By Greg Scott

The first wooden Town Hall was built on First Street in 1888, the same year Slidell was legally incorporated as a town. In 1907, a new brick building replaced the original wooden structure. This new hall housed the Mayor’s Office and the Marshal’s Office—complete with five jail cells. Today, that old Town Hall on First Street serves as the Slidell Museum. By the mid-20th century, the growing community needed more space. In 1954, Slidell constructed a new Town Hall on the site now occupied by the Slidell Auditorium. Continued growth led the Louisiana Legislature in 1964 to recognize Slidell’s transition from town to city. Consequently, the building across the street from the 1954 Town Hall became Slidell’s City Hall in 1973.

Prior to 1973, this building formed part of the Our Lady of Lourdes Church complex (c. 1890), which extended along Bouscaren Street between First and Second streets. Erected in 1932 as the Our Lady of Lourdes Parochial School, it served the community until the school relocated in 1962. The City of Slidell acquired the property—including the adjacent former nuns’ residence—in 1972. Renovations on the school building began in January 1973 and were completed on August 15 of that year. Since then, it has housed City Hall, with a portion of the ground floor dedicated to the Slidell Gallery, which presents a variety of art and cultural exhibitions each year.

The former nuns’ residence next to City Hall accommodated various municipal offices over the years but eventually fell into disrepair. By 2001, it was condemned and slated for demolition. Slidell City Council members and the civic organization Guardians of Slidell History (G.O.S.H.) rallied to save the building. Thanks to their efforts, this historic structure still stands, now used for special city presentations and as a repository for archival materials provided by G.O.S.H.

ABOUT THE SLIDELL HISTORY STROLL PROJECT:
The Slidell History Scroll is the Girl Scout Gold Award community service project of Sue Helen Ford. The project was inspired when her family participated in a walking history tour in Savannah, Georgia. Sue Helen is grateful for the support of her Girl Scout community, family, and friends, whose encouragement and hard work have brought this vision to life. Special thanks go to her 7th and 8th grade history teachers at Slidell Jr. High – Mr. Treadwell and Mrs. Caldwell – for igniting her passion for history.

The narratives featured throughout the Slidell History Stroll were researched and written by Greg Scott, Curator of the Slidell Museum.