flown over Natchitoches. Historic Natchitoches May 2015...

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FRANCE 1714-1763 SPAIN 1763-1801 UNITED STATES 1960-PRESENT CONFEDERATE STATES 1861-65 UNITED STATES 1803-61 FRANCE 1801-1803 STATE FLAG OF LOUISIANA CITY OF NATCHITOCHES H H istoric istoric N N atchitoches atchitoches ® 300 years of flags that have flown over Natchitoches. May 2015 National Park to Host Sixth Annual Cane River Music Festival INSIDE FLEUR DE LIS CRAFT SHOW DARK WOODS HAUNTED PARK OLD DARKY STATUE TOUR MAPS DRIVING WALKING NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY TOUR STEEL MAGNOLIAS TOUR A Free Guide to Leisure and Attractions in Natchitoches, Louisiana Courtesy of The Natchitoches Times H H istoric istoric N N atchitoches atchitoches Louisiana Louisiana

Transcript of flown over Natchitoches. Historic Natchitoches May 2015...

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FRANCE 1714-1763

SPAIN 1763-1801

UNITED STATES 1960-PRESENT

CONFEDERATE STATES 1861-65

UNITED STATES 1803-61

FRANCE 1801-1803

STATE FLAG OF LOUISIANA

CITY OF NATCHITOCHES

HHistoricistoric NNatchitochesatchitoches ®®300 years of flags that haveflown over Natchitoches.

May 2015

National Park to HostSixth Annual Cane RiverMusic Festival

INSIDEFLEUR DE LIS CRAFT SHOW

DARK WOODS HAUNTED PARKOLD DARKY STATUE

TOUR MAPS DRIVING

WALKINGNORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY TOUR

STEEL MAGNOLIAS TOUR

A Free Guide to Leisure and Attractions in Natchitoches, Louisiana

Courtesy of The Natchitoches Times

HHistoricistoric NNatchitochesatchitochesLouisianaLouisiana

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Entering downtown his-toric Natchitoches, visitorsfeel transported to anotherera.

Traveling along bumpybrick roads reminiscent ofpre-asphalt travel, younotice ornate ironwork onthe bridges and shops,horse-drawn carriagesaround the historic districtand locals who smile and

greet you with a friendlywave. Welcome toNatchitoches.

Founded in 1714 by LouisJuchereau de St. Denis, thecity of Natchitoches wasoriginally established as aFrench outpost on the RedRiver to facilitate tradewith the Spanish in Mexico.

The fort, which was to bediscovered, was built some-where along the west bankof the Red River near a vil-lage of NatchitochesIndians, a Native Americangroup whose tribal namemeans “Chinquapin-eaters.”

At the time of the estab-lishment of St. Denis’ fort,navigation of the Red Riverwas prohibited by a mas-sive log jam that was bro-ken up during a flood in the1830s.

Thus, the Red Riverchanged its course, leavinga 36-mile-long oxbow lakecalled Cane River that runsthrough the downtown

National LandmarkDistrict.

Once a bustling riverportand crossroads,Natchitoches gave rise tovast cotton kingdoms alongthe river. Affluent plantersnot only owned charmingcountry plantations, butkept elegant houses intown.

The Red River’s abandon-ment of Natchitoches iso-lated the community, pre-serving its historic build-ings and the deeply-ingrained traditions of itsresidents along the CaneRiver.

With its French, Spanish,Native American, Africanand Anglo-Saxon influ-ences, Natchitoches main-tains a colorful palette ofethnic tradition, hospitali-ty and pride in the past thatresidents share with visi-tors.

Photo Credit: Mark BillsPhotography

Page 2 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

Ins ide . . .Ins ide . . .

For more information on local history and events contact:Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission

781 Front Street; Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-8072 or 1-800-259-1714

Web site: www.natchitoches.net

‘Historic Natchitoches’ is a monthly publication of The Natchitoches Times

To advertise in this publication contact The Natchitoches Times

P.O. Box 448Natchitoches, LA 71458

On the CoverNational Par k to host Cane River Music Festival.Photo on fr ont cover is of Goldman Thibodeauxand the Lawtel l Playboys. Photo by Cane RiverNational Her itage Ar ea

Welcome to Natchitoches:Enjoy your stay in our historic town

but don’t forget our ... Red Beans & Rice with Sausage Southern Fried Catfish Platters

and for dessert our Cane River Cream Pie

Open Mon-Sat 7am-3pm for Breakfast & Lunch

Open later on Saturdays for NSU and City Events Meat Pie Restaurant

A Natchitoches Tradition Come join us and choose from our unique menu featuring a blend of Soulful Louisiana Creole Flavors.

622 Second Street • Natchitoches, LA • 352-3353

We’re famous for our award winning MEAT PIES and CRAWFISH PIES

Cane River Music Festival.........................................................Page 3

History of Front Street Bricks.........................................................Page 4

Fleur De Lis Craft Show.........................................................Page 5

Dark Woods Scream Park.........................................................Page 6

Maps, Walking Tours, NSU Tourand Cane River Tour...................................................Pages 7-10

The Good Darky.......................................................Page 11

Conservation of Creole Patriarch Tomb.......................................................Page 12

Creole History Museum.......................................................Page 14

Spring/Summer Events.......................................................Page 16

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May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 3

The Cane River regionhas a rich tradition of livemusical performance. Thecommunity was once hometo numerous juke jointsand dance halls, wherefarmworkers could enjoyan evening of live Creolemusic, blues, jazz or earlyrock and roll. In honor ofthis tradition Cane RiverCreole National HistoricalPark will be hosting the 6thAnnual Cane River MusicFestival at OaklandPlantation on May 9. This

event is free to the public. This year’s lineup

promises to be the best yet.Among this year’s perform-ers include blues harmoni-ca/guitar player Ed Huey.Ed performs and teachesAmerican Roots Music spe-cializing in early Blues gui-tar and harmonica styles.His highly interactive setsinclude Work Songs, FieldHollers, Hambone,Piedmont Blues, DeltaBlues, Jug Band, Hokum,and Railroad Songs.

For the third year in arow the event will featurethe locally renowned LaCour Trio. The La Coursare sure to get the crowdmoving with their ener-getic blend of zydeco, jazz,and funk.

Goldman Thibodeauxand the Lawtell Playboyswill be returning for their6th appearance.Thibodeaux has recentlybeen recognized byNorthwestern StateUniversity as a Master FolkArtist and in 2012 hereceived a Creole Heritageaward recognizing his com-mitment to the Creole cul-ture and staying true to thetraditional la-la musicassociated with theCreoles.

Grammy nominated gui-

tarist Buddy Flett will alsobe back. Flett has animpeccable resume havingplayed with the likes ofHubert Sumlin and KennyWayne Shepherd.

For the first time, theevent will feature CedricWatson & the MadMinstrels. One of thebrightest young talents toemerge in Cajun, Creoleand Zydeco (LouisianaFrench) music over the lastdecade, Cedric Watson is afour-time Grammy-nomi-nated fiddler, singer, accor-dionist & songwriter withseemingly unlimited poten-tial.

This line-up is subject tochange, and there may besome surprise guests. Thiswill also be the first yearwith a food vendor. Janet

LaCour will be on handproviding meat pies, sand-wiches, drinks, and othergreat stuff.

The festival begins at11am. Visitors are encour-aged to bring foldingchairs, picnic lunches, andumbrellas. OaklandPlantation is located at 4386Hwy 494, Natchez La 71456.To reach OaklandPlantation, take I-49 to Exit127, Flora/Cypress. Headeast on LA Highway 120toward Cypress. Cross overLA Highway 1 onto LAHighway 494. The parkinglot and entrance pavilionfor Oakland is 4.5 mileseast of Highway 1 on theleft. Parking is limited soplease car pool. For moreinformation call 318 356-8441.

National Park to Host

6th Annual Cane River

Music Festival

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The original FrenchColony in Louisiana,Natchitoches has evolvedfrom an important 18th-century trading post into avibrant cultural and his-torical center, reflecting aunique blend of French,Spanish, American Indian,Creole, and American tra-ditions. The 33-blockNatchitoches NationalHistoric District encom-passes many of the placesthat played a central rolein the formation of thisdistinctive cultural char-acter for which Cane RiverNational Heritage Area isknown. At the heart of theDistrict lies Front Street.

Growth of the down-town district steadily con-tinued through the 19th-century. New hotels, bars,lumberyards, and generalstores began to spring up,with the area assuming itsunique appearance andstatus as a commercialcenter by the Civil War. Inthe early 20th-century, the

district gained a modernfeel with the addition ofbrick roadways, streetlights, a landscaped riverbank, modernized store-fronts, and gas stations.Development and growthdriven by increasedtourism in the 21st-centu-ry has transformed FrontStreet into the colorfulblend of new and old tradi-tions that visitors and res-idents enjoy today.

Many agencies and orga-nizations formed over theyears to preserve the his-torical and cultural char-acter of the downtown dis-trict. Front Street, itself,has undergone severalpreservation and beautifi-cation projects, with themost well known datingback to 1958 when themembers of the newly-formed Association for thePreservation of HistoricNatchitoches stoppedplans to blacktop thebricked street by literally

laying down in front ofmachinery.

The Association ofNatchitoches Women forthe Preservation ofHistoric Natchitoches wasfounded in 1941 in aneffort to protect andrestore Lemee House, ahistoric site located indowntown Natchitoches,from being sold by the cityto a developer. The womenof ANWPHN leased thestructure from the city fora period of 99 years withthe understanding that theorganization wouldrestore and maintain thehome. From that point,Lemee House became theheadquarters of the firstformal preservation orga-nization.

The women of ANW-PHN mobilized when thestate attempted to removethe beautiful downtownbrick street and replace itwith modern asphalt. Inprotest, the ladies impededthe movement of the bull-dozers sent to tear up thehistoric bricks.

APHN memberMargaret Ellen Suttongave a little backgroundinto the famous event. Asshe tells it, the state work-ers had orders to remove

the bricks and arrived tofind the APHN membersin their “costumes.” Theypromptly called Gov. EarlLong’s office. He reported-ly said he had enoughsense not to “fool with abunch of hystericalwomen.” Then the workerspacked up and went home.

In 2008, the City ofNatchitoches undertook arenovation project toimprove utilities, handi-capped accessibility, androadway safety. While per-

forming work on the his-toric brick roadway,archaeologists uneartheda variety of artifacts dat-ing back to the 18th-centu-ry and Natchitoches’ colo-nial roots, proving thathistory is integral to life indowntown Natchitoches.

Images courtesy of:Northwestern StateUniversity of Louisiana,Watson Memorial Library,Cammie G. Henry ResearchCenter, Luke Frederick, andthe City of Natchitoches

Page 4 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

• Recognized in 2007 as a Preserve America Presidential Award Winner

• Listed as one of the Ten Bargain Retirement Spots by U S News & World Report

• Named as a 2006 Great American Main Street Award Winner by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

• N amed as one of the 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destination in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

www.natchitochesla.gov

History of Front Street Bricks

Downtown Natchitoches in the early 20th century

Archaeologists sifting through artifacts discovered underneathFront Street’s old brick roadway surface during a renovationproject in 2008. Each brick was cleaned and reinserted to forma smoother surface that local residents and visitors will enjoyfor years to come.

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May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 5

The Natchitoches meatpie is a regional dishwhose ingredients includeground beef, ground pork,onions, peppers, garlic, oil,and a pie shell.

Natchitoches meat piesare often fried in peanut oilbecause of the oil’s highsmoking temperature.

A number of restau-rants in the historic dis-trict in Natchitoches servemeat pies, and frozen piesare available from grocersin northern Louisiana.

It has a savory meat fill-ing in a crescent-shaped,flaky wheat pastryturnover. It is similar to aSpanish picadillo beefempanada. Varieties arethroughout the colonies ofthe Spanish Empire.

This meat pie is not gen-erally available from otherethnic regions ofLouisiana “ThePicayune’s Creole CookBook” published 1901 byThe Times Picayune ofNew Orleans containsnothing comparable toNatchitoches meat pies inits list of over a thousandrecipes.

Recently, Natchitochesmeat pies sold at foodbooths have become popu-lar at the New Orleans Jazz

& HeritageFestival.

T h erecipe hase v o l v e dover the last300 years.G r o u n dpork orp o r ksausage isnow blend-ed into theground beeffor addi-tional fla-vor.

Onions, bell pepper andwhen used garlic and pars-ley provide aromatics.Ground black pepper andcayenne pepper are addedto get attention withoutbeing uncomfortable.

Flour is added tobrowned meat and veg-etable mixture to dry,thicken and loosely bindthe filling.

The meat filling can beused in other foods (e.g.tacos, tamales, enchiladas,stuffed bell peppers) butthe turnover crust is adefining element.

Traditional size isapproximately 4 ounce (byweight) on 5”- 6” diameterpastry dough.

The filling should be

made the day before toallow flavors of the ingre-dients to meld.

Filling, dough and tools

should be chilled beforeassembly. Warm filling willcause the dough to disinte-grate.

In the first part of the20th century, meat pieswere sold from homekitchens or from carts bystreet vendors.

By 1967, Natchitochesmeat pies were produced incommercial kitchens. Now,they may be orderedonline. This progressionhas allowed more people toexperience the memorablemeat pies and their famecontinues to grow.

The Meat Pie Festival,held in September, cele-brates the Natchitochesmeat pie.

The festival draws visi-tors from around the globeto sample the tasty pies.

Meat Pie is tasty treat identified with Natchitoches

EXIT 138 of I-49

318-354-0010

• Award Winning Property • Newly Renovated • FREE Hot “On The House” Breakfast • FREE High Speed Internet Access • FREE Local Calls • FREE H BO & Expanded Channels • Pay-Per-View Movies & Video Games • In-Room Coffee Makers & Hair Dryers • FREE In-Room Microwave Available • FREE In-Room Fridge Available • Outdoor Pool & Fitness Center • Guest Elevator & Conference Room

1-800-HAMPTON (426-7866)

www.hamptoninn.com/hi/natchitoches

The Fleur de LisMemorial Day WeekendCraft Show will be at theNatchitoches EventsCenter Saturday, May 23from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.Over 100 vendors fromfour states will be rep-resented. Admissionis free and free park-ing is available.

A wide variety ofh a n d -c r a f t -e ditemsw i l lb ea v a i l -able includinghome and gar-den decor, per-sonal acces-sories, handmade fooditems, and arts andcrafts. All items areunique and handcrafted.

No imports, resale, orcommercial items areallowed. Among the itemsfeatured will be jewelry,

toys, children’s cloth-ing, wreaths and

arrangements, artprints, birdhouses,

garden items andquilts.

Other itemsfor sale

w i l lb e

p h o -to g raphy,k n i t t e d

a n de m b r o i d e r e d

items, jellies, pick-les, religious items,

vineyard items, stained

glass, soaps and bodylotions, and cork items.According to CherylGianforte, show chair andvendor, “Many of our ven-

dors are loyal returnees,but we do have severalnew vendors who havefresh and exciting craftsto offer to our show. Our

customers can attest tothe high quality and vari-ety of goods at all of ourshows. Fleur de Lis pridesitself as a show that will

only accept handcrafteditems and we are proud towelcome our 30 new ven-dors this year. If you arefrom out of town, make it

a day in Natchitoches byvisiting the show, eatingat one of our local restau-rants, and strolling downour lovely Front Street.”

For information, con-tact Cheryl Gianforte at318-352-6068 or [email protected].

Fleur De Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show

“Fleur de Lis prides itself asa show that will only accept

handcrafted items”-Cheryl Gianforte, show chair

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While Jason and MardySummerlin hope to developa “fear of the dark” resi-dents of Natchitoches werescared for other reasons.Residents voiced theiropposition to theSummerlin’s Dark WoodsScream Park development,opening Oct. 2, at a ParishPlanning and Zoning pub-lic hearing April 6.

While the Summerlinsattended the meeting torezone their location into a24-hour designation, somepeople voiced concernsover decreasing propertyvalue, noise levels and thenature of a “horror” attrac-tion. Jason Summerlin’sresponse was simple, “Thisis not horror. This is makebelieve. Horror is what yousee in the news; the stuff inthe real world. Our attrac-tion is safe and it’s enter-tainment. It’s an opportuni-ty for people to be scaredwithout fearing for theirlives.”

Mardy Summerlinadded, “It’s the kind of fearpeople can giggle aboutafterward.”

Showing support for theSummerlin’s businessendeavor, Dr. Kay Knottsattended the public hear-ing. “I always haveteenagers at my house andnoise becomes a part oflife. There’s not a lot for

kids to do in Natchitoches.If you don’t like the parkthen you don’t have to gothrough it. We should belooking at it as a chance formore people to discover ourtown. The people who areobjecting to this attractionhave a whole lot of the fearof the unknown.”

The Dark Woods ScreamPark will help Parish resi-dents and tourists “fear thedark.” Operating seasonal-ly, the park will be open inOctober in honor ofHalloween, and inDecember for a“Natchitoches style”Christmas lighted walkingtour.

The Summerlins startedlooking for a piece of landon which to build theirdream haunted houseattraction three years ago.Stumbling onto an almost17 acre tract of land onUniversity Parkway, nearInterstate 49, theSummerlins bought itbefore it went on the mar-ket. With a love for allthings spooky and creepy,Jason Summerlin says,“We’re here to scare you.”

The couple traveled toconventions and tradeshows, even antiquing foritems, to bolster their arse-nal of monsters and propsfor their first Halloweenseason.

Mardy Summerlinearned a degree in speechand theatre from MissouriState University and theSummerlin family enjoysentertaining, live theatreand performance art. “Welike to make peoplescream,” the couple agrees.

In their first year, theyplan to open the park withan outdoor haunted trail,winding for a quarter milethrough the woods. Theywill continue working onthe park’s infrastructureincluding roads, drainage,parking, lighting and more.Bigger attractions are inthe works and the couplehopes to continue thepark’s expansion in comingyears.

Attractions will growand change year to year,with the goal being to addnew attractions. TheSummerlins traveled as faras Buffalo, NY to ensurethat no one else inLouisiana will have thesame experience. Theyreached out to Special FXcompanies in Baton Rouge,

Los Angeles, Phoenix andBaltimore for custom cos-tume and set pieces.

“This year will be fun,”said Jason Summerlin.“Next year will be evenmore fun.”

The attractions will cen-ter on mythology, folkloreand boogeymen. Some real,some imagined. There willbe no age limit for entranceinto the park.

The park will be themedas a turn-of-the-century orDepression era loggingtown, complete with a 128-foot long, 8-foot wide bridgeto take guests from the

courtyard ticketing area, tothe darker side of thewoods. There will be aSpecial FX fog delivery sys-tem to ensure consistentlow-lying fog during tours,creating the perfect ghostlyatmosphere to give guestschills. The Summerlinshave designed and builteach piece of the parkthemselves, maintainingthe integrity of the proper-ty while developing it.

“There’s no ‘chickendoor’ here,” said Jasonlaughing. “Once you’re in,you’re in.”

Page 6 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

Life’s Great At Super 8Free Continental BreakfastHBO, Color TV with Remote CntrolRefrigerators/Microwaves Available42 Rooms/Deluxe Suites available! - Parking For 18Wheelers/Large RV’s Located Five Minutes FromNSU, Ten Minutes From Historical District

Close to Several Fine Dining Establishments (Mariners, Pirogue’s)Major Credit Cards Accepted, AAA, AARP, VIP Discounts Welcomed!

Located Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA

Call (318) 352-1700 or Toll Free 1-800-800-8000 For Reservations

Nobody knowsNatchitoches better!

Visit our website:www.collinsandstamey.com

Collins & StameyR E A L E S T A T E304 College Ave. • 357-1262

Dark Woods Scream Park coming to Natchitoches in October

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May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 7

Formerly the resi-dence for 10N o r t h w e s t e r n

presidents, theOld President’sCottage was reno-

vated for theA l u m n iCenter in 1984.Built in 1927 ofF r e n c hN o r m a n d yarchitecture,the buildinghas been desig-nated a nation-al landmark.

The historical signifi-cance of Cane RiverCountry is undisput-ed. Because of thisheritage, the federalgovernment chose

Natchitoches as thesite for the NationalCenter forP r e s e r v a t i o nTechnology andTraining. The OldW o m e n ’ sGymnasium, NelsonHall, has beenrestored for the per-manent headquartersof the center.

Northwestern State hasbeen dedicated to prepar-

ing teachers for careers ineducation since its found-ing in 1884. One symbol ofthat legacy is the one-roomschoolhouse, which wasthe St. Nichols School,which was established insouth Natchitoches Parishin 1906. The school was inuse until 1924 and wasdonated to NSU in 1981.

The archives ofWatson Libraryand theW i l l i a m s o nMuseum inKyser Hall exhib-

it historical hold-ings from thelocal and region-al culture.C o n t r i bu t i o n sfrom citizens andhistorians repre-sent archaeologi-cal resources ofIndian and ante-bellum influ-ences.

NSU Demonsplay SouthlandConference foot-ball at TurpinStadium.

The Wellness,R e c r e a t i o nand ActivityCenter is locat-ed in the heartof theNorthwester nState campusand providesmore than10,000 square feet ofspace with weightand cardio machines,basketball courts,

racquetball courts, anarea for aerobics, ajogging track andmore.

Northwestern StateUniversity has beenan important part ofthe Natchitoches com-munity since it wasestablished in 1884.Three columns of theBullard Mansion thatoriginally stood on thegrounds, serve as theunofficial symbol of theuniversity.

Northwestern’s students and facultyshare diverse talents in drama andart with the community.

The Hanchey Gallery oftenexhibits the best works of itsfaculty and students.

Northwestern State University Tour

Chaplin Lake furtherenhances the historiccampus that servesmore than 9,000 stu-dents.

The A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Center regularly featuresperformances by the Natchitoches/NorthwesternSymphony Orchestra and theatre department.

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Page 8 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

MELROSE PLANTATION, 1796, is aNational Historic Landmark. Thecomplex includes the Big House,African and Yucca houses, weavingcabin and original home of primitivefolk artist Clementine Hunter. Theplantation is rich in history. and cul-ture that began with Marie ThereseCoincoin, an owner who was a freedwoman of color. The cultural high-

lights of the site were furthered during the Henry years as Miss Cammieprovided living quarters for writers. Clementine Hunter, renowned folkartist, painted here while employed as a domestic servant. Her muralsadorn the walls of the African House and her work is displayed in a gallerywithin the Big House. Melrose serves as the annual location for the MelroseArts and Crafts Festival in July. Tours are available daily.

OAKLAWNPLANTATION ,1830, is therestored home of“Steel Magnolias”author RobertHarling. Thisbousillage, three-story structuredisplays Creolearchitecture common to Cane River Country. The 680-foot oak avenue is the third longest in the state.

CHEROKEE PLANTATION, 1839, is list-ed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces and was the site of the famousBossier-Gaiennie duel, that was fought onthe savannah at the rear of Cherokee.This restored raised cottage is an impor-tant Creole structure and is often featuredduring the annual NatchitochesPilgrimage in May.

BEAU FORTP L A N TAT I O N ,1790, was built onthe former site ofFort Charles. It isan early Creole-style home and fea-tures an 84-footgallery and coveredrear patio. Many

special occasions are conducted at Beau Fort.

OAKLAND PLANTATION, 1821, now partof the Cane River Creole National HistoricPark contains the finest examples ofCreole architecture. The first cotton in thestate was planted on this plantation.

THE BADIN-ROQUE HOUSE isone of five structures of its typeremaining in the United Statesand the only one of its kind inLouisiana. Badin-Roque is listedon the National Register for his-toric places and has been nomi-nated for National Landmarkstatus. It is owned and main-tained by the St. AugustineHistorical Society.

THE ST. AUGUSTINECATHOLIC CHURCH is locatedat Isle Brevelle and was foundedand built by Augustine Metoyerand his brother Louis Metoyer in1803. St. Augustine Church is thefirst church in America estab-lished and maintained by free peo-ple of color. In 1829, when it wasblessed as a mission, it was giventhe name St. Augustine in honor

of St. Augustine. It was blessed as a church parish in 1856,and at that time, had four missions attached to it: St. Anns onOld River, St. Joseph at Bayou Derbonne, St. Anns, SpanishLake and St. Charles, Bermuda. The church was used as afilm site for Steel Magnolias.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION,1830s, is one of only twoNational Bicentennial Farmswest of the Mississippi. Exceptfor the Big House, the complexis now part of the Cane RiverCreole National Historic Park.The original walls and founda-tion were reused after beingburned by General Banks in

1864. The two and one-half story structure has 27 rooms, including aCatholic chapel. The only cotton press still in its original location ishere along with the only row of brick slave quarters still standing inLouisiana. The plantation is closed to the public.

Auto Tour of the

Cane River

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May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 9

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The Historic DistrictWALKING TOUR

1. Natchitoches Visitor’s Center780 Front Street 352-8072 Monday-Saturday 9-5p.m.2. Bust of St. Denis Located on the riverside of the Front Street Circle the bust is made of bronze. Larry Crowder, of Fort Worth TX, created the sculpture. Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis founded Natchitoches in 1714.3. Roque House Located on Natchitoches Downtown Riverbank the house was originally built around the time of the Lou-

architecture. 4. Beau Jardin Located on the Downtown Riverbank Beau Jardin is the city of Natchitoches’ newly created garden and water feature. It features a winding brick staircase that leads to a series of stone landings surrounded by ironwork & brick walls. A popular wedding or reception spot.5. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum 800 Front Street•357-2492 This museum celebrates the athletes, artists, writers, entrepreneurs and human rights leaders who embodied northwest Louisiana’s resilient spirit.6. Bricks of Front StreetLocated all along Front Street. During the administration of former Gov. Earl Long members of the Association for the Preservation of historical Natchitoches laid over the bricks to save them.

758 Front Street 352-2525Located in the oldest town in the Louisiana Purchase this store is the oldest continuously operated hardware store in Louisiana. Features hardware, housewares, cookware and kitchen supplies, classic toys and gifts.8. Spiral Staircase701 Front Street Located behind the Prudhomme building the famous spiral staircase was built in 1853 in Bordeaux, France and shipped to Natchitoches via the Red River (Cane River Lake) in 1856. 9. St. Denis Tomb PlaqueOn the Church Street side of the building it was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution of Loui-siana in 1936. It marks the location of the tomb of the founder of Natchitoches Louis Juchereau de St. Denis.10. Prudhomme-Roquier HouseConstructed between 1790 and 1811, this home pre-dates most other surviving buildings in downtown Natchitoches. Remodeled in1825 to resemble the Feder-al or Greek Revival style, it was originally a French Creole building.11. Old Courthouse Museum12. Bayou Amulet originally drained into Sibley Lake) into the Red River (Cane River Lake). Because of the many mules once tied along its banks the stream was named “Bayou A Mule” and was later changed to Bayou Amulet

11

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Page 10 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

Sally Field por-trayed M’LynnEatenton, thewarm-hearted butiron-willed motherof a young bride.

Natchitoches residents were extras, includingthe late Norm Fletcher and Lori Tate. Fletcherand Tate played the bridegroom’s parents.

Robert Harling,author of“ S t e e lM a g n o l i a s , ”played the min-ister who mar-ried Shelby andJ a c k s o nLatcherie.

Drum Eatenton(Tom Skerritt)shoots at thebirds prior to thewedding recep-tion for hisdaughter, Shelby(Julia Roberts).

Truvy’s Beauty Shop was transformedinto a Christmas wonderland as the citycelebrated its annual Christmas Festival.D o l l yP a r t o n ’ squick wita n dS o u t h e r ncharm shinein her role asTruvy Jones.

Robert Harling,author of “SteelM a g n o l i a s , ”received a staron the St. DenisWalk of Honor.Each of thestars in the fea-ture filmreceived a star.Conferring theaward wasr e n o w n e dsportsman andNatchitoches resident GritsGresham.Much of thestory came from real life, based on the sacri-fices of Harling’s sister, Susan, and mother,Margaret, in his hometown of Natchitoches.

The Steel Magnolias House on JeffersonStreet was used during filming as thehome for M’Lynn and Drum Eatenton. Itis now a bed and breakfast inn.

‘Steel Magnolias’ Tour

“Steel Magnolias” stars, from left, JuliaRoberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton,Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field and DarylHannah, portrayed six remarkable friends inthe southern town of Chinquapin.

The actresses commented onthe strength of the charactersand the sense of communitythat drew them to their parts.Meeting many of the real-lifecounterparts of their charac-ters also contributed to theiracclaimed performances.

Produced by Ray Stark, “Steel Magnolias”was directed by Herbert Ross. VictoriaWhite was the executive producer andAndrew Stone was the associate producer.

1. St. Augustine Catholic Church, La. Hwy. 493 atMelrose, Shelby’s wedding.

2.Northwestern State University Field House, postgame interviews.

3.American Cemetery on Second Street betweenDemeziere and the railroad tracks, Shelby’s funeral.

4. Lemee House, 310 Rue Jefferson, Ouiser’s house.

5.Steel Magnolia House, 320 Jefferson, Eatenton house.

6. Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St., Truvy’s church.

7. Private home, 301 Rue Touline, Mrs. Robeline’s boardinghouse.

8. Chaplin House, 434 Second St., Aunt Fern’s house.

9. Walk of Honor, corner of Second Street and Rue St. Denis.

10. Blanchard Building, 700 block of Front Street, adjacent toDucournau Square, Truvy’s No. 2.

11. Riverfront behind Roque House, 800 block of WashingtonStreet, Easter egg hunt.

12. Private home, 515 St. Maurice Lane, Annelle and Sammy’shome.

13. Private home, 453 Henry Blvd., Truvy’s house.

14. Brookshire’s, Dixie Plaza Shopping Center, 318 Dixie Plazaon Keyser Avenue, shopping with Clairee and Ouiser.

15. Natchitoches Parish Hospital, 501 Keyser Ave., baby’s birth.

16. Tauzin Plantation Home, 1950 Williams Ave., Clairee’shome.

17. Odalie Lambre-Gwinn House, 1972 Williams Ave., Shelbyand Jackson’s house.

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According to availablerecords, the history ofImmaculate ConceptionChurch began in 1717, orperhaps 1716, when theFranciscan, Fr. AntonioMargil de Jesus, walked the21 miles from the SpanishMission at Los Adaes to sayMass at the French militarypost in Natchitoches.Services were also held inthe home of Louis

Juchereau de St. Denis,commandant of the post,and his wife, DonaManuela.

The present church wasbuilt in 1857; however, it wasnot entirely completed until1892 when Bishop Durieradded the dome on thetower, constructed the pre-sent sanctuary and sac-risties, added the altar andtile floor. The church was

restored and redecorated in1955-56 when the frontvestibule and entrance wereadded.

On the south corner ofthe church is a plaque com-memorating the first publicreligious service held inNatchitoches.

The date is given as 1716;however, records now avail-able give 1717 as the date.

The Rt. Rev. Msgr. A.Piegay, Vicar General, andFr. A. Andries are buried infront of the church.

All fittings and furnish-ings, except the pews, wereimported from France: themain altar, the hand-paint-ed Stations of the Cross, theStatue of Blessed VirginMary over the main altar,the chandeliers and the lad-der located in the choir.

The spiral staircase lead-ing to the choir is unique inthat it has no center sup-port. The woodenBaptismal Font, beneaththe staircase, was hand-carved in France.

Bishop Augustin Martin,the first bishop of theNatchitoches Diocese andhis Vicar General PierreF.Dicharry, are buried in thechurch near the side altars.

Across the street are the

Rectory and the OldSeminary built in 1855 tohouse and educate seminar-ians.

The Bishop MartinMuseum is now locatedthere and is the depositoryfor early records, datingfrom 1724, and for churchartifacts including a silverbell dated 1836.

Back of the Seminary onTrudeau Street is the bish-op’s residence erected byBishop Martin.

At one time a similar butlarger edifice was directlyacross from the residenceon the corner of Second andTrudeau streets, with awide brick walk betweenthe two.

May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 11

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Other than the naturalbeauty of Natchitoches,the first tourist attractionwas a 14-foot high bronzestatue of “The GoodDarky”. It stood in thesmall traffic circle at thenorth end of Front Streetacross from the LouisianaSports Hall of Fame.

Known by locals as“Uncle Jack,” he greetedvisitors most graciously.With a bowed head, and hatin hand, which was tradi-tional at this time for allgenerations, he seemed tobe saying “Welcome toNatchitoches and do comesee us again.”

The Good Darky, a statueof a black man erected in1927, was the center of con-troversy during its stay,and is to this day.

It was meant to be amemorial to plantationhands from its donor, JackBryan, a planter. The basewas inscribed, “In gratefulrecognition of the arduousand faithful service to the‘Good Darkies’ ofLouisiana.”

During his era of contro-versy, Uncle Jack wasalmost destroyed twice andwas the victim of paint-pouring, white-washing,cross-burning, and fiery

editorials in minority pub-lications.

To ease the racial ten-sions of the late 1960s, thestatue was taken down inOctober 1968 and thrown ina field. Later, at the insis-tence of Bryan’s daughter,Mrs. J.A. Ducournau, itwas hung from the raftersat the local airport.

Four years later, Mrs.Ducournau lent the statueto the LSU Rural LifeMuseum in Baton Rougewhere it stands today at theentrance and is still caus-ing controversy.

The Old Darky statue isone of the first statues ofan African-American inthe U.S.

The SmithsonianMuseum wants it. Many inNatchitoches are glad it isgone. The New York Timeshas praised it. And theRural Life Museum is notsure how to handle it.

The Good Darky:Natchitoches’ First TouristAttraction

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Natchitoches ArtGallery’s Spotlight wallsfeatured two veteranNatchitoches Art Guildmembers in April.

On the north wall, thediversity and multiple tal-ents of Linda Lyles servesto highlight her use of colorregardless of medium. Hershow provides the viewerwith one “ah ha” momentafter another as the eyemoves from one vibrant artpiece to the next. Adding toher skill and understandingof the visual arts, Lyles isan accomplished musician.Performing for events andfunctions, Lyles and herhusband John Share theirmusical talent with theguild.

On the south wall, CharWhite guild member since2005 displays an exhibitcalled “Rags and Wire”

emphasizing her two mostsuccessful mediums, fabriccollage and wire sculpture.Gaining competition suc-cess with both mediums atthe Tom Peyton ArtsFestival in Alexandria,White earned a spot in theshow all five years sheentered. She earned meritawards in four of the fivecompetitions. White willcompete in the prestigiousevent for the fifth time thismonth. Her wire piecesearned recognitions in theAnnual Natchitoches ArtGuild Juried Competition.

The two exhibits offer aninteresting view of 2D and3D works and complementthe work of the guild artiststhroughout the maingallery.

The Natchitoches ArtGallery is open daily from10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Page 12 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

Fleur de LisFleur de LisMemorial Day WeekendMemorial Day Weekend

Craft MarketCraft Market

Saturday, May 23, 2015Saturday, May 23, 2015

Natchitoches Events CenterNatchitoches Events Center9AM - 4:30 PM 9AM - 4:30 PM FREE AdmissionFREE Admission

Over 100 vendors from 4 states Over 100 vendors from 4 states offering original fine arts & crafts.offering original fine arts & crafts.

Natchitoches Art Guild Features two veteran Art Guild members

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A collection of baseballssigned by slugger Mel Ott,Archie Manning’s No. 8New Orleans Saints jerseyand a souped-up FordThunderbird that becamethe fastest car in the worldin 1963 are just a few of theartifacts that make theLouisiana Sports Hall ofFame and Museum inNatchitoches an up-close,personal and unforgettablefan experience.

Housed in a dazzling $23million museum buildingdeveloped and operated bythe Louisiana StateMuseum system in part-nership with theLouisiana Sports WritersAssociation and the city ofNatchitoches, theLouisiana Sports Hall ofFame Museum honors theachievements of the state’sgreatest athletes.

Founded in 1959, butlacking a permanent homefor its collection of por-traits and memorabiliauntil now, the Hall hasmore than 300 men andwomen on its roster. Somecarry famous names suchas Vida Blue, EddieDelahoussaye, “PistolPete” Maravich, WillisReed and Joyce Walker, butothers are relativelyunknown today. NewOrleans-born Audrey“Mickey” Patterson, forexample, was the firstAfrican-American womanto win an Olympic medal.Visitors will see the TeamUSA jersey she wore in a200-meter dash that wonher the bronze medal atthe 1948 games in London.

“The main goal indesigning exhibits andselecting artifacts was toinspire people, especiallyyoung people, to thinkabout greatness,”Louisiana State Museumdirector Mark Tullos said.“Every object here tells astory. Seen together, theycreate a visitor experiencethat we hope is both uplift-ing as well as entertain-ing.”

Indeed, the museum iscrammed with fun stuff tolook at. Items on displayinclude vintage varsity let-ter sweaters, antique duckand turkey calls, a blackand gold 1967 Saints cheer-leader’s outfit, a collectionof whistles from

Louisiana’s top highschool sports coaches,hand-carved water skisbelieved to be the first toskim across Cane RiverLake and famed outdoors-man Grits Gresham’s fieldtypewriter on which hetapped out features for thenational magazines SportsAfield and Gentlemen’sQuarterly. The typewriteris among many artifactsdonated by his family forthe Grits and MaryGresham exhibit inSportsman’s Paradise, alarge gallery focused onhunting and fishing.

Two of the most spectac-ular objects on display arethe Louisiana GolfAssociation’s amateurchampionship trophy, athree-foot-high sterling sil-ver replica of theLouisiana State Capitolcommissioned in 1934, andL.W. “Knot” Farrington’sstreamlined and modifiedFord Thunderbird whichhe drove to a world speedrecord of 241.78 mph atBonneville Salt Flats inUtah in 1963. A self-taughtmechanic, Farringtonnamed his dream car“Hel’s Angel” after hiswife Helen. Now 93,Farrington kept the car inthe garage of his Metairiehome until 2011 when heloaned it to the Museumfor display.

Coverage of profession-al and college teamsports—football, baseballand basketball—is high-

lighted with iconic uni-forms, autographed gameballs, photographs andinteractive media captur-ing historic games andmajor players. In GreatMoments, a seven-minutevideo produced by film-makers Michelle Benoitand Glen Pitre, visitorscan relive the glory ofBilly Cannon’s tackle-breaking punt returnagainst Ole Miss in 1959,Warren Morris’ game-win-ning home run for LSU inthe 1996 College WorldSeries and Kim Mulkey’sNCAA championship bas-ketball games as aLouisiana Tech LadyTechster and later as headcoach for BaylorUniversity.

Touch-screen technolo-gy delivers even moresports greatness in theimpressive Hall of Famegalleries near the main

entrance. Visitors can callup life stories, career sta-tistics and even the mostmemorable quotes ofevery Hall of Famer pastand present.

The newest membersare also recognized withhand-painted portraits,including basketball greatShaquille O’Neal, tennisstar Chanda Rubin andnine other 2013 inductees.

The Hall opens to thepublic July 2 in a 27,000-square-foot buildingshared with the NorthwestLouisiana HistoryMuseum. Designed byTrahan Architects of NewOrleans, the buildingevokes the region’s agri-cultural heritage with sin-uous molded stone interi-ors suggesting slow-mov-ing rivers and linear earth-colored exterior claddinginspired by plowed fields.

Located at 800 Front St.,

the museum is open 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdaysthrough Saturdays and 1p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.Admission is $5 for adults;$4 for students, seniorsand active-duty military;and free for children 12and younger.

The Natchitoches prop-erty is the newest culturalattraction in the LouisianaState Museum system,which was founded in 1906with a mission to collect,preserve, interpret andpresent the state’s rich his-tory and cultural andartistic achievements.

The Louisiana StateMuseum system includeshistoric properties in NewOrleans—including theCabildo, Presbytere, OldU.S. Mint, Madame John’sLegacy and 1850 HouseMuseum—as well as muse-ums in Baton Rouge,Thibodaux and Patterson.

May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 13

La. Sports Hall of Fame offers unforgettable sports history experience

Designed by Trahan Architects of New Orleans, the new 27,500 square foot museum complex evokes the region’sheritage with linear earth-colored exterior cladding inspired by plowed fields sinuous molded stone interiors sug-gesting slow-moving rivers. Credit: Photo courtesy of Trahan Architects.

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With vibrant exhibitshoused in a strikingexample of contempo-rary architecture, theLouisiana StateMuseum’s NorthwestLouisiana HistoryMuseum in Natchitochesbrings 3,000 years of his-tory forward to theunique cultural tradi-tions that survive—andthrive—in the regiontoday.

Encompassing flat, fer-tile river valleys andpine-forested uplands,northwest Louisiana hasbeen a cultural cross-roads since pre-Columbian times. Fromtheir homelands alongthe Red River, CaddoIndians traded withtribes as far away asMexico and the GreatPlains and, beginning inthe 1600s, with Spanishand French explorers.

A distinctive Creoleculture developed inNatchitoches, founded in1713 as the first perma-nent European settle-ment in Louisiana. Freeand enslaved Africansleft a strong imprint onthe region’s architec-ture, language and art.Meanwhile, traditionalSouthern folkways

evolved in small commu-nities living close to theland and coping with theboom-or-bust cycles ofthe farming, timber andpetroleum industries.

“This museum tellsthe story of how diversepopulations cametogether to create a richand vital regional cul-ture,” Louisiana StateMuseum director MarkTullos said. “It also cele-

brates the life stories ofartists, writers, entre-preneurs, human rightsleaders and others whoembody the region’sresourceful and resilientspirit.”

The Great Womenexhibit, for example,profiles novelist KateChopin, conservationistCarrie Dorman, arts andliterature patronCammie Henry andpainter ClementineHunter, who is also rep-resented by 12 originalworks of art.

Visitors will find a fas-cinating array of arti-facts, paintings, pho-tographs, maps, books,furniture, householdgoods, farm implements,textiles, weapons andother materials—many

loaned by local collec-tions. Specific artifactsinclude 18th century reli-gious medals, forged-ironequestrian gear from LosAdaes—a former capitalof Texas, Spanish mis-sion and trading post—and a vintage gasolinepump, advertising signsand consumer productsfrom the typical early20th century plantationstore. And to representnorthwest Louisiana’searliest civilization, theState Museum commis-sioned the noted contem-porary Caddo potterJeraldine Redcorn to cre-ate three hand-coiled,wood-fired clay vessels inthe archaic“Natchitoches engraved”style.

The NorthwestLouisiana HistoryMuseum opened July 2,as part of a $23-million,27,000-square-foot muse-um complex shared withthe Louisiana SportsHall of Fame. Designedby Trahan Architects ofNew Orleans, the build-ing evokes the region’sagricultural heritage

with sinuous moldedstone interiors suggest-ing slow-moving riversand linear earth-coloredexterior claddinginspired by plowedfields.

The history museumhas 3,500 square feet ofexhibits arranged inseven major themes.Living Traditions, forexample, explores pre-sent-day handcrafts, cui-sine, social customs andflourishing subculturessuch as the Cane RiverCreole community ofIsle Brevelle.

Eye-popping graphicsand a seven-minutevideo by documentaryfilmmakers MichelleBenoit and Glen Pitreenhance the visitor expe-rience.

Located at 800 FrontSt., the museum is open10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Tuesdays throughSaturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5p.m. Sundays.Admission is $5 foradults; $4 for students,seniors and active-dutymilitary; and free forchildren 12 and younger.

Page 14 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

History Museum highlights Creole rural life

A vintage gasoline pump, advertising signs and consumer products from the typical early 20th century plantation store andoriginal paintings by folk artist Clementine Hunter illustrate rural life in northwest Louisiana.

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Melrose is one of theunique plantations of theold South, its career mea-sured, not by years, but bygenerations. Its story willendure, for it is recorded notonly in fiction and firesidelegend, but on the indeliblepages of history.

The Association for thePreservation of HistoricNatchitoches has undertak-en the careful restoration ofthe eight structures compos-ing the Melrose complex.

In 1971, in the interest ofmaintaining Melrose as amonument to Louisiana his-tory, Southdown Land Co.,which had acquired theplantation, conveyed thesix-acre site and complex ofbuildings to theAssociation. In 1974, theCane River plantation wasdeclared a National HistoricLandmark.

The story of romanticMelrose Plantation beginswith the legend of MarieTherese Coincoin, who wasborn in 1742, a slave in thehousehold of LouisJuchereau de St. Denis, thefirst commandant of thepost at Natchitoches.

Marie Therese becamethe matriarch of a family of14 children—four black and10 of Franco-Africanblood—and the founder of aunique colony of people.

Along with several of herchildren, she was sold toThomas Pierre Metoyer,who later freed her and

eventually all her Metoyerchildren. Between 1794 and1803, she and her sonsreceived a number of landgrants, the lands formingMelrose Plantation beingrecorded in the name of herson Louis.

Descendants of theMetoyers live along theriver today, a people proudof their heritage and cul-ture.

It was at Melrose that theMetoyers built the YuccaHouse, the African Houseand other structures. Itmust have been a tremen-dous undertaking for themto clear the land, build roadsand fences and raise indigo,tobacco, cotton and othercrops to achieve a success-ful plantation operation.

Yucca (c.1796), the origi-nal main house at Melrose,incorporated local materi-als exclusively-heavy, hand-hewn cypress beams,uprights and sleepers, andwalls made of mud from theriver bottoms, mixed withdeer hair and Spanish moss.

The African House(c.1800), a strange lookingconstruction reminiscent ofthe straw-thatched hutsfound in the Congo, wasbuilt as a combination store-house and jail for rebelliousslaves.

The Big House was con-structed on the Melrosegrounds about 1833, aLouisiana-type plantationhome, the lower floor of

brick, the upper story ofwood. Twin hexagonalgarçonnieres and a kitchenwing were added later bythe Henry family.

In the economic upheavalof the 1840s, the plantationpassed to white ownership.It was bought by Hypoliteand Henry Hertzog, who, inturn, lost it in the aftermathof the Civil War. In 1884, theplantation was acquired byJoseph Henry.

At the turn of the centu-ry, Melrose became thehome of John Hampton andCammie Garrett Henry, thelatter known affectionatelyas “Miss Cammie” to herCane River friends. In thesucceeding years MissCammie’s patronage of thearts and preservation oflocal artifacts made Melrosejustly famous. Mrs. Henryreplanted and extended theplantation gardens, rescued

the colonial buildings,revived local handicraftsand accumulated herfamous library of Louisianabooks and materials.

Artists and writers wereinvited by Mrs. Henry tostay as long as they wished,as long as they were work-ing on some creative pro-ject. Among the many whovisited and worked atMelrose were ErskineCaldwell, AlexanderWoollcott, Alberta Kinsey,

Caroline Dormon, RoseFranken, William Spratling,Gwen Bristow, Ross Pharesand Ruth Cross. One warm-ly remembered personalitywho wrote for years atMelrose was Lyle Saxon,whose “Children ofStrangers” portrays theCane River area.

Melrose is one of theattractions on the annualTour of Historic Homes thesecond weekend inNovember.

Unique, romantic story unfolds at Melrose

May 2015 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 15

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Page 16 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES May 2015

APRIL MAY JUNE17th-18th Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival - Music festival showcasing jazz, rhythm & blues, country and rock-n-roll on the Downtown Riverbank. $ www.NatchJazzFest.com

18th-19th Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival - Over 100 vendors will be showing and selling their original paintings, jewelry, stained glass, and many more. $melroseplantation.org

25th Cane River Green Market - Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, homemade jams, jelly, salsa and more on the Downtown Riverbank. Free. 318-352-2746CaneRiverGreenMarket.com

Each Saturday Cane River Green Market - Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, homemade jams, jelly, salsa and more on the Downtown Riverbank. Free. 318-352-2746CaneRiverGreenMarket.com

1st-2nd Sale on the Trail Flea Market - Homeowners and business owners will hold yard sales, flea markets, festivals, trade shows and sidewalk sales along the EI Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail from Natchitoches, LA to Crockett, TX.800-259-1714

23rd Fleur de Lis Arts & Crafts Show - A wide variety of unique, hand-made items from more than 100 artists indoors at the Natchitoches Events Center. Free. 318-352-6068

Each Saturday Cane River Green Market - Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, homemade jams, jelly, salsa and more on the Downtown Riverbank. Free. 318-352-2746CaneRiverGreenMarket.com

5th-6th Cookin’ on the Cane BBQ Competition - The cook-off is open to profes sional and non-professional BBQ cooks. This is an IBCA qualifying event. 318-332-1470 NatchitochesJaycees.com

12th-14th Girls Getaway Weekend- Grab some girlfriends and head to spend the weekend together in Historic Natchitoches, “Steel Magnolias” style! $ 318-652-7078 NatchitochesHDBA.org

25th-27th LA Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Events - Since 1972 Natchitoches has been home to the Sports Hall of Fame. Each June new members are inducted & recognized for their achievements in sports. $ 318-238-4522

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ose Arts Melr& Crafts Festival - Over 100 vendors will be showing and selling their original paintings,

e on the Downtown Riverbank. moree. Fr

318-352-2746eenMarket.comCaneRiverGr

1st-2nd Sale on the TFlea Market -and business owners will hold

d sales, flea markets, festivals, yar

e on the Downtown Riverbank.

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rail on the TTrFlea Market - Homeowners and business owners will hold

d sales, flea markets, festivals,

352-2746eenMarket.comCaneRiverGr

5th-6th Cookin’ on the Cane BBQ Competition

sional and non-ofesis open to professional BBQ cooks. This is an pr

IBCA qualifying event. 318-332-1470 NatchitochesJaycees.com

eenMarket.com

5th-6th Cookin’ on the Cane BBQ Competition f- The cook-offf

sional and non-ofessional BBQ cooks. This is an

IBCA qualifying event. 318-332-1470 NatchitochesJaycees.com

selling their original paintings, , stainedjewelryy,

e. $many moroseplantation.ormelr

25th Cane River GrMarket - Pick up fr

oduce, baked goods, prhomemade jams, jelly

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oduce, baked goods, salsams jellyy

d sales, flea markets, festivals, yartrade shows and sidewalk sales along the EI Camino Real de Los ejas National HistTTe

Natchitoches, LA to Cr800-259-1714

d Fleur de Lis Arts & 23rCrafts Show -

d sales, flea markets, festivals, trade shows and sidewalk sales along the EI Camino Real de Los

om rail frejas National Historic Tockett, TX.Natchitoches, LA to Cr

d Fleur de Lis Arts & Crafts Show - A wide variety

12th-14th Girls Getaway eekendWWe - Grab some girlfriends

and head to spend the weekend together in Historic Natchitoches, “Steel Magnolias” style! $ 318-652-7078 NatchitochesHDBA.or

25th-27th LA Sports Hall of

12th-14th Girls Getaway - Grab some girlfriends

and head to spend the weekend together in Historic Natchitoches, “Steel Magnolias” style! $ 318-652-

gNatchitochesHDBA.or

25th-27th LA Sports Hall of

homemade jams, jellye on the Downtown and mor

ee. Riverbank. Fr318-352-2746

eenMarket.comCaneRiverGr

, salsa ms, jellyy,e on the Downtown

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Crafts Show -of unique, hand-made items fr

e than 100 artists indoors at morthe Natchitoches Events Center

ee. 318-352-6068Fr

A wide variety om of unique, hand-made items fr

e than 100 artists indoors at . s Events Centerr.

ee. 318-352-6068

25th-27th LA Sports Hall of Fame Induction CerEvents - Since 1972 Natchitoches has been home to the Sports Hall of Fame. Each June new members

ecognized for their e inducted & rarachievements in sports. $ 318-238-4522

25th-27th LA Sports Hall of emony & Fame Induction Cer

Since 1972 Natchitoches has been home to the Sports Hall of Fame. Each June new members

ecognized for their achievements in sports. $

Have an event youwould like to see

listed here.Call today!

318-352-3618

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES HOTEL TO OPEN IN NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA

Hotel features bold, contemporary new look & flexible design

• 74 Rooms• FREE Wi-Fi• Complimentary Hot Breakfast EVERY Morning• Outdoor Swimming Pool• Exercise Room• Valet Laundry Service• Located 5 minutes from downtown• 45 minutes from Alexandria

www.fairfieldinn.com(318)354-8007 • (800)228-2800

150 Hayes Avenue • Natchitoches, LA

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES HOTEL TO OPEN IN NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA

Hotel features bold, contemporary new look & flexible design

• 74 Rooms• FREE Wi-Fi• Complimentary Hot Breakfast EVERY Morning• Outdoor Swimming Pool• Exercise Room• Valet Laundry Service• Located 5 minutes from downtown• 45 minutes from Alexandria

www.fairfieldinn.com(318)354-8007 • (800)228-2800

150 Hayes Avenue • Natchitoches, LA