By Van Reech

The Desoto Parish Historical Society met at the Mansfield Female College Museum in Mansfield on Sunday, June 26, at 2:00 pm.  Their quarterly meeting’s speaker was Leonard Gresens, an Investment Counselor from Shreveport, who is also an avid Token Collector. 

Leonard started as a coin collector when he was a boy but became interested in tokens when he realized what a specialized and rare hobby it was.  In his slide presentation he had photographs of many DeSoto Parish tokens from lumber mills, grocery stores, and … saloons.  Before the Great Depression many establishments issued tokens as change or pay.  Although a good way to circumvent taxes they were also an excellent way to encourage returning customers.

If you are interested in token collecting or just want to see if those you have a valuable contact Mr. Gresens email leonard.gresens@gmail.com.  If you are interested in joining the Historical Society call George Gilmer at 318-925-6682.

---