Louisiana Loggers Hall of Fame

Nominations open for 2011 Loggers Hall of Fame

Nominations are open for the fourth annual Louisiana Loggers Hall of Fame induction, to be held in Dodson, Louisiana on Friday, September 16, 2011. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, August 15.

A form is published in the current of The Piney Woods Journal, and is also be available for download on the websites www.thepineywoods.com and www.thedodsontimes.com. The induction program will be at the Dodson High School auditorium, 204 S. Jones Street in Dodson, beginning at 7 p.m. The Loggers Hall of Fame was initiated by The Piney Woods Journal in 2007, to recognize the lifetime achievements of loggers in Louisiana. The first induction was held at the Louisiana Folk Life Festival at Northwestern State College in Natchitoches, and subsequent editions have been held at Dodson, the original home of The Piney Woods Journal, and also one of the earliest major logging and lumber manufacturing centers in North Louisiana during the early 20th century.

Judging for the Hall of Fame will be based on the nominee's career in logging, community service, and individual innovations and success in the timber industry. Nominations must be in writing, and may be accompanied by photographs of the nominee, including scenes in the work environment. Limit photographs submitted to no more than three. Pictures will be returned after use. Mail nomination forms to Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 190, Dodson LA 71422, or hand deliver to The Piney Woods Journal at 609 East Main in Winnfield.

Individuals or commercial firms wishing to participate in honoring the winners are asked to contact The Piney Woods Journal not later Friday, September 9 to be included in the program. Loggers recognized since the beginning are:

In 2007: J.L. Allen of Joyce; J.A. Auger of Farmerville; Glenn Futch of Winnfield; G.J. (Pie) Martinez of Zwolle; and Eugene Hubbard of Winnfield.

In 2009 (the 2008 induction was cancelled because of threatening weather on the announced date): Benjamin Frank Brown, of Dodson; Owen Durand Sr., of Pollock; Russell (Peck) Leavines of Gardner; J. Kermit Martin of Winn Parish; James Nutt of Grayson.

In 2010: Elmer Ewing of Beauregard parish; Obie and Tony Lavespere of Verda, Louisiana; A.T. (Bebee) Martinez of Zwolle; Travis Taylor of Goldonna; Robert (Jiggs) Sanders of Joyce; R.J. Jenkins of Robeline.

Seven inducted in Loggers Hall of Fame at Dodson September 17

Seven new members of the Louisiana Loggers Hall of Fame were inducted, on Friday, September 17, 2010 at a program in Dodson, it is announced by the sponsoring Piney Woods Journal. The six join ten others who were inducted in two prior ceremonies.

The induction was held. at the Dodson High School auditorium on Sixth Street in Dodson. An estimated 200 persons from the North Louisiana forestry and logging community attended, and were entertained by a concert by the Pine Ridge Quarter of Tioga prior to the presentation of awards. .

Hall of Fame members inducted are: Elmer Ewing, Sr., Boyce, Louisiana R.J. Jenkins, Robeline, Louisiana Tony and Obie Lavespere, Montgomery, Louisiana A.T. "Bebee" Martinez, Zwolle, Louisiana Travis Taylor, Goldonna, Louisiana Arvel "Jiggs" Sanders, Joyce, Louisiana.