Early days in Cameron and Vermilion Parishes, LA, which include the communities of Cameron, Abbeville, Kaplan, Delcambre, Erath, Gueydan and Maurice, are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this brand new 63-page 8.5" x 11" spiral-bound book, printed on 60# opaque paper. The full-color front cover is protected with a vinyl sheet.
The book includes excerpts from two hard-to-find vintage publications: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, edited by William Henry Perrin and originally published by the Gulf Publishing Company in 1891, and Louisiana, a Guide to the State, compiled by Workers of the Writers' Program of the WPA in 1941.
Since Cameron Parish was not formed until 1870, there is not a lot of data on it in Perrin's book. It was taken from Calcasieu and Vermilion parishes, so the early history of these places would apply to what it now Cameron Parish. The Cameron portion of this book discusses the boundaries, organization, medical and legal professions, churches and schools. It includes a correspondent's impressions as he tours the parish, and discusses the cultivation of oranges.
In addition to the usual data found in local histories, the Vermilion Parish portion tells of the legends surrounding Pecan Island, and the successful adaptation of growing sugar cane in the parish.
There are no individual biographies for Cameron Parish. Bios for Vermillion Parish include: E.I. Addison, John Abshire Jr. Joseph T. Abshire, Henry H. Bartels, Lastie Broussard, Timothy Bagley, Martin Bagley, John M. Beauxis, John Baptist Becker, J.A. Brookshier, Adam Boudreau, William Cade, Newton R. Campbell, Eugene Demary, Judge W.W. Edwards, Dr. C.J. Edwards, Gus Godchaux, Joseph T. Guidry, Howard Hoffpauir, Dr. J.T. Hamblet, Joseph W. Harrington, Dr. W.G. Kibbe, William W. Kuehling, Severin LeBlanc, Lucius LeBlanc, Joseph Alcee LeBlanc, A.L. LeBlanc, Alcide LeBlanc, L. Leotaud, Martin V. Lampman, Rev. A.M. Mehault, Eli Montagne, Alexander Moss, Henry J. Moss, Thomas J. Morgan, Albert G. Maxwell, Marcus L. Morton, Adrien Nunez, Adrien Hebrard Nunez, Oliver H. O'Bryan, Levi S. Rice, Cornelius L. Rice, Lorenzo C. Rice, Dr. James B. Ramsey, H.J. Stansbury, Granville B. Shaw, Martin Sarver, Joseph Theall, Aurelien Theall, Maurice Villien, W.L. Vanslyke, Thomas S. Winston, Dr. W.D. White, J.N. Williams, Solomon Wise, S.P. Watts, N.C. Young and R.J. Young.
The WPA book gives a nostalgic glimpse from a 1941 vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially as they relate to sightseeing possibilities. The excerpt concerns the City of Abbeville, and besides the overview, includes six points of interest. A map of southwest Louisiana is also included.
Wouldn't this make a unique gift? |