L’Observateur / November 29, 2000

The following events were recorded in the pages of L’Observateur this week in the history of the River Parishes.

1913

Last Sunday morning at 7 o’clock, the editor of L’Observateur was brutally and cowardly assaulted by constable-deputy sheriff Lasseigne, who was waiting in hiding in the neighborhood of the office.

A man resisting arrest Sunday was shot and killed at Laplace by constable Eugene Tamplain.

Preparations are being made by the Woodmen of the World in Laplace for a Euchre and Dance on Dec. 6 at 8 o’clock for the benefit of the piano fund.

1925

All the necessary material for the construction of the new Reserve School annex has been received and the carpenters are ready to start building.

Realizing the great need and necessity of getting books and playground equipment, the faculty of John L. Ory School and the people of Laplace havejoined hands and announced a Grand Minstrel Show for Dec. 5.

W.J. Roussel and L.J. Deslatte, local Chevrolet dealers, will attend abanquet in the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. The first Chevrolet and the recently-built two-millionth Chevrolet will be on display in the lobby.

1935

Maurice Triche was in the act of crossing the Hammond Highway near the Half-Way House when he was hit by a freight-line truck, but fortunately not very seriously.

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Haydel of Laplace wish to announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Aline, to Clyde J. Holmes of Reserve. The happy event will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Dec. 2.

Mrs. Florestan Millet, ne Zoe Songy, aged 88 years, died after aprotracted illness, leaving five children, 53 grandchildren, 66 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

1945

Reserve Post 159 of the American Legion was planning to stage a three- act play, “Pep Parade” at the Leon Godchaux High auditorium.

The PTA of John L. Ory was planning to stage a play called “The Old MaidsConvention.”

The St. John Parish School Board warns all children and parents that theywill enforce the new compulsory school law. Violators will be fined $10 andspend 10 days in jail.

A new world’s speed record of 600 mph was set by the British jet, “Brittania.”

1955

A conference in New Orleans between Reserve businessmen and officials of Godchaux Sugar Co. to discuss the strike situation ended without anythingdefinite being accomplished.

A dinner marking the dedication of the new cafeteria at Godchaux Grammar school was scheduled.

Judge Robert Rivarde dismissed Norman Millet’s suit against Francis Fulton, allowing Fulton to serve on the board of commissioners for the St. JohnParish Waterworks District 1.

Reserve beat Lutcher with a last-minute touchdown for a 6-0 victory in the contest between the two arch-rivals.

1965

Arnold J. Labat has been elected chairman of the newly-organized LaPlaceRecreation and Youth Organization.

Reserve was set to meet the Morgan City Tigers in a quarterfinal game for the state championship.

Jolly old St. Nick was scheduled to arrive by parachute at the RiverlandsShopping Center.

St. John Parish School Superintendent Albert Becnel said that LeonGodchaux High School had maintained its accreditation for another year.

1975

The FBI arrested a Reserve man for copyright violation for making illegal copies of records.

The trial for the murder of a Edgard priest, housekeeper and nun was moved to Houma after a impartial jury could not be found.

The site for the new East St. John High School was approved by the board.

John Fred and the Playboys, famous for the 1968 hit “Judy in Disguise,” played for the LEBRO dance at LaPlace Elementary School.

Santa Claus arrived at the LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department in an amphibious duck, courtesy of the LaPlace Jaycees.

1985

Three kids were injured and an 11 year-old was killed when a train struck their pickup truck on Fifth Street in LaPlace.

Larry “Boogie” Montz was named the Louisiana State Police’s Communication Equipment Operator of the Year.

St. James High School beat the third-ranked undefeated Plaquemine GreenDevils, 38-25.

A newspaper recycling drive gathered 24,145 pounds of paper for $217 to donate to a LaPlace baby born with a heart defect.

The 27th annual Garyville Wheelbarrow Parade rounded up some high- spirited sports fans.

1995

The Belle Terre Plaza construction began.

The end of the lawsuit regarding the 1988 Shell Oil explosion left $45 million to split between the lawyers.

The first-ever Christmas at the Mill Festival was held at the Garyville Timbermill Museum.

After beating Natchitoches Central 36-17, Hahnville High School headed to the Superdome to defend its state title.

REMEMBER WHEN is published each Wednesday in L’Observateur.

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