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Key Contents:

  • Introduction:
    • The review is the 30th annual installment in a series documenting Jefferson Parish’s progress. 
    • Jefferson Parish is described as straddling the Mississippi River and being an integral part of the Port of New Orleans. 
    • The parish is noted for its 27 miles of riverfront, over 250 industrial plants, and its position as the second most important seaport in the nation. 
    • It also highlights the presence of three major bridges, including the Huey P. Long Bridge and the Lake Pontchartrain Bridge. 
    • The review emphasizes the significance of the Mississippi River Bridge becoming toll-free in April 1964, which significantly increased traffic flow. 
    • Jefferson Parish is characterized as a 99% industrial area with various modes of transportation, including the New Orleans International Airport. 
    • Paradoxically, it also offers recreational opportunities such as deep-sea fishing and Grand Isle’s saltwater beach. 
    • The parish is undertaking a large public works program involving expressways, sewerage systems, water supply improvements, schools, shopping centers, and housing developments. 
    • The review points out Jefferson’s potential to attract manufacturers for the Space Age, due to its strategic location and proximity to the Saturn Missile Program. 
  • Government and Parish Report:
    • Includes a resume of the past year’s progress and future plans by Parish President Thomas F. Donelon and the Parish Council. 
  • Economic Development:
    • Features a section on “The Dynamic Growth of Jefferson,” produced by the Chamber of Commerce of the New Orleans Area. 
    • Discusses the growth of Jefferson Parish. 
  • Community and Services:
    • Contains a report on Jefferson Schools by G. Robert Murphy, President of the Jefferson Parish School Board, and Paul J. Solis, Superintendent of Schools. 
    • Details reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of Court’s Office, Coroner’s Office, and Assessor’s Office. 
    • Features pictorial section called “Tranquil Jefferson” with photographs by Eugene Delcroix. 
  • Municipal Reports:
    • Includes reports on individual cities within Jefferson Parish:
      • Gretna by Mayor William J. White. 
      • Grand Isle by Mayor Michael A. Harris. 
      • Kenner by Mayor Edward J. D’Gerolamo. 
      • Harahan by Acting Mayor Roy Geoghegan. 
      • Westwego by Mayor R. C. Keller. 
  • Additional Information:
    • Provides directories of state, federal, parish, and district officials, as well as court and school officials. 
    • Includes indexes to photography, art, credits, and advertisers. 

Overall, the 1964 Jefferson Parish Yearly Review portrays a parish experiencing significant industrial, commercial, and residential expansion, with ongoing development in infrastructure, education, and community services.