LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish is getting ready to commemorate a storm that devastated two of its communities 100 years ago.

“We are commemorating the Hurricane of 1915, because it was a significant event that occurred on Sept. 29, 1915,” the Rev. Donald August Sr. said. “The storm destroyed the St. John Parish communities of Frenier and Ruddock along with two others that were situated on the Southwest part of Lake Pontchartrain.”

August is one of the volunteers helping with the event.

“It’s a significant historical event whose story has mainly been only folklore to many,” he said. “They were thriving communities on the Southwest shore of Lake Pontchartrain, and numerous lives were lost.

“There is a lot of rich history associated with these two communities and this event. The last of the known survivors recently passed away, so now the story is being told by another generation of locals.”

A wreath-laying ceremony will be included in the commemoration to honor the hundreds of lives lost in the West Indian Hurricane of 1915.

Because of the time period, August said communications were not as timely as today, so many lives were lost due to lack of sufficient warning.

August encourages everyone in the community to attend the event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Fernier Landing Restaurant, 113 Dottie Lane off Peavine Road in LaPlace.

A book signing by Wayne Norwood for his book “The Day Time Stood Still— the Hurricane of 1915” and a fundraiser for the Manchac Greenway project are also planned.

A donation of $25 per person in advance or at the entrance is good for three bar beverages. Pre-purchases are available until Wednesday at 504-836-7119. Proceeds go to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation for the benefit of the Manchac Greenway project.

“The aim (of the project) is to develop the ground-level Highway 51 corridor into a natural attraction because of the beauty of the Manchac Swamp area, the recreational potential and the tourist appeal to this area,” August said. “ Many years ago there was a push to develop a ‘ring around the lake,’ which would allow travel around Lake Pontchartrain. Old Highway 51, the Old Hammond Highway, has a rich history of its own. Many residents love to fish along its bayous and cuts, enjoy the natural scenery as well as enjoy the peacefulness of a slow drive from LaPlace to Ponchatoula.”

Norwood was part of an effort 20 years ago to clean up the Old Highway 51 area. He should have a sufficient number of books available for those who wish to purchase a copy and have him sign it.

“This event hopefully will increase interest in the history surrounding (the storm) as well as help tell the story of these thriving communities which once existed, but now have all but disappeared from the landscape,” August said.

As for the Manchac Greenway project, August said the local governments of St. John and Tangipahoa Parish have recognized the area’s potential and have agreed to work with the Manchac Greenway Committee to bring efforts to fruition.

Those unable to attend but still interested in donating can visit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation’s website — saveourlake.org — and find a link to the Manchac Greenway Project fundraiser.

— By Raquel Derganz Baker