By Gladys Davis Mulkey
L’Observateur

RESERVE — A lifelong resident of Reserve, Dudley Beadle preserves history by making model buildings to replicate town landmarks.

When the Illinois Central Train Station in Reserve was demolished in 1969, Beadle said he wanted to “do something to capture the memory of the building.”

He was disheartened by the landmark’s removal and wanted to find a way to preserve the station’s memory.

“Golly, I don’t even have a camera to take a picture of this,” Beadle said his thought was as he watched the demolition.

This formed the idea of making model buildings of his community, but Beadle said his only previous experience in making them came from a high school project.

He researched photographs and history books in order to create a visual foundation to produce the miniature replications of the homes, buildings, property, landmarks and churches. He received suggestions and requests from other residents in the community.

His first two models were made out of batten. The later models were made out of plastic, using recycled election signs as the main material.

Beadle, 83, has completed models of the Illinois Central Station, the original L’OBSERVATEUR building, the Godchaux Mill and Refinery, the Voisin Plantation House, Club Cafe, Leon Godchaux High School and the first, second and third St. Peter Churches.

Beadle devoted more time to preserving these memories after retiring from Shell Chemical.

“It gives me something to do with my time” Beadle said.

After over 45 years of building the models, Beadle said “he is running out of space to continue this project.” He has made approximately 28 so far.

Beadle said would like to share his work with the town, but does not have the efficient space to properly display the models year round, which is where the Knights of Columbus Hall in Reserve came into play.

The public is welcome, free of charge, to visit the hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 114 W. 7th St. in Reserve to view the models.

“His work is very well done,” club member and treasurer Randy Aucoin said. “The older residents of Reserve will be quite amazed with the recollection of old Reserve through the models.”

Beadle said he does not have any plans to construct more models and wanted the opportunity to share his work with the community.