Key Topics Covered:
- Industrial Growth: The review emphasizes Jefferson Parish’s significant industrial expansion, noting it as “the most highly industrialized section of the Deep South”. It details the presence of over eighty large-scale industries and the continuous influx of new manufacturing concerns.
- Specific Industries: The document provides an overview of various industries located within the parish, including:
- Manufacturing (e.g., Celotex Corporation, Johns-Manville Products Corporation, Kieckhefer Container Company)
- Oil and petroleum (e.g., Delta Petroleum Corporation, Cities Service Oil Co.)
- Lumber and wood products (e.g., Freiberg Mahogany Company, Airline Lumber & Supply Co.)
- Food and beverage (e.g., Borden Company, Penick & Ford, Swift & Co.)
- Shipbuilding and marine services (e.g., Avondale Marine Ways)
- Infrastructure and Development: The review also discusses the importance of infrastructure, particularly transportation and the development of waterways like the Harvey Canal, in supporting the parish’s industrial activities.
- Agriculture and Natural Resources: Beyond industry, the review touches on agriculture, fishing, and trapping, highlighting the parish’s diverse economic base. It acknowledges the challenge of balancing industrial growth with the preservation of natural resources.
- Local Government and Officials: The document includes a listing of Jefferson Parish’s Police Jury members and officers, as well as other federal, state, and district officials.
- Community Development: The review acknowledges the growth and progress of towns within the parish, such as Gretna, Westwego, Kenner, and Harahan, and discusses the challenges in areas like housing and education.
Overall, the 1949 Jefferson Parish Yearly Review portrays a parish experiencing significant industrial growth and economic diversification. It emphasizes the area’s strategic location, access to resources, and the efforts to modernize and expand infrastructure.