Bartholomew was the first post office in the the Collins area. The next one was named Cut Off. The latter ones have been named Collins. However, there were two named Cut Off. After the one in the area began to be called Collins, there was another one named Cut Off north of the area named Collins today. That Cut Off was in the Florence Community's vicinity. No two post offices can be the same name in a state at the same time.

Reece Bowden and his brother-in-law, Stephen Gaster, were the first documented white men in Drew County in the 1830's, and both were post masters @ Bartholowmew. I think that both (definitely one) operated a ferry across the bayou. Ive been told by Bobby Gilliam from Shreveport, LA, that the children from Enon School used to go to Collins for a picnic at the old Civil War campground. Perhaps, this could have been the area. It would have had water and a place for large numbers if it were a campground. I just don't know exactly where in Collins this was. It's a good ways from Monticello, too. (Because Reese B owden would have been well-known, some may have referred to the area around Collins as Bowden back in the day.)

The Old C0llins - Dermott Rd. forks off Hwy. 35 just before one gets to the fairgrounds if one is coming from Dermott. This road comes out on Shelton Street. Take a left, and it T stops at the Old Troy Rd. Take a right, and one comes out on Midway Rt. right beside the old settlement of Rough and Ready. Also, cross on across Midway Rt., and get on the State School Rd., and one comes out on 425 S. at the College. This would likely be the old road about which some of you speak. (at least the end before getting to Monticello.)

I don't know if any of this is helpful, but I hope so.