Collection:LSA

Copyright Holder: Louisiana State Archives

Date Issued:

Duration:

Subjects: O SHEE, RICHARD | JOHNSON, LEA | NOE, JAMES (GOVERNOR) | CHENEYVILLE, LOUISIANA | LEAS PIES | LONG, HUEY (GOVERNOR) | BENTLEY | ALLEN, OSCAR K. (GOVERNOR) | DAVIS, JIMMIE (GOVERNOR) | MCKEITHEN, JOHN (GOVERNOR) | JONES, SAM (GOVERNOR)

Contributors:

• Jackson Jr., Sailor Photographer
• Jackson Jr., Sailor Interviewer
• Johnson, Lea Interviewee

Oral history with Lea Johnson, founder of Lea's Lunchroom in Lacompte. Conducted on May 22, 1995. In this interview, Johnson discusses his early life, opening his restaurant, stories and thoughts on past governors like Huey Long and James Noe. Johnson opened Lea's Lunchroom in 1951 and it became so popular he had to double the size of the building. The restaurant served people from all walks of life, including every Governor of Louisiana since John Parker (1920-1924). His recipes for pies became famous, granting Johnson an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in 1989. Lea Johnson passed away in 1994. Lea's Lunchroom is still open today and includes a location in Monroe run by Lea Johnson's grandson, Toby Traylor.