Parish, named for French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
. An immediate struggle developed between the towns of Olla and Jena
over the location of the parish courthouse. Jena was subsequently chosen as the La Salle parish seat.
Even without the prestige of being the parish seat, the early 20th century brought many changes to the Town of Olla. Olla’s economy grew with the success of two large sawmills in the area – Urania Lumber Company
to the south of Olla and Louisiana Central Lumber Company located to the north in Standard. Mr. G.W. McCartney purchased a dynamo to bring electric lights to Olla. Residences were also piped with natural gas. The town took another step forward when Mr. Sam Shamblin opened a silent movie house. The Community Talking Picture Company of Shreveport gave Olla its first talking movies, and later a more modern theater was erected.
Known for its excellent ground water, Olla was the site of the Olla Bottling Works. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Olla Bottling Works made and distributed numerous flavored carbonated beverages including NuGrape
Soda. The Olla Bottling Works was purchased by a firm in Monroe
and eventually merged with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
The Southern Baptist encampment and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Camp activities also left their mark on Olla. Each year Baptist campers gathered for two weeks of religious instruction, preaching, and recreation. The CCC Camp occupied the same facilities the remainder of the year, and the area is still crossed with public and private roads built by the CCC. Olla is also the site of Camp Olla, an annual Pentecostal summer camp, retreat, and hurricane evacuation shelter.
In 1938, oil was discovered just outside Olla’s boundaries. This was a tremendous boost for the local economy because the large sawmills had begun to slow production. The Olla Oil Field brought a fresh influx of people and is large producer of light sweet crude and natural gas
.
The Town of Olla currently serves as a regional hub for banking, commercial retail, and manufacturing and is heavily involved with the forestry and petroleum production industries.
Downtown Olla is a recognized Historic District
with many buildings being restored for commercial use. Olla is poised for great growth in the future with excellent infrastructure and local leadership that is dedicated to economic revitalization and diversity.
On November 23, 2004, a tornado
that reached F4 strength tore through parts of the town, destroying or damaging a large portion of the buildings, including LaSalle High School. Classes were held in an abandoned sportswear factory, known as Holloway Sportswear, until a new high school was constructed. In 2005, the town played host to many evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 5.4 square miles (12.9 km²), all land. It is situated exactly halfway (47 miles) (76 km), between Monroe
to the north and Alexandria
to the south. Also to the south, the towns of Urania
and Tullos
lie four and seven miles, respectively. The town of Jena
is 16 miles (26 km) to the southeast.
The town of Olla is served by the Union Pacific Railroad
, and the recently completed four-lane U.S. Route 165
traverses north and south. Nearby U.S. Route 84
and a number of state roads serve as east and west corridors.
of 2010, there were 1,617 people, 587 households, and 407 families residing in the town. The population density
was 413.9 inhabitants per square mile (160.0/km²). There were 681 housing units at an average density of 198.9 per square mile (76.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.06% White, 2.46% African American, 1.35% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.21% from other races
, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.
There were 587 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples
living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.
The town’s motto is "Small Town, Big Heart" in reference to the hospitality and generosity of its citizens.
serve the city:
Runways: 1, Land Area Covered By Airport: 55 acres, Ownership: Publicly owned, OllaUraniaTullosStandard Economic Development Board Facility Use: Open to public, Site Number: 07689.1*A, Location ID: L47, Region: Southwest, District Office: LNM, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF): 122.900 Hz, Aeronautical sectional chart: Houston, Tie-In FSS: No, Tie-In FSS ID: DRI, Tie-In FSS Name: De Ridder, Tie-In FSS Toll-Free Number: 1-800-WX-BRIEF, Elevation: 130 ft, Elevation determination method: Estimated, Air traffic control tower: No, Boundary ARTCC (FAA) computer ID: ZCH, Boundary ARTCC ID: ZHU, Boundary ARTCC Name: Houston, Airspace Determination: No Objection, NOTAM Service: Yes, NOTAM Facility ID: DRI, Last Inspection Date: 02/11/2010, Inspection Group: State aeronautical personnel, Inspection Method: State
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in northwest La Salle Parish
La Salle Parish, Louisiana
La Salle Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of 2000, the population was 14,282. The parish seat is Jena.-Geography:The parish has a total area of , of which is land and is water....
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Olla has a federally recognized downtown Historic District
Historic district
A historic district or heritage district is a section of a city which contains older buildings considered valuable for historical or architectural reasons. In some countries, historic districts receive legal protection from development....
. The population was 1,617 at the 2010 census. Olla is the site of the annual Central Louisiana Bluegrass Festival each April and to the Olla Founder's Day Homecoming Celebration that coincides with the local high school Homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
each Fall
Autumn
Autumn is one of the four temperate seasons. Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter usually in September or March when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier....
.
History
Settled prior to the American Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, the town of Olla was known as Castor Sulfur Springs, and a steamboat port on nearby Bayou Castor
Castor Creek
Castor Creek or Bayou Castor is a tributary of the Little River in north-central Louisiana in the United States. Via the Little, Ouachita and Red rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River....
was its original site. The area had a post office, general store, hotel, spa, and a dry goods and cotton storage facility.
Naturally occurring sulfur muds and spring water made Castor Sulfur Springs a nationally known health spa, providing treatment for a variety of ailments. The curative powers of “Balance Sulfur” mud was publicized over a large part of the nation, and chronic sufferers of gout
Gout
Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected . However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate...
, arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
, rheumatism
Rheumatism
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...
, and other muscular troubles were frequent visitors.
In 1890, Riley Joe Wilson established the Olla Military Institute, a private military school. The first faculty members consisted of Mr. Wilson, Olla Mills, John Paul Jones, Missy Robertson, Rev. Elijah Bryant, and Bell Murphy. The school flourished for several years until a fire destroyed it in 1899, and it was never rebuilt. At this time, a public school, Olla High School, was constructed to serve the towns of Olla and Standard. In 1950, Olla, Urania, and Tullos High Schools consolidated as LaSalle High School. The Olla-Standard Elementary School now sits at the former site of the Olla Military Institute and Olla High School.
In 1891, the Houston, Central Arkansas, and Northern Railroad came to what was then northwest Catahoula Parish and bought a 200-foot-wide right-of-way over which it would construct a railroad more than a mile away from Castor Sulfur Springs. Community leaders were faced with the possibility that their town would be cut off and decided that a railroad station must be constructed for passenger and commercial services to ensure the survival of Castor Sulfur Springs. Dr. Frank Mills, with the assistance of Mr. J.D. Adams, set aside 40 acres of land for a station and town-site. This transaction was recorded on February 9, 1891. When the new site was chosen and incorporation paperwork was submitted naming the new community “New Castor Sulfur Springs”, their request was denied. The legislature was not accepting new municipalities named in reference to springs, rivers, bayous, or creeks to avoid duplication and confusion. New Lebanon was considered as well as many Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Biblical names, which were very popular at the time. After much debate, it was decided that the new community should be named for Olla Mills, daughter of Dr. Frank Mills and sister of Judge W.H. Mills, who were residents of Castor Sulfur Springs for many years. Ms. Mills was an accomplished, attractive, and popular young lady who was dramatically inclined and took part in all constructive community activities. Because of her background in education and her gift for expression, Miss Mills had served with distinction as the head of the Olla Military Institute’s English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
department. Miss Olla Mills, who later became Mrs. CC Young, died in 1901 and is buried in the Olla Cemetery.
The Town of Olla was officially incorporated on August 1, 1899, with Dr. William V. Taylor III as its first mayor. In 1906, the Zeagler Family established and erected the Olla State Bank as the cornerstone of the downtown. Built in Romanesque Revival style, the bank’s structure is said to be influenced by Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
native and architect Henry Hobson Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson was a prominent American architect who designed buildings in Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and other cities. The style he popularized is named for him: Richardsonian Romanesque...
. The Olla State Bank served Olla and the surrounding region throughout the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
until its merger with Southern Heritage Bank in 1980s. The Ernest Gray Gang as well as The Jimmy Yarrell Gang held up the bank in the 1930s.
Olla is also the location of the only train holdup in Louisiana history. In August 1900, unknown bandits built a fire on the tracks north of Olla and forced the train to stop. The group then boarded and ordered the conductor to disconnect the mail and express cars from the train. The express safe was cracked, but the expected big money shipment from St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
to New Orleans was not aboard. The robbers got away with less than $50.
Near the site of the former Olla Military Institute, B.E. Zeagler of Olla and L.C. Nunn of Columbia, Louisiana
Columbia, Louisiana
Columbia is a town in and the parish seat of Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 477 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Columbia is located at ....
organized and constructed the North Central Louisiana Fair or Carnival fair barns, and an equine racetrack stadium in 1912. Since its inception, the open space has served the parishes of La Salle
La Salle Parish, Louisiana
La Salle Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of 2000, the population was 14,282. The parish seat is Jena.-Geography:The parish has a total area of , of which is land and is water....
, Winn
Winn Parish, Louisiana
Winn Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its seat is Winnfield. In 2000, its population was 16,894.The parish has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
, Grant
Grant Parish, Louisiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 18,698 people, 7,073 households, and 5,276 families residing in the parish. The population density was 29 people per square mile . There were 8,531 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile...
, and Caldwell
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 10,560 people, 3,941 households, and 2,817 families residing in the parish. The population density was 20 people per square mile . There were 5,035 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile...
, and it is now called the Olla Fairgrounds. Still host to an annual event every fall, it is one of the oldest continuously running fairs or carnivals in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The fairgrounds also contains a modern rodeo arena that hosts the Olla Rodeo, sponsored by the local Kiwanis International club, annually.
In 1910, the state of Louisiana split Catahoula Parish in half. The western half where the Town of Olla is situated became La Salle Parish, named for French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, or Robert de LaSalle was a French explorer. He explored the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico...
. An immediate struggle developed between the towns of Olla and Jena
Jena, Louisiana
Jena is a town in and the parish seat of La Salle Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,971 at the 2000 census.In September 2006, Jena became the focus of national news stories in the United States for a racial controversy involving its school system and a group of students known...
over the location of the parish courthouse. Jena was subsequently chosen as the La Salle parish seat.
Even without the prestige of being the parish seat, the early 20th century brought many changes to the Town of Olla. Olla’s economy grew with the success of two large sawmills in the area – Urania Lumber Company
Henry E. Hardtner
Henry Ernest Hardtner was a Louisiana businessman and conservationist regarded as "the father of forestry in the South." He founded and named the town of Urania in La Salle Parish and served single terms as a Democrat in both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature...
to the south of Olla and Louisiana Central Lumber Company located to the north in Standard. Mr. G.W. McCartney purchased a dynamo to bring electric lights to Olla. Residences were also piped with natural gas. The town took another step forward when Mr. Sam Shamblin opened a silent movie house. The Community Talking Picture Company of Shreveport gave Olla its first talking movies, and later a more modern theater was erected.
Known for its excellent ground water, Olla was the site of the Olla Bottling Works. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Olla Bottling Works made and distributed numerous flavored carbonated beverages including NuGrape
NuGrape
NuGrape is a brand of grape-flavored soda pop. The NuGrape brand was invented in 1906, first bottled in 1921, and by April 1933, The National NuGrape Company was founded in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1922, licensing rights were sold to the Olla Bottling Works in Olla, Louisiana where it was made and...
Soda. The Olla Bottling Works was purchased by a firm in Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
and eventually merged with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
The Southern Baptist encampment and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Civilian Conservation Corps
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families, ages 18–25. A part of the New Deal of President Franklin D...
Camp activities also left their mark on Olla. Each year Baptist campers gathered for two weeks of religious instruction, preaching, and recreation. The CCC Camp occupied the same facilities the remainder of the year, and the area is still crossed with public and private roads built by the CCC. Olla is also the site of Camp Olla, an annual Pentecostal summer camp, retreat, and hurricane evacuation shelter.
In 1938, oil was discovered just outside Olla’s boundaries. This was a tremendous boost for the local economy because the large sawmills had begun to slow production. The Olla Oil Field brought a fresh influx of people and is large producer of light sweet crude and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
.
The Town of Olla currently serves as a regional hub for banking, commercial retail, and manufacturing and is heavily involved with the forestry and petroleum production industries.
Downtown Olla is a recognized Historic District
Historic district
A historic district or heritage district is a section of a city which contains older buildings considered valuable for historical or architectural reasons. In some countries, historic districts receive legal protection from development....
with many buildings being restored for commercial use. Olla is poised for great growth in the future with excellent infrastructure and local leadership that is dedicated to economic revitalization and diversity.
On November 23, 2004, a tornado
Tornado
A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as a twister or a cyclone, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology in a wider...
that reached F4 strength tore through parts of the town, destroying or damaging a large portion of the buildings, including LaSalle High School. Classes were held in an abandoned sportswear factory, known as Holloway Sportswear, until a new high school was constructed. In 2005, the town played host to many evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $11.3 billion in damage on the U.S. Gulf Coast in September 2005...
.
- The town’s mottoMottoA motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
is "Small Town, Big Heart" in reference to the hospitality and generosity of its citizens.
- The Town of Olla has two large parks with a paved walking trail, multiple baseball fields, public swimming pool, bowling alley, and a Recreation Center that is facilitated by the YMCAYMCAThe Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
.
Geography
Olla is located at 31°53′58"N 92°14′5"W (31.899443, -92.234774).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 5.4 square miles (12.9 km²), all land. It is situated exactly halfway (47 miles) (76 km), between Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
to the north and Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Alexandria is a city in and the parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the Alexandria metropolitan area which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant parishes....
to the south. Also to the south, the towns of Urania
Urania, Louisiana
Urania is a town in La Salle Parish, Louisiana in the United States. The population was 700 at the 2000 census.Urania was established in the late 1890s by lumbering magnate Henry E...
and Tullos
Tullos, Louisiana
Tullos is a town in La Salle and Winn parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana, along Castor Creek. The population was 419 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Tullos is located at and has an elevation of ....
lie four and seven miles, respectively. The town of Jena
Jena, Louisiana
Jena is a town in and the parish seat of La Salle Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,971 at the 2000 census.In September 2006, Jena became the focus of national news stories in the United States for a racial controversy involving its school system and a group of students known...
is 16 miles (26 km) to the southeast.
The town of Olla is served by the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
, and the recently completed four-lane U.S. Route 165
U.S. Route 165
U.S. Route 165 is a north–south United States highway spur of U.S. Highway 65. It currently runs for 412 miles from U.S. Route 90 in Iowa, Louisiana north to U.S. Highway 70 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The route passes through the states of Arkansas and Louisiana. It passes through the...
traverses north and south. Nearby U.S. Route 84
U.S. Route 84
U.S. Route 84 is an east–west United States highway. It started as a short Georgia-Alabama route in the original 1926 scheme, but now extends all the way to Colorado. The highway's eastern terminus is a short distance east of Midway, Georgia, at an intersection with I-95. The road continues...
and a number of state roads serve as east and west corridors.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 1,617 people, 587 households, and 407 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 413.9 inhabitants per square mile (160.0/km²). There were 681 housing units at an average density of 198.9 per square mile (76.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.06% White, 2.46% African American, 1.35% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.21% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.
There were 587 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.
The town’s motto is "Small Town, Big Heart" in reference to the hospitality and generosity of its citizens.
Education
The following schools operated by the La Salle Parish School BoardLa Salle Parish School Board
La Salle Parish School Board is a school district headquartered in Jena, Louisiana, United States, serving La Salle Parish. As of 2008 the superintendent of schools is Mr. Roy Breithaupt.The LaSalle Parish School District is divided into 10 wards....
serve the city:
- Olla-Standard Elementary School (Olla)
- La Salle Junior High School (Urania, Louisiana)
- La Salle High School (Olla)
Notable residents
- Dr. John CookseyJohn CookseyJohn Charles Cooksey, M.D. is an ophthalmologist who was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana from 1997 to 2003.-Early life:...
, US Congressman, Louisiana 5th Congressional DistrictLouisiana's 5th congressional districtLouisiana's 5th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The district covers most of the northeastern and central portions of the state and contains the cities of Monroe and Alexandria and stretches as far south as Iberville Parish in southern Louisiana.The... - Billy MastersBilly Masters (American football)William Joel Masters is a former professional American football tight end. He played in the American Football League for the Buffalo Bills and in the National Football League for the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs...
, Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
tight end - J. Reed WaltersJ. Reed WaltersJohn Reed Walters is a politician and an attorney from Louisiana.-Background:He attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He was admitted to the Bar in 1981.-Political career:...
, LaSalle Parish District Attorney - Kristy CurryKristy Curry-External links:*...
, Head Coach of Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketballTexas Tech Lady Raiders basketballThe Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team represents Texas Tech University and competes in the Big 12 Conference of NCAA Division I. The team is coached by Kristy Curry who is in her fourth season at the university.-History:... - Herman JohnsonHerman JohnsonHerman Johnson is an American football guard who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
, New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
offensive guard - Ronald Jackson Hays, AdmiralAdmiralAdmiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
United States NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, United States Naval AcademyUnited States Naval AcademyThe United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
Airport
Olla Municipal AirportRunways: 1, Land Area Covered By Airport: 55 acres, Ownership: Publicly owned, OllaUraniaTullosStandard Economic Development Board Facility Use: Open to public, Site Number: 07689.1*A, Location ID: L47, Region: Southwest, District Office: LNM, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF): 122.900 Hz, Aeronautical sectional chart: Houston, Tie-In FSS: No, Tie-In FSS ID: DRI, Tie-In FSS Name: De Ridder, Tie-In FSS Toll-Free Number: 1-800-WX-BRIEF, Elevation: 130 ft, Elevation determination method: Estimated, Air traffic control tower: No, Boundary ARTCC (FAA) computer ID: ZCH, Boundary ARTCC ID: ZHU, Boundary ARTCC Name: Houston, Airspace Determination: No Objection, NOTAM Service: Yes, NOTAM Facility ID: DRI, Last Inspection Date: 02/11/2010, Inspection Group: State aeronautical personnel, Inspection Method: State
External links
- Olla Progress Community Progress Site for Olla, LA
- http://www.townofolla.com Town of Olla
- http://www.culturalcenter.us Centennial Cultrual Center