L’Observateur / December 27, 2000

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

1913

The christening of Samuel Antoine Madere, son of Mr. and Mrs. Similien Madere, took place at St. Peter’s Church, with Miss Emilie Bethancourt and Mr. Fernand Madere as sponsors.

Grand preparations were being made for the W.O.W. Dance to be given in the Woodmen of the World Hall at Laplace.

Pay your poll tax before Jan. 1, or you cannot vote for two years, owing to the foresight of the “friends of the working class” that passed such a law.

1925

A gigantic monument was to be erected at Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, to the heroes and soldiers of the South in the late Civil War.

A first-class saddle horse, good and gentle, for sale. For information, call Emile Hotard of Reserve.

Roussel Motor Co. of Reserve invites all to come in and purchase a new Chevrolet with a down payment of $5.

1935

The local Legion Hall was the scene of joyous Christmas cheer last Sunday, as 160 children heard short addresses by Nick Cannon of Luling and Commander Lionel St. Martin. Santa Claus was the guest of honor.

The automobile death rate can be reduced, and the reckless and inconsiderate drivers, who are responsible for some 36,000 deaths a year in this country, can be curbed.

In St. John Parish during 1934, there were 130 growers who planted 98 acres and produced 5,530 bushels of potatoes.

1945

Tire rationing will end at the beginning of the year, says the Price Administration.

Sen. Alvin Stumpf announced that offices to help veterans with benefits and unemployment will be opened in St. John and St. Charles parishes.

The supply of edible fats and oils is such that no rationing is necessary, but the supply of industrial fats and oils is still very scarce.

The latest fashion style this season is white rabbit fur.

1955

Both the Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl will be televised this year by WDSU-TV.

Confidence in St. John Parish prevails as 1955 ends and a new year begins.

The St. John Parish Registrar of Voters says that 5,973 people are registered to vote in the parish.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that over 37 million people attend schools in the U.S.

1965

Architects unveiled the new plans and drawings of St. Peter’s Church, destroyed during Hurricane Betsy.

1965 is called the greatest year in the history of highway construction.

The Louisiana State Police predict that there will be 11 vehicle-related deaths over the New Year’s holiday.

The Disney film, “The Monkey’s Uncle” and a racing film, “Red Line 7000” will usher in the new year at Maurin’s Theater in Reserve.

1975

The St. John Utilities Department shut off the water unexpectedly, to the misfortune of a beautician who was in the middle of bleaching a customers hair and ready to rinse.

Ms. As You See It’s column concerns the growing fad of pet rocks. She claims her’s, named Bowser, was a very dear friend.

The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, driving from Shreveport to Slidell, plans to pass through Lutcher on Feb. 17.

The triple murder of Rev. Clement, housekeeper Mrs. LeJune and Sr. Patrick at the St. John Catholic Church was remembered as the biggest news of 1975.

The life expectancy rate in the River Parishes increases and children born in 1975 are expected to live past 2050.

1985

A bank robber made off with some illegal cash for the holidays from Riverlands Bank in LaPlace.

The St. John Sheriff’s Department offered to give any one who requests a ride, instead of driving home after drinking in the holiday cheer.

Only one person showed up for the last Southern Louisiana Port Commission meeting of the year.

The Gramercy Queen, built for burning by the Gramercy Volunteer Fire Department, drew visitors from all over, who took tours before the Christmas Eve blaze.

Audry Rome of Romeville built a 7-foot tree out of pine cones for his Christmas tree.

1995

Alex Sanders was sentenced to 50 years for the attempted murder of Deputy Richard Dupus.

Farrel Weber Sr. was ordered to be reinstated to his job as assistant director of parish utilities complete with back pay.

A St. Charles couple received $1.1 million from the state in a I-310 land suit.

Parents of East St. John female basketball players file a gender bias suit against the school’s athletic program.

Larue Speight’s class of East St. John seniors study Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales by reenacting the pilgrimage in costume.

REMEMBER WHEN was published each Wednesday during 2000 in L’Observateur.

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