Louisiana Road Trips May 2012 Edition

Ferriday’s Soul Survivors Festival 2012 Just three short years ago at the Jerry Lee Lewis’ Rockabilly Plaza, the first Soul Survivors Festival was held in Ferriday. After the festivals initial success Mayor McGlothin added public restrooms and finally Rockabilly Park were constructed in 2012. The festival was created to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the creation of Boogie Woogie, Rockabilly and Rock and Roll. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 26, encompassing the entire block downtown with music, food, and festivities.

For entertainment, the Angola State Prison Band is scheduled to appear along with talented musician and teacher Sylvia Johns Richie and her Concordia Parish music students. Hezekiah Early, a drummer in the house band at the world famous Haney’s Big House in Ferriday (which was a juke joint on the Chitlin’ Circuit), Lil’ Poochie, and Elmo Williams are sure to dazzle the crowd along with Nathan Shell, a Mississippi Delta Style blues player, and The YZ Ealy Band, also a Haney’s Big House Band member until fire destroyed the club in 1966. .

Later that evening Killer, world renowned entertainer and hometown boy Jerry Lee Lewis, will be on hand for the

ribbon cutting at the Will Haney Big House Music Hall, Jerry Lee Lewis Rockabilly Plaza, Concordia Hotel and the unveiling of Will Haney Circle and Jerry Lee Lewis Boulevard within Ferriday’s entertainment district.

There will also be many opportunities for autographs and photos with the many legends in attendance. After these ceremonies, enjoy Easy Eddie and the Party Rockers Street Dance at the newly completed Music Hall.

Ferriday’s Mayor Glen

McGlothin has been the front man/singer with the group Easy Eddie and the Party Rockers for 26 years.

The new Music Hall was designed to provide a venue for town events ranging from music to craft shows to a farmer’s market. The well-planned structure even has panels of clear rooftop glass that illuminate the dark sky with an effervescent light show from inside the building. Just across the street from the block of the Rockabilly complex is an old hotel operated during Ferriday’s heyday that was donated to Ferriday by the Sevier and Comer families.

Plans for the renovated section of the hotel include music classes and a performance venue.

“Ferriday’s music heritage began in the cotton fields with field hollers and work

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chants. It developed into Blues or Gospel and then on to Soul and Rhythm & Blues.

From the 1940's until February 1966, Mr. Will Haney, an African American businessman, operated Haney's Big House. All the big name acts from around the country would come through Ferriday on Sunday nights to entertain here, including B.B. King, Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnnie Taylor and the lists goes on,” says Tommy Polk, Festival Coordinator for the Town of Ferriday.

“African American trombonist Peewee Whittaker would sneak a young Jerry Lee Lewis into the back door at Haney's and it’s been said that this helped develop his performing style, boogie woogie piano playing, and sent him on to be on the cutting edge of the development of rock and roll.”

For more information, visit ferridaymusic.com, find them on FACEBOOK, or contact Tommy Polk at 601-431-6149.

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Talkin’ It Up! From corn and jambalaya to pirates and riverboats, there’s something for everyone to celebrate at a festival on the streets of Louisiana this month!

Rodeo fans will appreciate the LRCA at the MAC (Morehouse Activity Center) in Bastrop, bird lovers will congregate for Migratory Bird Day at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ouachita Parish, and music enthusiasts will fill the streets in downtown Ferriday at the 2nd Annual Soul Survivor Festival where entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis will make an appearance in his hometown for the ceremonies.

As temps rise and gas prices drop a bit (two cents a gallon at this very moment), why not plan to enjoy the various cultures right here at home? Attend a festival, grab a fishing rod, cook up some local fare – that’ll get you in the spirit! Then gather some friends and travel to other sections of the state to see how the locals there eat and live. You just might be surprised to find that even though we’re all basically the same, it’s those subtle differences that make us all unique. Viva la Louisiane!!

Don’t just smile this month, laugh out loud – and let’s keep in touch.

ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

may

contents

DELTA OUTDOORS 4

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Going Native by Larry Brock Enjoying Your Homescape In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington What Women Really Want For the Love of the Game

by Johnny Wink My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Toledo – Home of Heavy Bass

17 20 21

FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 2 7 7 9 9

Ferriday’s Soul Survivors Festival 2012 Contraband Days Louisiana Pirate Festival Aw Shucks – It’s the LA Corn Festival!

2nd Annual Morehouse Parish LRCA Rodeo 2012 Mayfestl

HISTORICAL

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A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart Lost in Louisiana All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson Fearless Fishing

INSPIRATIONAL 19

Setting Priorities by Robert Lemoine

MONTHLY TIDBITS

3 Talkin’ It Up! 16 Spikey: The Spikemeister by Deborah Burst 19 Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When 21 Backtalk 21 Louisiana Lagniappe Answers 22 Bible Reading Marathonn 22 May Calendar Back Cover Thank You Lee Estes

RECIPES 6

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

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LA in civil war – May 1862: Rule of the Beast by Terry L. Jones 12-13 Another Stalwart in LA Aviation – C. B. McMahan by Lee Estes 14 Two Little Orphan Girls of Monroe

by Lora Peppers

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Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Adventure on the Amazon Gas Station Blues by Su Stella Beds & Beignets by Mary White Culture Blazes the Comeback Trail in New Orleans

HUMOR

13-14 Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Frog parking only – all others will be toad

Mona

Mona L. Hayden, Editor monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

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GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

PUBLISHER LRT Publications

Enjoying Your Homescape Under fading stars, Easter dawned clear and cool.

Morning birdsong and praise song flowed through our church prayer garden. Beyond the beauty of skyline and dew shine, there’s a story of new wine and life divine! Because of Easter, the heart of our reality is always hope and joy!

In mid-February, spring stood poised on the crest of splendor. By mid-March, bloom sequences had formed waves of color that were breaking upon our southern landscapes ~ maple, quince and camellia ~ redbud and buckeye ~ dogwood, azalea, mayhaw, fringe ~ wisteria and spirea. Now here in mid-April, the tide has receded as green calms settle on meadow’s blade, in woodland glade.

Due to size constraints, many homeowners design their landscapes with only one flowering season in mind. In spring, for example, mature flowering dogwoods and evergreen azaleas are a showstopper. But for the rest of the year, landscapes often blend into a monoscape of green leafy plants and lawn.

Some homeowners employ succession planting in which plants with different blooming maturities are scattered throughout the landscape to provide a season-long sequence of flowers. Some like spring daffodils or fall spider-lilies might be shortterm. Most blooming trees fall into that oncea-year category. Try prolonging the show with season-long bedding plants or shrubs. When possible, select plants that say, “This is the South” and those that benefit local wildlife.

Remember those spring fragrances?

Recall how they filled the air – from the winter honeysuckle shrubs of February to the wisterias and banana shrubs of March to the honeysuckles and jasmine of April. Extend the scented season with summer’s ginger lily and fall’s sweet autumn clematis. Put them upwind.

April showers brought more flowers.

Traditional plants like St. Joseph’s lily (hardy amaryllis), Jacob’s Ladder (hardy gladiolus), daylilies, privet and spirea. Roadside familiars such as blackberries, pink

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden

buttercups and even more fleabanes and yellowtops. Showy bloomers like cannas, catalpa and those magnificent magnolias.

Then there were the pollenific grasses, pecans and pines. Now the first of summer’s flowers have started blooming – red salvia and blue sage, cannas, chicory, lantana, larkspur, penstemon, spiderwort and of course those ubiquitous roses Besides the historic heat wave, many other things in nature were early this year – bees, butterflies, dragonflies, flowering trees and shrubs, green leaves, mosquitoes, June bugs in March, nesting birds, pecans – some by a week and some by a month. In contrast, deer kept their antlers late! My first hummer on March 21st wasn’t untimely for north Louisiana but reported sightings from Canada just two days later were weeks ahead of schedule!

Swallowtails were premature though I didn’t spot my first Monarch until Easter weekend. My sister in Michigan reports they are way ahead of previous years up there too.

But early or late, I’m fascinated just observing nature – cardinals, doves and swallows; chickadees, wrens and sparrows. And that doesn’t count the dueling mockers and furtive thrashers plus robins, orioles and jays – bathing, drinking and resting; chasing, courting and nesting. Ever watch the spray of a splashing bird when backlit by a lowering sun?

One cool misty morning, silvery spider webs lay scattered like silken doilies atop the lawn, dark funnels descending into hidden lairs below.

Above, highlighted by the rising sun, dew-spangled webs glistened like diamond-studded necklaces hanging in the bushes.

Find time to enjoy your homescape.

Open the curtains at dawn and watch as sunrise creeps through trees and across the lawn to light the day. Follow longfamiliar garden paths – meander the shaded canopy of vaulted woods, welcome the close embrace of flowering shrubs, dream of “ice-cream castles” over meadowed grasses. Listen to a bird,

Open the curtains at dawn and watch as sunrise creeps through trees and across the lawn to light the day.

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monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008 Louisiana Road Trips magazine is published monthly to promote, inform, and entertain the residents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE; however, home delivery is available. This magazine will reach approximately 61,000 individuals.

Submission of articles and photos are always welcome but may be limited to availability of space and edited for content.

Copyright 2012 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication is prohibited without written permission of the Publishers.

The opinions expressed in Louisiana Road Trips magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. “Louisiana Road Trips” magazine retains the right to refuse any advertisement.

ROAD TRIPS P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221

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a cicada, a barking squirrel. Smell the earth, a flower, the wind. Touch a tree, a leaf, the sky.

Look at the flight of a butterfly, a shimmering dragonfly, a blinking firefly. Then at dusk, watch shadows swell to fill the night. Think of the natural world and your place in it. Think about Going Native.

A life-long resident of Lake Providence, Larry Brock was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for gardening and his own desire to recover the horticultural uniqueness of this region.

Larry is drawn to the relationships between plants, birds, insects and soil and can be found puttering outdoors in his yard most any time, weather permitting.

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TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

Adventure on the Amazon Second only to the Nile, the Amazon River is the longest river in the world. It starts as a trickle high in the snow capped Andes Mountains and flows more than 4000 miles through the South American continent. When it reaches Belem, Brazil, the point where it spills into the Atlantic Ocean, the river is sometimes an unbelievable 200 to 300 miles across, depending on the season, but even 1000 miles inland, this mighty river can still be at least 7 miles wide!

For a little more shock and awe, consider this: in terms of sheer volume, the Amazon is also rated as the largest river in the world, containing eleven times the volume of the Mississippi! If I tell you the Amazon holds one fifth of the earth’s fresh water, that sounds impressive, but when you understand the river’s daily discharge into the Atlantic is enough to supply all of New York City‘s freshwater needs for 9 years, then, you have to admit, that is mighty awesome!

This river is so powerful the force of the current from sheer water volume alone pushes its waters 125 miles out to sea before it ever mixes with the Atlantic’s salt water, and so deep that, as a travel agent, I can sell you a cruise on a 70,000 ton ocean liner that can sail into the interior of Brazil for over 2300 miles. Yep, the Amazon River is the big enchilada! Not only is she massive, but when you consider her rainforest basin spans across 1.7 billion acres of land and is home of more than half the world’s estimated 10 million species of plants, animals and insects, it’s simply mind boggling! Not only does one in 10 animal species in the entire world live in the Amazonia, this river has over 2000 species of fish living in her waters.

For Frank Pitarro of West Monroe, how could a journey deep into the heart of the Amazon not be an amazing adventure? To see, explore, and appreciate the wildlife treasures found in one of the oldest continuous ecosystems in the world was a once-ina-lifetime opportunity afforded him by his friend, Sidney Wilhite,

Frank Pitarro is living the dream with this 16 pound peacock bass caught in the jungles of the Amazon

who invited him along on a fishing trip deep into the jungles of Brazil.

“Now, this wasn’t just a fishing trip,” smiled Frank, “it was my DREAM TRIP! Fishing for peacock bass…why, that is something every fisherman dreams about doing. To see the river, the rainforest, and all it holds was going to be exciting but what waited for me beneath the water….now, that got my heart pumping!

Frank continues, “Over 15 years ago, I promised my wife that before I died we would one day fish for the peacock bass.

When Sidney asked me to join him for a week of fishing the Amazon, I honestly don’t know who was more excited, my wife or me. Tammy knew what this trip meant to me; she had me packing and planning immediately.

“For this trip to work, a lot had to happen real fast. In a little over a week’s time, Monroe Travel Service pulled off a travel miracle and got me not only a passport but a Brazilian visa. My new passport arrived on Wednesday, and we left for Manaus, Brazil, on Thursday!

“The Peacock Bass did not disappoint!

I have never caught a fish that fought harder, pound for pound, than this fish.

Sometimes, it was still fighting long after you landed it in the boat,” said Mr. Pitarro, who caught his first 8 pounder within just a few minutes. He quickly admits he got lucky because there’s definitely a learning curve involved. You fish for this bass in the morning as they wake up early and hungry.

“Sid and I started out mainly fly fishing, then casting, but when we discovered we could troll and still catch peacock, we were in business! Peacock bass are tough on tackle. We had to try all sorts of lures to sneak up on them. It doesn’t take long to learn that soft baits don’t work in the Amazon; the sharp scissor-like teeth of the Piranhas nip them off too easily!

“Finding peacock bass is the hardest thing.

You get so distracted by all the things going on in the jungle that you forget to listen for their distinctive splashing sound. When you hear Sidney Wilhite of West Monroe them, you figure out what shows off his Amazon River peacock excites them, then brace bass catch of the day Louisiana Road Trips

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yourself and get ready for battle. The peacock jumps, charges the boat, or heads for cover as you struggle to keep the line tight. Your heart races as you sometimes just hang on and let him swim until he gets tired. That moment, when it’s just you and the Peacock Bass, is unbelievable. Sidney tried to prepare me. He had told me when a peacock bass hits your bait and sounds like a shotgun going off in the middle of the jungle, and you better be ready because the next instant feels like a freight train has got a hold of your line.”

Listening to Frank tell stories and show photos as he sat in my office made me laugh. Check out the big smiles and trophy catches – sure looks like a couple good ole Louisiana boys living the dream to me!

For exciting fishing…comfortable lodging…good guides…good food…choice dates…and an awesome adventure in the Amazon, call me at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE and let’s talk about your next fishing adventure. At Monroe Travel Service – 1908 Glenmar – we represent the top outfitters, whether in the Amazon or Alaska, so you can trust us to show you the best way.

RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton My Most Favorite Strawberry Pie

Basic Baby Back Ribs

1 refrigerated pie shell or graham cracker crust 8 oz cream cheese 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar 8 oz whipped topping 2 to 3 cups sliced fresh Louisiana strawberries Prepare pie shell in deep dish pie plate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add whipped topping and fold in strawberries. Pour into pie shells and refrigerate at least one hour.

Garnish with sliced strawberries.

RUB: 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp ground black pepper 2 tbsp kosher salt 2 racks baby back ribs (1 1/2 to 2 lbs each) Remove membrane from ribs. Wash and dry. Combine ingredients and rub into both sides. If you refrigerated ribs, allow them to sit out about 20 minutes to become room temperature before grilling. Place ribs in pan and cover with foil. Grill about 2 to 4 hours over a low heat. Turn ribs after about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (I add a small amount of cola to the bottom of pan for moisture while grilling.)

Strawberry Spinach Salad SALAD: 8 oz fresh baby spinach leaves 1/4 cup toasted almonds

1 pint strawberries, sliced 1/4 cup sliced green onions

DRESSING: 1/2 cup sugar2 tbsp. sesame seeds 1 tbsp. poppy seeds 1 1/2 tsp. minced onion 1/4 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup oil Toss all salad ingredients together. Place the first 7 dressing ingredients in blender and blend while slowly pouring in oil. Drizzle salad dressing over salad. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Can also add grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Cheesy Asparagus Pie 1½ lbs asparagus 1 pie crust 1½ cups half-and-half 2 large eggs

8 oz. Colby Monterey Jack cheese 1 large sweet onion 2 tbsp Dijon mustard ¼ tsp salt and pepper, each

Trim asparagus removing ends. Place in large sauce pan and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil, then cook covered for 30 seconds and drain. Plunge asparagus in ice cold water to stop cooking.

Set aside 9 spears for topping and coarsely chop the remaining spears.

Place pie crust in an 11-inch tart pan and bake for 12 minutes at 425 degrees. Melt butter in skillet, add onions, and sauté for 5 minutes.

Brush bottom and sides of pie crust with mustard. Sprinkle with half of cheese, chopped asparagus, onion, and remaining cheese. Arrange reserved asparagus on top of cheese. Whish half-and-half, eggs, and salt/pepper and pour over asparagus. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Gas Station Blues

By Su Stella

Let’s face it. We all got it… the blues, the “gas guzzler what about my vacation blues”. Maybe that exotic voyage gets postponed but that doesn’t mean you have to trudge over to the local bar and drown your sorrows. Instead, drive over the border and experience the ‘Mississippi Blues Trail’. Do you know that the blues is the only original form of music that is American made, born of African spiritual songs and gospel music?

And from that sprang rock and roll from Mississippi-born Elvis Presley.

Whether you begin your journey crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana or start in Memphis, there are so many venues to experience music. Plan your trip by visiting www.msbluestrail.org. The Blues Trail is a series of information signs along roadsides, in the cotton fields, outside of churches, clubs and at the home sites of the men and women who made musical

contributions throughout the state. In Louisiana, FERRIDAY is a designated location along the trail!

From Clarksdale, most of us have heard the legend that famous blues man Robert Johnson sold his soul at the crossroads of 61 and 49 to play the guitar and make music, and now you too can stand in this spot.

While you’re there the Delta Blues Museum is a must see! Just down the street is the Ground Zero Blues Club to hear live music.

It’s really impressive knowing that Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Ike Turner, Jackie Brenston, Sam Cooke, Junior Parker, and W. C. Handy were all born and raised in and around Clarksdale.

If you’re lucky enough to vacation in June, don’t miss the free Highway 61 Blues Festival (www.highway61blues.com). Every June, B.B. King has a free concert in his hometown. If August is your vacation month, visit Clarksdale’s Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival.

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A quirky little spot to stop for a bite to eat is the “Hollywood” Café (not casino), tucked away on the old Highway 61 in Robinsonville. The Hollywood is the original home of the fried pickle. For those who know the song Walkin’ in Memphis by Marc Cohn – remember the lyrics “Now Muriel plays piano every Friday at the Hollywood”. This is that place.

Elvis Presley’s birthplace, Highway 61 Blues Museum, Howlin’ Wolf Museum, Rock and Roll Blues Heritage Museum, Ole Miss Blues Archive, Stax Records, Sun Studio, Beal Street, the list goes on of places to go and see in and around Mississippi and Memphis Tennessee.

You probably won’t get to visit the entire trail unless you are on permanent vacation. But if you’re wanting a really fun and educational vacation, map out your route, pack your cooler, and hit the road.

Even with gas prices up, you can get down and dance away your troubles.

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Contraband Days, Louisiana Pirate Festival

May 1-13

Back for its 55th year and better than ever, pirate festival lovers will be saying “Shiver me timbers!” at the new look of the festival. With hard work from supporters, the festival features a new logo, website and brand emphasizing the tradition, folklore and culture of the festival and Southwest Louisiana.

Unique to Lake Charles, the annual festival celebrates the legend of pirate Jean Lafitte. The story goes that pirate Jean Lafitte docked his boat right on the sandy shore of Lake Charles and buried his treasure somewhere along its banks. On the first night, witness the cannon fire as the citizens of Lake Charles try to defend the seawall only to have the pirates capture the mayor, put him on trial and force him to walk the plank!

Pirates of all ages are encouraged to come out during the two-week long festival with carnival rides, games, entertainment and live music on multiple stages!

Contraband Days presents Josh Turner's Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Tour sponsored by Isle of Capri, other performers include Disney’s Shake It Up star Adam Trent, America’s Got Talent finalist Ryan Andreas, The Voice finalist Beverly McClellan and many more! The festival has pulled out all the stops this year with nonstop music, events and activities for the

whole family. You won't want to miss out on all the events!

The festival closes with a spectacular fireworks display over beautiful Lake Charles.

With activities throughout the day and special family nights the whole family will be saying,

“Yo Ho Ho” by the end of this festival!

For the latest updated schedule of events for Contraband Days, visit www.contrabanddays.com, or call the festival office at (337) 436-5508.

Aw Shucks – It’s the LA Corn Festival!

Bunkie will celebrate the 26th Annual Corn Festival on June 8 – 10, 2012. This festival was started by the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce in 1987 to promote the city and honor the impact that agriculture has had on their

economy. A Corn Farmer is also honored each year. This three day festival has something for everyone that you’ll surely enjoy.

Opening ceremonies are on Friday at 5pm when the large carnival, food booths and arts &

Louisiana Road Trips

craft booths open for business.

There will be live bands each night with a street dance, games, contests, city wide parade, corn cooking contest, and lizard races!

On Sunday, enjoy the Talent Contest where the Corn Silk

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Singer is selected. The Corn Festival has no gate fee and there are ‘pay one price’ bracelets for the carnival each day. Just follow the rows of corn down to Bunkie where you are sure to have a shucking good time!

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2012 Mayfest The Vernon Parish Tourism Commission will hold the 36th annual MayFest Arts & Crafts Festival in the Downtown Leesville Historic District on May 4th & 5th. Vendors come from all over the state to sell their unique wares in the arts & crafts booths; food vendors will have home-made treats to tempt your taste buds; and there'll be live music throughout the two-day event. Best of all, there's no charge for admission, so bring your lawn chair and join us on the courthouse lawn. Stay as long as you like -- you don't want to miss a thing.

Friday night will feature Henry Reggans and the Sidemen, a regional Louisiana favorite. Saturday will be full of fun with a variety of music throughout the day. The weekend will wrap up on Saturday night as the crowd enjoys music, beer, and crawfish on the street.

Saturday kicks off with the AUSA's annual Armadillo Stampede, a 5-K fun run and walk. One of the features this year is the Butterfly Kingdom, an interactive live butterfly experience, sure to be a hit with children of all ages. There will be interactive arts experiences for children, demonstrating artists, and a gospel music stage.

MayFest is sponsored by the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, and is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. For more information, please call the Vernon Tourism Commission at (337) 238-0783 or check our website at www.venturevernon.com

2nd Annual Morehouse Parish LRCA Rodeo The Rockin J Rodeo Company, headquartered in Ivan, LA, will provide stock for the rodeo, sanctioned by the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association. The award winning Rockin J has been named the Producer of the Year for the LRCA seven times, most recently in 2011. They were also awarded the Bareback Horse of the Year, the Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, and the Bucking Bull of the Year for the LRCA 2011 season, and have won these awards numerous times in the past. The company is owned and operated by J.E. Jorden and his son Johnny, who both also serve as the rodeo pick-up men.

Johnny’s mother, Susan, is the rodeo secretary.

Fans can enjoy the eight sanctioned events: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Wild Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, TieDown Calf Roping, Cowgirl’s Breakaway

Roping, Team Roping, and Cowgirl’s Barrel Racing. There will also be a calf scramble for kids and a hometown barrel race. Contestants can enter the LRCA rodeo by calling 1-800-54RODEO on Monday, May 7th from 4-10pm and on Tuesday, May 8th from 10am-12pm.

See Rodeo comedian/clown Al Bryan of Winnsboro; announcer Eric Simmons from Springhill; and bullfighters Dillon Bruce of Fort Worth and Justin Whitlock of Shongaloo.

Jorden says, “We’ll be bringing most of the personnel and livestock from the LRCA Finals last year to this event. We’re excited about bringing an entertaining and very competitive rodeo to Bastrop and having the honor to work with all of the good men associated with the MAC.” The LRCA, in its 48th year, was formed for working cowboys and cowgirls and its

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members have weekday jobs and rodeo on the weekends. The contestants will be competing for prize money as well as points that will carry them to the LRCA Finals. The 48th Annual Silver Spur Tack, Feed, And Western Wear LRCA Finals will return to the MAC on Nov 9-10, 2012.

Billy Nickerson, LRCA President, said, “The association is proud to return to Bastrop for our 2012 finals. The people of Bastrop welcomed us, the MAC is an outstanding facility, and the staff at the Mac were really easy to work with and extremely accommodating. All this, along with our many sponsors and spectators, helped us end our year very successfully, and I am confident that this spring rodeo will be a great success as well.”

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Louisiana In The Civil War May 1862: Rule of the Beast

By Terry Jones

After Flag Officer David Farragut captured New Orleans in late April 1862, Major General Benjamin F. Butler occupied the city with approximately 10,000 Union soldiers.

Ben Butler (1818-1893) was born in New Hampshire but grew up in Massachusetts.

Becoming active in Democratic Party politics, he was elected to the state legislature and senate, and served as a delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention. There, Butler voted fifty-seven times to nominate Jefferson Davis for president because he believed only a Southern moderate could keep the party from splitting.

Butler was appointed a general in the Massachusetts militia, but he did not look the part of a dashing officer. One man who noticed the general smiled a lot when he talked declared, “[H]e seemed less like a major general than like a politician who was coaxing for votes.” Butler, however, became popular with his men and influential politicians because he worked tirelessly and did not coddle the Rebels. After Butler helped secure Maryland for the Union, President Lincoln appointed him the Union’s first major general of volunteers because he needed Democratic support for the war effort. Since military rank was based on seniority, this made Butler the Union army’s highest ranking volunteer general.

Immediately after Butler took command of New Orleans, the city’s civilians began to harass and insult his soldiers. Only a few days

after Butler arrived, William Mumford led a group of men in tearing down the U.S. flag from the Mint building and ripping it to shreds. Women, in particular, began cursing the soldiers, spitting on their uniforms, and even emptying chamber pots on their heads from bedroom windows.

Butler felt compelled to take drastic action to stop the abuse. He hanged Mumford for tearing up the flag, censored newspapers, and arrested people and confiscated their property if they showed support for the Confederacy. When one newspaper editor questioned his right to impose censorship, Butler roared, “I am the military Governor of this State—the Supreme Power—you cannot disregard my order, Sir. By God, he that sins against me, sins against the Holy Ghost.”

Butler’s apparent involvement in corruption did nothing to endear him to the New Orleans people. Rumors of bribery, vice, and other misdeeds were wide spread. Many people even falsely accused the general of stealing silverware from abandoned houses and gave him the nickname “Spoons.” Even foreign diplomats viewed Butler with suspicion. One Englishman described him as a “cunning trickster . . . a sort of compromise between the proud, semi-sanctified autocrat and the depraved sot.”

All of Butler’s actions paled in comparison with his infamous General Orders No. 28. Better known as the “Woman’s Order,” it permitted soldiers to treat an insulting woman as a “woman of the town plying her vocation.” The order to treat offending women

as prostitutes did not have any sexual implications; it simply meant a soldier was not obliged to treat them as ladies. If the woman cursed him, he could curse her back; if she spit at him, he could spit back. However, to treat a lady in such Ben Butler a manner during the Civil War was unthinkable.

The Woman’s Order successfully stopped the insults because few selfrespecting women would put themselves in a situation to be treated unladylike. Afterward, one Union soldier claimed, “[T]he citizens have dropped their surly air, and show a willingness to talk civilly if not cordially.” But the order also created a storm of controversy.

The Louisiana Tigers unsuccessfully sought permission to return home from Virginia to protect their women. Many Northerners and European diplomats felt it overstepped the bounds of civilized warfare and complained to President Lincoln. The Confederate Congress even branded Butler a war criminal and ordered Southern soldiers to hang him if he ever was captured. Butler became known as the “Beast,” and the New Orleans black market sold chamber pots with his picture pasted to the bottom.

Butler’s actions in New Orleans became so controversial that President Lincoln was compelled to relieve him from command in December 1862, but the general had too much political clout to be dismissed from the service. For the next two years, he bungled his way from one assignment to another until General U.S. Grant finally sent him home near war’s end.

Butler returned to Congress and served as a prosecutor in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. After several unsuccessful attempts, he was elected Massachusetts’ governor in 1882, and he was the unsuccessful Greenback Party’s presidential candidate in 1884.

Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six books on the American Civil War.

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BEDS & BEIGNETS

By Mary White

Culture Blazes the Comeback Trail in New Orleans Hurricane Katrina left its mark on MidCity. The area located halfway between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain was submerged under 10 feet of water by the devastating storm. As residents began the enormous effort to rebuild their lives, the MotherShip Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic and musical culture of the Big Easy, launched the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo festival to bring the healing touch of music and entertainment into their lives. Now in its seventh year, the free-admission event, which runs May 18th – 20th, is expected to attract thousands looking to experience the local flavors.

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo takes place along the banks of the beautiful Bayou of St. John which used to be known as “the back door to New Orleans.” Boaters could travel within a mile of New Orleans’ business section from Lake Pontchartrain via the bayou and take public transportation the rest of the way.

Three stages of live music including blues, funk, jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Latin, brass and country will get toes tapping throughout the entire weekend. Local artisans will showcase their paintings, handmade jewelry, photography, glass work and more at The Boogaloo Art Market. On Saturday, the 3rd Annual Zulu Anniversary Run to Ride 5k will be held, while on Sunday the Rubber Ducky Derby will see thousands of duckies dropped into the Bayou St. John with one lucky winner getting a grand prize. Foodies will find a seemingly endless display of delicious local cuisine from the region including meat pies, po-boys, crawfish and jambalaya.

While Mid-City was hard hit by Katrina, the area sitting closest to the Mississippi River

on what is known as the “Sliver by the River,” which includes the Bywater, was spared.

Because of its higher elevation, the neighborhood escaped major flooding but saw the arrival of people looking for safety and shelter. This was nothing new; Bywater’s population already had begun to boom with an influx of artists, musicians and writers priced out of the popular French Quarter and drawn to its affordability, eclectic community and architecture splendor.

From cozy shotgun houses to grand Italianate mansions, the Bohemian Bywater is a design goldmine. Maison de Macarty (www.BnBFinder.com/MaisonMacarty), a majestic Victorian home built in the 1860s, is located in the heart of the Bywater National Historic District. Formerly part of the Louis Barthelemy, Chevalier de Macarty plantation, it was converted into a bed and breakfast 30 years ago by John Marr, according to current proprietor Kurt Goodman.

After spending years under different ownership, Goodman purchased it in January.

Now he hopes Maison de Macarty will be part of Bywater’s next bloom. “I’ve always stayed at B&Bs and wanted to own one,” said the Goodman. “Now, as a business owner, it’s exciting to be part of helping a neighborhood come back.”

Maison de Macarty features 5 guest rooms in the main house, 2 private cottages, a mineral water swimming pool and a private courtyard lined with Crepe Myrtle trees. Ecofriendly technologies and practices such as water conservation, the installation of energyefficient appliances, composting and the use of solar energy have been incorporated. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mary White is the author of “Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” and an avid B&B goer. She has stayed at bed and breakfasts all over the world and particularly loves the inns of Louisiana. In 1998, Mary founded BnBFinder.com, a top on-line bed and breakfast directory that lists thousands of B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels worldwide.

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Another Stalwart in LA Aviation – C. B. McMahan Rodeo Performer, Cross Country Air Racer, Pioneer of Aerial Pipeline Patrolling

By Lee Estes

Clair B. "Mac" McMahan grew up on a flying public shortly after World War II. know that Charles Lindbergh also owned a ranch in Montana, a place which still holds to During this period Mac and Harry flew the Monocoupe and that aircraft is on display in some of the romantic customs of the old west the terminal at Lambert Field in St. Louis. It entire MRF and TETCO systems, a supreme and the legendary cowboys it personified. took up to 20 flying hours per week to patrol effort requiring them to fly as much as 55 to During the earliest years of the 20th century, the Mississippi River Fuel system and the 60 hours per week.

Mac took part in roundups, branding parties, At the same time there was a flurry of Monocoupe performed well, so well in fact, and when old enough, competed in the local pipeline building between the Gulf Coast and that when it was replaced some years later its rodeos.

New England with Texas During World War I, Eastern among the leaders.

Mac, along with many others New pipelines require water found himself a part of the testing with aircraft military. He was selected to surveillance prior to going join the fledgling U. S. Army into service. All of this Air Forces and learned to fly business resulted in hiring an airplane, an activity which more pilots and buying more would define his career, and airplanes. At mid century C. what a career it was!

B. McMahan Aerial Pipeline C. B. McMahan's fleet of Stinson Aircraft he used to patrol natural gas pipelines.

Patrols was flying from Within the next few years McMahan was the leading pipeline patrol operator in the United States in the 1960's.

McAllen, Texas to New Mac did what many veteran Bedford, MA using about ten pilots and total flying time exceeded any Monocoupe in fliers did, barnstormed around the country airplanes. All of the airplanes were Stinson the world. offering plane rides to the local populace that The replacement aircraft included aerobatics. He then participated in cross country air races with some success before was a Fairchild 24R, like its predecessors, a high wing joining American Airways, forerunner to monoplane, but bigger and American Airlines. Along the way he landed in with almost twice the St. Louis, home to some of the most famous horsepower of the aviators in history, Charles Lindbergh and Monocoupe. This machine Jimmy Doolittle among them. There is a would be operated until the clipping from the St. Louis Post Dispatch in the end of World War II in 1945. It Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in was during the war years that Monroe which pictures members of the St. the first "Big Inch" pipelines Louis Airport Board including both Jimmy would be built to carry Doolittle and C. B. McMahan. petroleum from Texas to the In 1931, Mississippi River Fuel east coast to eliminate using Corporation, operators of a natural gas tankers, an easy prey for pipeline between St. Louis and Monroe, LA, German U Boats prowling approached Mac about the possibility of along our east coast and in the inspecting their pipeline from the air. A deal Gulf of Mexico. Those was struck and that was the beginning of an pipelines were owned by the C. B. McMahan and Harry Homeyer, Both legendary aviators who industry with C. B. McMahan being the government and sold as surpluslived in and flew from Monroe at mid 20th century. person most responsible. I heard of a pilot in 108's powered by Franklin engines. One pilot after the war to a newly formed company, Cincinnati named Harry Weimer flying some was stationed in Waynesburg, PA and the Texas Eastern Transmission Co. Texas Eastern small aerial Patrol earlier, but Mac was the converted the pipelines to carry natural gas to others in Monroe, LA. With the newer first to do it as a major flying business. The pipelines taking a direct route to the east coast the east coast. They also needed someone to airplane Mac flew on the Mississippi River through Tennessee and Kentucky, a pilot patrol the lines and C. B. McMahan got the Fuel system in the beginning was a Curtiss would fly north to Waynesburg on the newer contract. Now, instead of one major pipeline Robin, a high wing monoplane powered with between Monroe and St. Louis using one pilot lines and back along the original big inch. In a Curtiss-Wright Challenger engine. At that and airplane, there were thousands of miles to Waynesburg he would swap airplanes and the point in time communications were primitive other pilot who would fly the lines to New be flown from Texas to the east coast. In and information would be passed to the Bedford and back. At the same time another addition, a contract to fly a short Louisiana ground using written notes dropped from the pilot would fly the system to McAllen. This pipeline added to the work load. From here plane. Also, weather reporting was not allowed all the airplanes to be back in Monroe Mac turned to another St. Louis airman, reliable with the best information being for whatever maintenance was required.

Harry Homeyer, for help and looked for determined by a look out the window.

I was working at a small airport in suitable aircraft for the task. He solved the Around 1934 or 1935 the Robin was replaced Kentucky during the early 1950's when I first aircraft problem with Stinson 108's, a four with a smaller and faster aircraft, a Lambert place, high wing monoplane offered to the powered Monocoupe. It may be of interest to continued on next page > > > Louisiana Road Trips

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RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

Frog parking only – all others will be toad Have you ever wondered what a paraprosdokian is? Of course you haven't.

You've probably never even heard the word.

First time I read the word, I not only didn't know what it was, I couldn't pronounce it. However, that's not unusual. I have trouble pronouncing Entrepreneur and it's probably the current most

overused word in the English language.

Everybody is one, wants to be one or knows somebody who is one.

If you look up paraprosdokian, you'll find such examples as…Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car; If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong, and Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

There's a possibility these examples still don't clarify one of the most playful things in our English language. By the way, we really do

have many fun things once we stop moaning and groaning about the boring hours spent in classrooms diagramming sentences and figuring out the difference between lie and lay. In that instance, always remember sleeping dogs don't lay, but hens do. Personally––getting off track momentarily––I've always wondered what's the difference between everyone and everybody.

What about affect and effect? To affect continued on next page > > >

Another Stalwart in LA Aviation – C. B. McMahan encountered a C. B. McMahan pilot who stopped for gas. This was a convenient stop since the Texas Eastern Pipeline was hardly a mile away. They stopped at our place regularly and in late 1955 one of the pilots told me Mac was looking for a mechanic to take care of his fleet of aircraft. The person who had been maintaining them had taken another job. I called Mac and from the conversation felt comfortable enough to make the trip to Louisiana and investigate. I started work for Mac in late January 1956 and have lived in Monroe ever since. During my twelve years of employment with C. B. McMahan we established a reputation as the most knowledgeable operators of Stinson 108's and Franklin engines in the United States. The Stinson’s were also piling up thousands of hours and were far and away the highest time aircraft of their kind anywhere.

This fact, and the scarcity of parts forced a gradual replacement of the Stinson’s with Cessna airplanes. When I left McMahan to work for Olinkraft the Cessna's were performing well and like their predecessors, piling up thousands of hours. Mac no longer flew actively, but Harry Homeyer was still

making the run between Monroe and St. Louis.

Space does not allow me to tell you many other facets of Mac's career, and I can't finish without advising you of Henry Hinkle, another Monroyan who flew the Tennessee Gas Trans-mission Lines for years.

C. B. McMahan passed away around the age of 87 and his heirs continued a presence on the Monroe airport until 1998.

Evening news is where they begin with "Good evening" and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

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Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. He worked in aviation then with A&LM Railway. He began making photographs in Europe after WWII and ranked among the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S. during the 80’s. His extensive travels included leading tours across the globe. Lee has authored three photo/documentary books and is currently involved with the documentation of The Dixie Overland Highway (US80) in Louisiana, funded by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

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Two Little Orphan Girls of Monroe

By Lora Peppers

A few years ago, while going through some old Richland Parish newspapers, I stumbled across this article about two little orphans in Monroe – a fascinating read on how society treated its most vulnerable citizens at the turn of the century. I found no further information on the girls, not even their names. A W.L. Pearson married Annie Screws in Ouachita Parish December 24, 1883 but it is not known if they are the children’s parents. We can only hope and wonder if the little girls made it.

Richland Beacon News, Saturday, January 19, 1895, Page 1, Column 7 TWO LITTLE GIRLS Rescued in Monroe From a Possible Life of Infamy.

There are not a great many people in Monroe who are aware of the fact that there is a society here for the prevention of cruelty to children. It is a fact, however, and an incident yesterday shows that it is capable of doing good work.

Mr. D.M. Sholars is the president.

Some time ago his attention was calied [sic] to the fact that a woman by the name of Anna Pierson, better known as “Anna Joe,” and who was not leading a proper life, had living with her two little

girls. Mr. Sholars told her at the time that he proposed to take the children and put them in an asylum where they would receive proper care and be brought up with good surrounding. She plead so hard that upon her representation that she had got a position with a boarding house in Five Points, he agreed to allow her to keep the young ones.

Several days ago he learned that Mrs. Pierson had moved to a house back of Young’s bayou and that she had broken her promises of reformation and that the children were running wild about the city. Yesterday he asked Mr. Chas. Schulze, the vice-president of the society, to go out and investigate the case.

Mr. Schulze had considerable difficulty in locating the place. Finally he asked Mr. H.P. Hughes to direct him and was surprised to learn that “Anna Joe” had died on Monday and been buried yesterday. Further investigation showed that before her death Mrs. Pierson had asked a woman named Mollie Simpson to care for the children. The reputation of this woman is none of the best.

Just before reaching Mollie’s house Mr. Schulze saw a buggy standing in front of the door. There he met Miss Lena Barclay, who is the president of the Lilliputian society, in company with Miss Eva Parker and Alex Mitchell, Jr., who are pupils in the city school and also members of the society. She was asked to go there by Mayor Aby, who had heard of the case and who got her a horse and buggy.

Running the Roads

Mollie Simpson at first refused to give up the children, saying that they had been given her by Anna Joe, and she intended to keep them. She was told she was not able to care for them and that they would be given a good home and educated. But she persisted and the children clung about he[r].

The younger child finally consented to go, while the older one escaped and hid under the house.

Both were finally got into the buggy, though the woman still threatened that she would invoke the aid of the law in regaining their possession.

The party drove to the residence of Rev. H.L. Fitch, where the children now are. Mr. Fitch will keep them, if they have no relations, until he can hear from New Orleans, when he will send them to that city and have them placed in St. Mary’s Episcopal Orphan Asylum.

A peculiar thing about the two girls, one of whom is only seven years old and the other ten, is that they both use snuff. They were fast becoming professional beggars, being sent out in all sorts of weather to get money for their mother, with which she bought laudanum and snuff. Mollie Simpson has a girl of her own and it is likely the society will take her in charge. – Monroe News.

Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in Bastrop and graduated from ULM. Her love of history dates back to childhood when one of her favorite activities was visiting local cemeteries to examine headstones. She also loves to travel, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being her favorite place on Earth. Her job as a genealogist and historian has given her the opportunity to lead many lectures and author several books. She can be reached by e-mail at loradpeppers@hotmail.com.

continued

something means to influence it while to effect is a result and means to make it happen.

There’s a world of difference between affluent and effluent. If you're affluent, you're wealthy while effluent is waste discharge. Waste discharge reminds me of sewage and sewerage. Sewage is waste; sewerage is the system of pipes that carry that effluent, aka waste, to its end destination.

Now, back to Paraprosdokian. To quote one source, it's "a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to re-frame or re-interpret the first part."

That explanation is almost as long as the word itself. Long or short, it's a good thing somebody knows what it is because it's not in my Oxford Dictionary with 187,000 definitions, nor my Webster's Unabridged Deluxe Edition with 320,000 definitions. However, it's on the Internet. Everything's on the Internet.

And accordingly, the definition is quite simply a sentence with two parts––the first part is a figure of speech while the second part is an "intriguing variation of the first."

Unbeknownst, you've likely heard paraprosdokians used by satirists and humorists. If you're like me, you simply thought they were witty jokes. Some examples: I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in your fruit salad. Evening news is where they begin with "Good evening" and then proceed to tell you why it isn't. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, Louisiana Road Trips

but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even if you wish they were.

Sound familiar? Let these tickle your funny bone: Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

I had the cab driver drive me here backwards, and the dude owed me $37.50. Always borrow money from a pessimist; he won't expect it back. The car stopped on a dime which unfortunately was in the pedestrian's pocket. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four-billion stars, but has to check when you say the paint is wet?

Finally, although there are hundreds more, I end with four of my favorites: Two guys walked into a bar; the third one ducked. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember the Fire Department usually uses water. You don't need a parachute to sky dive; you only need a parachute to skydive twice, and I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather; not screaming and yelling like the passenger in his car.

I hope I made you laugh until you cried.

Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones, Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and several stupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove. She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village of Bonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise. She has authored several books.

You can e-mail Barbara at barbsharikvail@hotmail.com

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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

Fearless Fishing Hello folks, let’s chat…I want to talk catfish grabbing, the sport also known as “noodling”. Catfish grabbers have been a kinda secretive group in the past as this type of hand fishing is controversial and generally illegal. But several years ago the brave folks of Noodlers Anonymous in Missouri came out and lobbied their state legislature. Missourians can now jump into lakes or rivers, stick their hands into cold, dark places and hope monster-sized

All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com

catfish will swallow their arms so they can wrestle the cats to the surface— and they can do it all without fear of prosecution. Which is interesting, the fear of prosecution part….If I was noodling, I’m not sure prosecution would register on my fear list.

You can’t learn catfish grabbing thru magazines or fishing shows. It’s a way of life passed from father to son (and mothers to daughters)! Those opposed to noodling are afraid legalizing it will encourage more people to try the sport. Probably not…

I actually participated in a form of catfish grabbing as a kid. My sisters and I loved to help a family friend named Tez check his catfish lines on Lake Saint John. We’d stick our arms up to our armpits into these big black pipes sunk below the murky water. Tez paid us a quarter for every catfish we came up with.

You don’t have enough money to get me to do that today.

A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

But I digress…I’m not interested in noodling myself. It sounds like a bad game of Hokey Pokey, “Put your right hand in, pull your right nub out, count your missing fingers and shake it all about…” But I am interested in protecting the rights of my fellow Americans. I say: if someone wants to hold their breath underwater, while attempting to pull a big Catdaddy from a hollow log fully aware they could come up with an irritated water moccasin or snapping turtle instead, well, they should be able to. This is still the land of the free!

I just have one suggestion. Noodling sounds like a bunch of pasta fans. Y'all have yourselves an extreme sport there.

You need an extreme name…like, ummmm, Fearless Fishing! Now, that’s catchy… ~Hugs, Shellie

By Dennis Stewart

Lost in Louisiana "There is no joy in hanging a man who does not resist it."

George Bernard Shaw wrote that nearly a hundred years ago.

I thought about that early one morning near twenty years ago as my fishing guide and I motored slowly in the dark, feeling our way down a sleepy bayou, headed to a marsh in southern Louisiana. It was nearly an hour before daylight. Lights were coming on in the kitchens of fishing camps along the bayou; you could smell the coffee brewing. The water stretched out flat before us without a ripple in the moonlight.

Sandy, my Cajun guide, reached into an ice chest and said to me, "Are you ready for one?"

I had no idea what he meant, but I was up for anything. "Yep," I replied. He tossed me a can of Budweiser. Breakfast of champions, here on the bayou. That one tasted so good, I had another one for dessert.

We made it to the marsh. Sandy baited my hooks. We were fishing for snapper and some kind of speckled trout as best I can remember.

We were using tandem hooks, meaning the end

of the fishing line actually split and there were two separate hooks attached. Seemed a little optimistic to a natural born pessimist. Catch two fish at the same time? Hmmm…

Daylight came. Sandy had his own rod out and directed me where to throw my line. The fish started biting immediately. I reeled my first one in. It was a keeper. We continued to fish. I caught my first double, two fish at the same time! Then I caught another double. This was fishing!

It was hard for me to keep up with Sandy. He was in his early 20's and I was in my late 30's. I had gotten a much later start than him. I recalled my first beer, thrown to me as I rode around Lake Bruin in the back seat of a friend's car in the tenth grade. It was a Schlitz. Tasted awful. But I managed to develop a taste for Schlitz within about a month. I turned pro in college, where you are supposed to acquire a variety of tastes for the classics. I learned to like those little Miller ponies, as well as Budweiser. It all came from the same horse.

By 9am, I couldn't be sure if I was really catching doubles, or merely imagining two fish at the end of the line. We headed back to the fishing camp. Took about an hour. It was not a tidy place.

Breakfast of champions, here on the bayou.

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The bed sheets probably hadn't been changed for a couple of months. I didn't care. I went to sleep.

Sandy woke me up in the middle of the afternoon. Time to go fishing again. My vision had cleared. I no longer had to keep one foot hanging off the bed and touching the floor to keep the ceiling from spinning.

We headed down the bayou. Sandy looked at me and said, "Are you ready?" Sure.

How often do you get the chance to get drunk twice in the same day?

I thought about the Perfect Woman.

I had met her several years earlier.

Among the many faults she found in me was my tendency to glorify alcohol. Her tendency to find faults in me did not keep her from being the Perfect Woman.

You only go around once in life. Got to grab all the gusto you can. I think George Bernard Shaw might have written that, too.

Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School.

After having taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in Rayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay.

The Spikemeister

A canine tale of Romeo and Juliet

By Deborah Burst

Maybe it was his strawberry blonde hair or his avant-garde attitude, but that Spikey certainly knew how to charm the ladies. Even an early- age neuter didn’t slow him down. He loved a good hunt and a good romp with his lady friend Kelly, a neighbor’s black lab.

He would trot to Kelly’s place, do a little teaser move racing around her, then a quick run to the gravel road. Looking back he tossed his shiny blonde hair and gave her that LOOK. With perky ears, brown eyes and short snout, he had the face of an adorable bear but the mane of a lion. He was definitely king of this jungle, and Kelly couldn’t resist. She busted through the charging barbs of her electric fence to join her man.

I’m not sure if the batteries were weak or if it was Spikey’s engaging personality but she risked it all to hang with the Spikemeister. And he was a true romantic. On their first date it was skinny dipping in a nearby pond filled with the finest mud and stench in town.

I can see it now, Spikey convincing Kelly it will be the time of her life. “Come on babe, I’ll bring you to places you’ve never seen before.

We’ll roll in the mud, dance in the water, and chase frogs through the woods.”

After the hot date, Spikey pranced down the road with Kelly and both were soaked head to tail in mud and green slime. Proud as a peacock with his feathers bloomed out, Spikey still had enough energy for another round while Kelly looked a bit puckered.

He won Kelly’s heart and she endured multiple shock treatments to be with her studly Spikester. During the summer it was afternoon naps under the house laying in the cool dirt or just a leisurely sniffing-walk around the yard.

Sometimes I would hear a ruckus going on and find Spikey pouncing on wood piles trying to rustle snakes. And then acting like a brave knight, he would save his frightened princess from the deadly venom. While Kelly backpedaled, Spikey would grab the snack and shake it violently until his head was nothing but a blur. Standing there with a lifeless snake hanging from his mouth, he paraded the trophy in a victory lap with Kelly on his heels.

When we took our walks, Kelly would join us although Spikey often got annoyed with her casual stroll. He would nip her backside and strut ahead hoping to entice her to move those hips, instead she would shake her floppy ears and dawdle down the road following us.

But alas the love story came to an abrupt end. It seems Spikey’s wild ways caught up with him in a tragic story that caused an end to the Kelly-Spikey romance.

Kelly’s family added a gaggle of geese to their property and when the geese began roaming free in the yard, Spikey took notice.

Perhaps it was another act of bravado protecting his precious princess, or the geese were just defending their territory, but it was

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not a happy ending. On Spikey’s next visit the geese pecked him on the nose, and well, let’s just say Spikey won the battle.

It was more than a lost love, Spikey lost his freedom that day and regulated to a 20 foot line when home alone. But he was still king of his kingdom. We ruled it together exploring the woods, trailing the road, and discovering nature in creatures both big and small. And then a rescue kitten named Izzy hit the scene.

Named after Hurricane Isidore, Spikey discovered the frail kitty hiding in roadside bushes soaked from the flooding rains. A friend and foe, Izzy would soon test Spikey’s macho image. Next month we’ll follow this most unlikely pair in their escapades inside a wooded kingdom.

An award winning writer and photographer, Deb began her freelance writing career after earning a media degree at Tulane University. A New Orleans native, she now lives in the piney woods of Mandeville, Louisiana and shares her stories on a local, regional and national level.

Writing is her therapy and she has dedicated her column to the adventures of Spikey, her canine confident. Visit www.debswriting.com for photos and features and www.facebook.com/burstmediacommunications for social media services.

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IN THE CR SSHAIRS

By Sonny Harrington

What Women Really Want I had some trouble putting a title to this article. I started to call it “When Size Matters”. You know it does. You know you just can’t carry a small one like you’d like to and when you need it – POOF! – it swells up into this enormous useful tool. Of course, I’m talking handguns.

Don’t stop, don’t stop, I may save your life.

First we have to pick up one that fits, not only your hand but your purse as well. It’s not going to do you any good if you don’t have it with you.

Everybody wants that 6” nice bad boy but as most men tell you, those things are hard to carry around all the time. A woman that puts some monster piece in her purse is

probably going to walk in circles after a while. Fortunately, most manufacturers are making the “new and improved” versions, such as titanium or air weight models and polymer, all to save weight. And of course, there’s the ‘pink’ factor. I hate it! You’re basically married to that one as resell is non-existent. It’s just not a natural color for a firearm.

You also want a smooth antisnag surface.

If you’re digging it out of your purse, you don’t want the hammer to hinder your draw. So there are hammerless and shrouded models in revolvers, or you can go to the semi-automatic. Stainless is nice because perfume, make-up and other concoctions that women may keep in their purse can ruin the finish and cause rust. And let’s don’t forget the ammo. Protect it, too. Nothing like seeing green brass stuck in the chamber. Forget it going off when you need it, if something has spilled on it. The primer – the little part that explodes and burns the powder that creates the pressure that pushes the bullet out that stops the threat – is kinda important.

Notice I said, “stop the threat”, as we don’t want to ‘kill’ anyone.

That may require shooting your assailant until he stops wiggling, but never say ‘kill’. You will carry a small revolver or semi-automatic that weighs a pound, longer than a larger 17 round, double stacked ammo, night sighted semi that weighs twice that. Remember these words: “You have to be in fear of your life or great bodily harm to use this”. These rules apply to police officers and civilians. Instead, pick out and practice with something that fits your needs.

In Louisiana, you can carry a firearm in your vehicle; it’s an extension of your home. You don’t need a conceal carry permit for that. However, a police officer may be a little nervous if he sees it.

Declare it immediately upon being

A woman that puts some monster piece in her purse is probably going to walk in circles after a while.

Louisiana Road Trips

stopped. And don’t leave one in rounds before you have any plain view to be stolen either. Then confidence of reliability. You can again, if it’s not accessible to you, get sights that glow in the dark what good is it locked up? Then (really??). They last for 10 years there’s the child protection factor to without batteries. You can get a consider. You are responsible for laser, too, but do you need it? No!! everything about this.

You have to be close to be “in fear Back to basics... Can you cock of your life”; statistically speaking, the handgun? This is called ‘single less than 21 feet. Thus, inside a action’. Just pulling the trigger and small room or car. No time for it working would be ‘double sights and lights. Point and pull the action’. Big difference in trigger trigger over and over until either pull, too. And a lot lighter when it’s the threat has stopped or the slide cocked – five pounds versus fifteen pounds. Even more important, can you uncock it?

Might want to find out with an empty gun first. I’m not even going to attempt discussing dominant eyes and sight alignment here, as this is an article and not a book. I will say that if a threat occurs, you need to deploy your handgun, stungun, and pepper spray without hesitation and use it. If you’re 44 mag, 8 shot .22 and unusual 9mm not shooting it, you’d better be revolver reloading it; if you’re not reloading locks back. When the smoke clears, it, you’d better be moving because calmly dial 911 and request an if you’re not doing one of these, ambulance for the injured parties you may be dead. but don’t make any statements Let me get back to ‘size until you’ve regained your matters’. That’s really important, composure and have had time to especially in bullets. Bigger and faster think about everything. How is better. But you need something you politically correct is that? can handle, too. Those .44 mags are Hopefully, I’ll write more on this for Dirty Harry. In combat, you probably won’t feel the recoil and most likely won’t notice the deafening blast but you will feel it and hear it when practicing.

Let’s not forget protection, girls – hearing and eye protection. Borrow a .22 if you don’t have one. Get familiar with sight alignment and trigger control, make it fun. When you get serious, Machete and .380 auto 7 shot polymer/stainless bring out the big stuff. Don’t be cheap on quality of subject later as there aren’t enough firearms and ammunition, it’s your pages here to cover the subject and life. Practice with the full metal do you justice. Folks ask me all the jacket inexpensive ammo, as you’ll time what I like in self protection. notice the price doubles when you Well, personally I’m a machete get to the good stuff. Hollow points (Collins Legitimus) man. and expanding tips, they even have Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety ammo specially made to stop Instructor. He is also an NRA (National zombies. Make dang sure your Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor semi-automatic feeds the ammo and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico. you selected. I’d recommend you fire your handgun at least 200

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Setting Priorities

By Robert Lemoine Well, it’s here again…ball season.

With three kids playing at two different ball complexes, logistics becomes a nightmare. Not to mention throwing in homework, house work, regular work, and church. Parents are nodding their heads right now in agreement.

What falls away and what stays first?

Well, we have to work, the kids have to do homework, and it’s only fair they attend every practice and game for doing well in school. You see the pattern developing here.

Bible study gets pushed aside to make time for the kids but we think we can still make it to church.

The days grow into weeks and house work has to be caught up. We can make it to church next week. Then it was a rough week at work; Sunday can be a “day of rest”.

We’ll make it to church next week. Once again, next week God is put at the bottom of the list because we still have to work, the kids have homework and ball, and we’re just too tired to do anything else.

It’s funny how we can push aside our most important responsibility of praising God for “the world”. Maybe you’re single or even a married couple without kids. This scenario can still be adapted to fit your life.

Instead of the kids playing ball, you have to go hunting because there is only a few days out of the whole year that you can. God can wait for you to kill that big buck, rabbit, squirrel, duck, etc.

It’s ok, God understands that you’re just too wore out from helping your friend build that new deck. Ladies, He also understands that you walked way too much at the mall to put on those uncomfortable church shoes.

Next Sunday, you can make it to spend an hour with Him. These thoughts occurred to me as I was sitting at one of those ball games for two hours, thinking how it’s perfectly acceptable to spend several hours at the ball park while God is not worth an hour a week. If you feel conviction as you read this, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It is out of conviction that this is being written.

If you saw yourself in any of these situations, the good news is that you can change your priorities. If you got an unexpected phone call telling you of a loved ones illness or even passing, you would drop everything to get to the hospital or clear your calendar for the funeral. Well, someone very special in your life died over two thousand years ago and you’re personally requested to be sitting up front with the family.

1. Frances Parkinson Keyes, one of One final thought… If these are America's best-selling authors, lived your final moments here on earth, in what LA city for more than ten have your priorities been in order years. to prepare you for eternity? May 2. Who was the first governor to God bless you and keep you serve two consecutive terms? safe in all that you do.

3. What was Rayville’s original Remember, the fastest way up name? is to kneel down.

4. Where was Lake Beulah?

5. What was the MonroeBastrop road called in the early years?

6. What is the origin of the word "bayou"?

7. What year was Lake D'arbonne built?

8. What is distinctive about the State Capitol steps?

9. What was the original name of Highway 80?

10. What town had the first public library in Louisiana?

Answers on next page 21

ouisiana Remember When . . .

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For the Love of the Game

By Johnny Wink

This time of the year reminds me of when I was growing up––baseball. I can still remember the smell of fresh cut grass on the playing fields, white chalk lines on the base paths, sounds of the bats hitting the ball. Now it's "tink" with aluminum bats, just doesn't sound right to me. And the food – hot dogs and Frito pies and snowballs. I caught many a foul ball for a free snowball. We didn't have any drinks, just water from the hose that tasted like rubber. Kids today won’t do that. Today, every kid has his own bat and bag. We just showed up with a glove.

I can remember being 4 years old in a league called the Peanuts down in New Orleans where my daddy was the recreation director for the summer. I played one year, then right before Hurricane Betsy hit we moved to West Monroe. Here I couldn’t play till I was 8 years old but that didn't stop me. I got to practice with my older brother Jimmy and his team until game time. Playing with people that was much older helped prepare me for when I could play.

When I turned 8 years old I played on my brother’s team, People’s Loan, in Dixie Youth. Every year before the season started we had a parade downtown and a lot of the businesses that sponsored teams were there. As we passed, we would yell as loud as we could showing our gratitude. All the teams would march in the parade and then end up at First Baptist Church and make team pictures.

In my first year, my brother made All Stars and they went all the way to the World Series in Pensacola. We got to go on a family vacation to Florida to see him play in our station wagon with no air conditioner. We even went to the beach. A rookie pitcher from the Dodgers, Don Sutton, was there on opening day signing autographs (1968).

I made All Stars when I was 12 but we got beat in the state playoff. Back then every game we played, even regular games, made the newspaper. If you got two hits, your name would be in there. We played ever Saturday and the write-ups would come out in the Sunday morning paper. We couldn’t wait to get the Sunday paper to see if we made it.

I also have fine memories back then of my my dad’s Sunday School classmates congratulating me if I was in the paper that day. I remember Dr. James Henderson and Tex Kilpatrick tapping me on my back, telling me how good a job I had done. They were big-time duck hunters and I dreamed of some day going duck hunting. Now I do it for a living. My dad and my mom were so proud of me and my brother and spent of lot of time at practice and games in the hot summer heat.

When I was 14, I made All Stars again and we won the State

Championship and went to the World Series – in West Monroe! I made All Stars every year after that until I was 18. We were 5 times State Champions and went to three World Series. The coaches back then were amazing and most didn't even have a child playing on the team.

They molded so many young boys and showed us how to play as a team. In Dixie Boys, our coach was Buddy Reed. In Dixie Youth it was Seft Blasier and Grady Rice. In Dixie Seniors and Dizzy Dean it was Boggie Hearne and Robert Tyler. They were big men and when one coached on first and the other on third in the All Stars, that was an impressive sight. The fields were always decorated for the state playoff and World Series with games on the radio and newspaper people everywhere.

I want to thank every coach I had from ages 4 to 18 for the time spent with us when you could have enjoyed your summers elsewhere.

I’m still good friends with some of the players, too. I’m so grateful my parents let us play. I've still got all my trophies in my mom's attic. Back then, you had to earn them. So, all you moms and dads that have kids wanting to play sports, please say yes. It takes a lot of your time but being with your children as they learn and grow and have fun, and meeting other families and coaches, is priceless.

This Sunday as I write this, I will be attending the annual Phil Robertson Camo Day at the Whites Ferry Road Church of God in West Monroe. Phil is the Duck Commander and now has a TV show on A & E, Duck Dynasty.

Most everyone will be in camo as Phil and his sons talk about their lives and their relationship with God. This will be my third one to attend.

Phil and Willy were on Conan last night, too. They’re bringing a lot of interest to north Louisiana. Life here seems just right: God, family, sports and the outdoors. With all that we don't have a lot of time to get in too much trouble.

I want to thank the Lord for letting me make a living duck guiding and living in the country. Now all I need is a trophy wife to enjoy this with me and I will be happy, happy, happy. On second thought, maybe just one to visit occasionally. My dogs might get jealous.

Today, every kid has his own bat and bag.

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

Toledo – Home of Heavy Bass!

With post spawn patterns in place, fishing choices are so many that it’s hard to decide how to start your day on the lake.

Exactly how many patterns/lures can you catch bass on currently?

Let me count the ways: Top water on points, frogs on shallow grass, spinnerbaits on bank, buzzbaits on bank, mid-diving crankbaits, deep-running crankbaits, TX rig, Carolina rig and wacky rig to name just a portion of techniques that are working on my favorite fishing hole. While this has some positive elements and gives angler lots of options, it shows that fish are scattered and in transition and changing water levels only add to the puzzle.

Recently we’ve had success trying to catch fish on our highconfidence patterns and stay with the basics. Every day at the dock or tackle shops I hear how they really caught 'em on this or that and they fished this way or that way. We often try to fish someone else’s methods and favorite 'highdollar' lure but need to filter that

info and not abandon years of experience because of one Melanson added a 10.2 pounder while fishing overly-excited fisherman who found a school of bass that a wacky-rigged Senko in the Louisiana Island wanted to ride in his boat. For me personally, our high area of south Toledo. confidence methods are spinnerbaits, crankbaits and lots Even with a little help, one of the main of soft plastics. I also feel that the clearer the water in a factors is that Toledo has more big bass in it fishery, the more soft plastics come into play. Annually, currently than we catch about 75% of our fish on soft plastics which ever in history, include Texas rigs, Carolina rigs and allowing you to weightless/finesse techniques such as simply catch wacky, drop-shot and Texasmore huge fish. weightless. Having said that, most Here I am again days I will always have a Stanley singing their spinnerbait tied on as well as at least praises but the one Bill Norman crankbait, stocking of either a Baby N, DLN or Florida bass by DD22. Of course, certain both TX and LA times of the year we fish and local lake jigging spoons a lot. The association methods just mentioned groups has covers 95% of what we do revolutionized Jim Melanson with a 10.2 on the lake as these are our bass fishing on pound largemouth high-confidence methods Toledo. One and when all else fails, we parting thought: Preparing your equipment as go back to one or more of if expecting to catch a huge fish is crucial. I these. may not get everything right in my guide BIG BITES COMING service but I am a fanatic when it comes to MORE FREQUENTLY lines, knots, hooks and drag-settings. My We’ve had some fun clients will tell you I sent them lots of e-mails times recently as our guide with specific instructions on how to rig their service has been fortunate rods/reels prior to making their first cast of the to get big bites and have day. I now truly expect someone to catch a big most of them find the fish in my boat every day that I fish Toledo. bottom of the net, the Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, 10 yr old Alivia Lange with a scales, a brief photo session 10.1 pound bass tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and and then back in the lake. In Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848, the past four month period we have been able to get joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or three double-digit bass to pose for a photo-shoot. I was www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. fortunate enough to catch the first one in late December on Thanks for the book review last a Klassic Lures jigging month (Louisiana Aviation – An spoon at 10lbs 13oz. Then Extraordinary History in 10 year old Alivia Lange in 1. Crowley Photographs). I had heard a book late March caught a 10.1 2. John J. McKeithen like this was being written but pounder on a Havoc 3.Little Creek didn’t know that it was already Bottom Hopper rigged 4. In Forsythe Park. It was published. This is perfect for wacky while fishing with us an artificial lake created Father’s Day. in Mill Creek. Her proud ~Bill F., Jena by the Forsythe grandfather, Greg Lange, was Natatorium overflow on board With all the festivals in Louisiana, my absolute favorite is the 5. Pelican Highway to see the Catfish Festival in Winnsboro. I was pleased to see it in your 6. It comes from the whole magazine and emailed it to from your website to my friends out of thing.

Choctaw word "bayuk” which means creek state who drive in for this. Nothing better than Louisiana catfish!

And then 7. 1963 ~Melissa W., St. Francisville Thursday 8. Each step bears the name of a state before I really enjoy Mary White’s articles (Bed n Beignets) each month. and the date it was admitted to the Easter, She provides a bit of history and entertainment in the area where union regular the featured bed and breakfast is. I’ve actually stayed at two of the 9. Dixie Overland Highway client BnB’s she recommended in her column. Please thank her for the 10. Rayville Jim solid information. ~Paula, Ruston, via email

Toledo has more big bass in it currently than ever in history.

ouisiana

K C A B K TAL

Answers …

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Calendar of Events

May

May 1-6

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Contraband Days Lake Charles – 337-436-5508

May 3-6

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New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 504-410-4100

May 4-5

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May Festival Abbeville – 337-898-0988

May 4-6

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Crawfish Festival Breaux Bridge – 337-332-6655 Little Red Church Food and Fun Festival Destrahan – 985-764-6383 MayFest Leesville – 337-238-0783

May 22-26

May 12-13

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Loggers & Forestry Festival Zwolle – 318-645-6141

May 13

________________

Sissy Strut Festival Tickfaw – 504-723-4263

______________ May 17-19 ______________

Cajun Heartland State Fair Lafayette – 337-265-2100 Jambalaya Festival Gonzales – 225-647-2937

May 25-26

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May 25-27

Riverboat Festival Columbia – 318-649-0726

D’Arbonne Stampede Days Rodeo Farmerville – 318-368-3873

Tomato Festival Chalmette – 504-271-2953

May 18-20

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Sawmill Days Fisher – 800-358-7802

Green Festival New Orleans – 504-282-0259

May 26

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Swamp Pop Music Festival Robert – 985-345-9244

May 26-27

May 27

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Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival New Iberia – 888-9-IBERIA

Tunica – Biloxi Pow Wow Marksville – 800-833-4195

Fest For All Baton Rouge – 225-344-8558

________________ May 19 SW LA All Vets Reunion DeRidder – 337-462-8900

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Bayou Country Superfest Baton Rouge – 800-527-6843

River City Fest Logansport – 318-872-1177

_______________ May 5-6 ______________ May 8-13

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________________ May 18

Thibodaux’s Volunteer Fireman’s Thibodaux – 985-446-FAIR

Treasure Fest DeRidder – 337-463-5534

May 24-27

Bonnie & Clyde Festival Gibsland – 318-843-6141

______________ May 18-19

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New Orleans Wine and Food Experience 504-529-WINE

Plaquemine Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival Belle Chase – 504-394-6328

Sacred Heart Spring Festival Oakdale – 318-335-3780

May 5

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Mudbug Madness Shreveport – 318-222-7403

Mayhaw Festival Starks – 337-743-6297

May 17-20

2012

Zoo To Do New Orleans – 504-581-4629 Zydeco Extravaganza Opelousas – 800-346-1958

Contraband Days Lake Charles – 337-436-5508

May 10-12

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Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Festival Jackson – 225-629-5852

May 10-13

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Poke Salad Festival Blanchard – 318-309-2647 Cochon de Lait Festival Mansura – 318-964-2887

May 11-12

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Mayhaw Festival Marion – 318-292-4715

Bible Reading Marathon LRT is proud to report that Lake Providence resident Ann Brock, wife of LRT contributor Larry Brock, coordinated a 90-hour “Word Watch” (Bible Reading Marathon) at Providence Church during Easter week. It began at 6pm on Wednesday and ended on Easter Sunday morning. This is the second year for this event and consisted of members of their church reading the New Testament all the way through two times for 60 hours. Because of people’s interest, the entire community was invited to participate this year and the BRM was expanded to include the entire Bible. A total of 79 people from East Carroll, West Carroll & Chicot County, AR participated, members of 13 different churches representing 8 different denominations, reading in 30-minute to 1-hour intervals. Some pastors even participated! The reading was non-stop, 24-hours a day for 85½ hours. Those that participated were really touched and eager to repeat this next year.

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Thank You, Lee Estes!

Lee Estes was born in Kentucky in 1925, served in World War II, and found his way to northeast Louisiana in 1956. In his LRT column this month, Another Stalwart in LA Aviation – C. B. McMahan, Lee details how an opportunity to work with McMahan lured him to Monroe where he resides today with his wife, Lottie.

While in Germany after WWII, Lee became interested in photography and began documenting his adventures in Europe. His passion and experience led him to become a nationally acclaimed exhibition photographer during the 1980’s. Eventually, Lee began leading worldwide group coach tours, providing numerous venues for extraordinary photo opportunities. He has since penned three photo/documentary books, Fading Textures, The Coach Stops Here!, and Fading Warriors, a collection of material from veterans of WWII. Lee also works tirelessly documenting history, such as the Dixie Overland Highway (Hwy US 80), and renewing interest in abandoned and decrepit structures.

For years, LRT has been fortunate to include Lee Estes as a contributing writer/photographer as he immediately became a reader favorite. His knack for seeing beyond the obvious, researching every element, and presenting it in an authoritative manner has piqued the interest of local residents and history buffs alike.

“I always look forward to opening Louisiana Road Trips to see what Lee Estes has written about each month. His articles are full of fascinating details about areas that I’ve driven by my whole life and never knew their history,” says Dara Hamm, co-owner of The Hall Closet in West Monroe. “I love his writing style, so knowledgeable and direct with a dash of humor.

When I read his column, I just want to go find him, pull up a chair, and listen to him tell me as many stories as possible.” Dara continues, “Lee, thanks for all the fantastic articles. We LOVE them at my house! Just one more reason why Louisiana Road Trips is the best of the best!”

Ralph Calhoun, Executive Director at Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe, says, “We have had several exhibits with Lee's photographs at the museum. For me, it was always a pleasure and learning experience sitting in my office with him previewing images while he recollected on the stories behind them. Lee's memory is incredible and his stories are always educational and entertaining.”

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe has also benefited from its association with Lee, says Director Nell Calloway. “Lee has been with the Museum since it opened in 2000. He volunteered very early on to be the Museum’s main photographer. Without his expertise, we would not have the pictorial history of the Museum. For the last couple years, he has been securing monthly speakers for the Museum to provide an opportunity to hear from many local heroes about their contributions. His books have great historical value for the community as well. Thank you again, Lee, for all you do.”

Monroe resident Steve Mintz tells LRT, “Lee’s award winning photography has greatly contributed to Louisiana culture. He has documented in his photography much of the local trade area history throughout decades and our region is a better place because of him.”

On behalf of LRT and its readers, again we say THANK YOU, LEE!

For effective, low-cost advertising, call

Mona L. Hayden

(318) 547-1221 Louisiana Road Trips

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