Elvis Presley Performs at Independence Park

The community of Gonzales came together for a beautification project, planting additional crepe myrtles throughout the city. In August, Gonzales National Bank received its National Bank Charter and opened in a new building located on the west side of the 600 block of St. Paul Street. Polio shots were scheduled for August 11 for first and second grade students who had received their first shot last spring. The second shot was to be administered at either North Avenue Elementary or Central Ward Elementary with school buses used to pick up children for immunization. On August 26, Elvis Presley gave a performance at Independence Park as part of Louisiana Hayride. Later, on August 31, Randall Hardware and Home Furnishings Store opened on the west side of Confederate Square. Frank Wilson, Jr. and Lawrence Walshak announced their acquisition of controlling interest in the radio station KCNY, San Marcos on September 3. The construction of new homes began on September 6, with R.F. Tabor’s new home at 1404 St. Vincent Street, Ben Salinas’ at 622 Water Street, and B.B. Hindman’s at 105 St. Paul Street. On September 8, Principal LeRoy Perryman announced that enrollment at the Negro schools remained practically unchanged from the previous year, with 476 students between Edwards and Riverside School. Finally, Gonzales was recognized as one of the top ten cattle areas in the state by Cattleman magazine.