The community and its leaders recognized a well-known individual during a dedication ceremony at Camp Minden Wednesday.

The main administrative building at Camp Minden will now be known as Bolin Hall.

During the to-capacity event, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Louisiana Adjutant General dedicated the structure to the late Major James E. Bolin, Sr.

“By doing so (naming the building Bolin Hall) we pay respect to a veteran who sacrificed much,” Landreneau said.
Bolin, a World War II veteran and local figure, served as judge of the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court.

The Webster Parish native also served as a Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Reportedly, during the mid 1970s U.S. Representative Joseph David “Joe D.” Waggonner, Jr., of Plain Dealing urged then-President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., to nominate Bolin to the United States Supreme Court, claiming Bolin exhibited a high level of judicial excellence.

Although Bolin was not tagged for the position in 1975, today his works in other capacities appear to remain fresh on the minds of family and friends alike.

Bolin’s children, Beth Bolin Falk, James E. Bolin, Jr. and Judge Bruce Bolin were all present during the dedication program. The Bolin family expressed their notes of gratitude following the unveiling of the dedication plaque and the portrait of Major James Bolin, Sr., which will hang in the hall.

“We are very humble and honored,” Bruce Bolin said. “This is not something our family went out and pushed, but people that thought highly of my dad. That is what really made us feel so good.”

The Webster Parish Police Jury, a number of local elected officials, the community and the Louisiana Army National Guard all played a role in the naming of the building.

During the ceremony, James Bolin, Jr. shared memories of his father, including segments of a letter based around Bolin, Sr. being asked to teach a Sunday School class some years ago.

“I know where his commitment came from,” James Jr. said after reading a portion of the letter.

According to Bolin, in Sr.’s letter he made a promise to God while serving in the Army during World War II.

“I promised I would always speak of God whenever asked,” the letter stated. “ I have never broken that promise.”

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