July 9, 2005, MEETING OF THE IMPERIAL ST. LANDRY GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, held in the Medical Offices Conference Room, Doctors' Hospital, Opelousas, Louisiana.
Society President, Estelle M. Perrault., called meeting to order at 10:00 AM. She called on those in attendance for the first time to state their names and place of residence. Gene and Barbara Gailes Zachary, who now live in San Francisco, stated that they are originally from Opelousas. Julia Key is a resident of Grand Coteau. Edmond Dupre, Jr., now lives in Lafayette, but his family is originally from Opelousas. Dolores Kleifisch, originally from Houston, has lived in Opelousas a number of years. Cathy Bush is from Monroe. Gilda Ortego Marshall, originally from Opelousas, now resides in Carencro.
Miss Perrault then asked attendees with "show and tell" articles to give a brief presentation. Gilda Marshall showed a newspaper article, which was featured by her late brother, Hasa Ortego, in his 1969 Daily World column. He wrote about the Opelousas Female Institute, which was operated by Miss Maggie Haas. The article included a picture of the students, taken in 1903.
Mr. Ellis Tinney stated that he knows a lot about the Fogleman, Shuff, and Montgomery families, and the connections to Avoyelles Parish and St. Landry Parish. Miss Perrault asked for volunteers to meet with Mr. Tinney to discuss his knowledge of those early families.
Miss Perrault reported that she recently attended a family reunion and a genealogy society meeting in Dallas. While in Dallas, she also used the genealogical library to do some research.
Doris Castille displayed a newspaper article, dated about 1967, which featured the reprint of an article, which had been published in 1932. It reported on the local Boy Scout activities, along with picture of scouts who later became prominent Opelousas citizens.
Sandra Titard showed an old newspaper article, reporting on the Opelousas Fire Company. She also displayed a copy of her great grandfather's passport, dated 1860, and his naturalization papers. Sandra modeled a beautifully preserved one hundred fifty year old widow's veil, from Mrs. Lou Arceneaux's collection. A map of New Orleans, dated 1869, was also shown.
James St. Cyr displayed fishing nets, which he made from "scratch". He gave a very interesting talk about how, as a young boy, he was taught by his stepfather's ex-father-in-law, Mr. Frederick Hutchins. James continues to be a successful fisherman.
Edmond Dupre showed pictures of the family of Etienne de la Morandiere. In the early 1800's, for the sum of $2500, Etienne sold a forty-acre tract of property to the Opelousas Post. Mr. Dupre spoke about his de la Morandiere ancestors, who lived in Washington^ Louisiana. He offered to allow the genealogy society to copy the portraits.
Julia Key talked about her ongoing research of the Eaglin, Murray, Gardiner, and Green families, who settled in the Grand Coteau area. She stated that the family association meets regularly.
Joann Duncan displayed several interesting old books, dated 1894,1896,1914 and 1932. Among the books, one showed that students rented college textbooks.
Roselyn Soileau showed several old books and hand-sewn napkins. She also talked about the winter, 2005 issue of the Louisiana Historical Association Journal, which includes the personal memoirs of the late Mrs. Eve Lavergne Castille. Mrs. Castille, a resident of the Bellevue and Sunset Communities, wrote about early twentieth century life in the rural communities. A discussion then followed about the old custom of nailing death notices on telephone poles and buildings.
Joanne Savoie asked for help in identifying an old glass water battery jar, which was found in a storage building on family property. The jar, marked "Gould", also features a water line. James St. Cyr said that several of the jars, lined up in a row and connected to a magneto, provided electricity to rural areas before electric lines were installed.
Sylvia Morel showed old St. Landry Parish Jury receipt books, dated 1894 and 1916. She pointed out that they were rescued from a pile of rubbish in an abandoned house. She also spoke about the importance of preserving such artifacts, because they provide much information about the lives of people who lived at that time.
Etha Amling spoke about her long search for her Scott family's ancestral home. She knew that her ancestors were slaves on a Louisiana plantation, and after many unsuccessful inquiries, the search yielded results. Built by Alexander Scott near St. Francisville, 'The Shades" has remained in the same family for many generations. Mr. and Mrs. Amling plan to make an appointment to visit the plantation, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Juergen Amling displayed a book, dated 1897, which commemorated the life of the last emperor of Germany. He also showed a walking stick from Germany.
Estelle Perrault showed a hand made crank, which was used to assemble four-poster beds.
James St. Cyr reminded members that he has videos of some of our previous lecture speakers.
Joanne Savoie announced that there will be a book sale in the Louisiana Archives building on Essen Lane in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, July 30th.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 Noon. Submitted by
Sylvia David Morel Recording Secretary