H HIST ISTORICORIC NNAATTCHITCHITOCHEOCHES

HHI S TI S T O R I CO R I C NN AA TT C H I TC H I T O C H EO C H E SS®®

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A Fr e e G u i d e t o L e i s u r e a n d A t t r a c t i o n s C o u r t e s y o f T h e N a t c h i t o c h e s T i m e s S i n c e 1 9 7 0

Fireworks, Parades, Food, Fun, Friends and Family

Christmas Festival

HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES December 2010

II ns ide . . .ns ide . . .Festival of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Snow Fest . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . . .Page 5

Holiday Tour of Homes. . . . . . . Page 6

Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7

Maps, Walking Tours, NSU Tour and

Cane River Tour . . . . . . . . . Pages 8-10

Riverbank Display . . . . . . . . Page 12

Festival Posters. . . . . . . . . .. .. .Page 15

NSU Christmas GalaPage. 11

Caddo AdaiPage 16

Fort St. John BaptistePage 4

PecansPage 13-14

For more information on local history and events contact:Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission

781 Front Street; Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-8072 or 1-800-259-1714

Web site: www.natchitoches.net

‘Historic Natchitoches’ is a monthly publication of The Natchitoches Times

Produced by News Editor Juanice Gray

To advertise in this publication contact The Natchitoches Times

P.O. Box 448Natchitoches, LA 71458

(318) 352-3618

Cover Photo - Fireworks over Cane River

Entering downtown his-toric Natchitoches, visitorsfeel transported to anotherera.

Traveling along bumpybrick roads reminiscent ofpre-asphalt travel, younotice ornate ironwork onthe bridges and shops,horse-drawn carriagesaround the historic districtand locals who smile andgreet you with a friendlywave. Welcome toNatchitoches.

Founded in 1714 by LouisJuchereau de St. Denis, thecity of Natchitoches wasoriginally established as aFrench outpost on the RedRiver to facilitate trade withthe Spanish in Mexico.

The fort, which was to bediscovered, was built some-where along the west bankof the Red River near a vil-lage of NatchitochesIndians, a Native Americangroup whose tribal namemeans “Chinquapin-eaters.”

At the time of the estab-lishment of St. Denis’ fort,navigation of the Red Riverwas prohibited by a massivelog jam that was broken upduring a flood in the 1830s.

Thus, the Red Riverchanged its course, leavinga 36-mile-long oxbow lake

called Cane River that runsthrough the downtownNational LandmarkDistrict.

Once a bustling riverportand crossroads,Natchitoches gave rise tovast cotton kingdoms alongthe river. Affluent plantersnot only owned charmingcountry plantations, butkept elegant houses in town.

The Red River’s abandon-ment of Natchitoches isolat-ed the community, preserv-ing its historic buildingsand the deeply-ingrainedtraditions of its residentsalong the Cane River.

Today, residents ofNatchitoches strive to bal-ance progress and industrywith preserving the integri-ty of the city’s colonial his-tory and rich cultural diver-sity.

With its French, Spanish,Native American, Africanand Anglo-Saxon influ-ences, Natchitoches main-tains a colorful palette ofethnic tradition, hospitalityand pride in the past thatresidents share with visi-tors.

The city is consistentlynamed among the top sixretirement locations in theUnited States by Kiplinger’sMagazine.

WWeellccoommee ttoo NNaattcchhiittoocchheess::Enjoy your stay in our historic town

has the decor and comfort of a Bed and Breakfastwith the convenience and privacy of a hotel

Church Street Inn

DSL Internet Access • Voicemail • Complimentary BreakfastMini Refrigerator • Microwave • Monogrammed Bathrobes

318-238-8888800-668-9298

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Featuring a Courtyard withRelaxing Fountain and

20 Elegant Guest Rooms that include:

Located in the Heart of the Historic District Life’s Great At Super 8Free Continental BreakfastHBO, Color TV with Remote CntrolRefrigerators/Microwaves Available42 Rooms/Deluxe Suites available! - Parking For 18Wheelers/Large RV’s Located Five Minutes FromNSU, Ten Minutes From Historical District

Close to Several Fine Dining Establishments (Mariners, Pirogue’s)Major Credit Cards Accepted, AAA, AARP, VIP Discounts Welcomed!

Located Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA

Call (318) 352-1700 or Toll Free 1-800-800-8000 For Reservations

December 2010 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES

Holiday Festival of Lights Rising Disney star Anna Margaret to reign over festival paradeThe City of Natchitoches

and Natchitoches AreaChamber of Commercejointly announced Tuesdaythat Hollywood Recordsrecording artist and risingDisney star Anna Margaretwill serve as the grand mar-shal of the NatchitochesChristmas Festival this year.

Anna Margaret is theyoungest person to everreign over the NatchitochesChristmas Festival parade.

In less than a year, thisAlexandria native hasbecome an emerging teenstar with hit tracks includ-ing “Something About theSunshine” off the DisneyChannel’s original movie“Starstruck” and the titletrack “Girl Thing” from theDisney Channel originalmovie “Den Brother.” This14-year-old singer’s video“Something About theSunshine” has already hadmore than 1.5 million hitson YouTube.

Anna Margaret will notonly serve as this year’sgrand marshal, but she willalso perform on the down-town riverbank stage dur-ing the festival Saturday,Dec. 4.

The NatchitochesChristmas Festival is cele-brating its 84th year.

During a press confer-ence, it was also announcedthat Alexandria nativeTaylor Mathews will appearin the NatchitochesChristmas Festival paradeas well as perform on thedowntown riverbank stage.Mathews was a finalist inthe nationally-syndicatedtelevision show “America’sGot Talent.”

Natchitoches Festival ofLights officially beginsSaturday, Nov. 20 with theturning on of hundreds ofthousands of Christmaslights. Lights remain onevery night through the firstweek of January.

Several new events havebeen added to this year’sFestival of Lights includingNatchitoches’ first-ever“Snow Fest.” Visitors will beable to experience Frosty’sAvalanche Slide by tubingdown 110 feet of winter funon the downtown riverbank.

For more informationabout the NatchitochesChristmas Festival, visitwww.christmasfestival.com.

Anna Margaret, 14, signs an autograph for 8-year-oldRenea Cunningham. Margaret is a native of Lecompteand went to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival whenshe was younger. She now lives in California but is look-ing forward to returning to the festival as grand marshal.Some of her most popular songs are “Something Aboutthe Sunshine,” “New Boyfriend” and “Girl Thing.”Photo by Leigh Guidry

Nov. 20 - Jan. 6, 2011Experience the charm of

the original French colonyin Louisiana (1714) duringthe Festival of Lights andChristmas Festival, one ofthe nation’s oldest commu-nity-based holiday celebra-tions.

The Festival of Lightsbegins Nov. 20 and lasts intothe New Year. The Festivalhas been on the first week-end in December since 1927.This annual event draws inexcess of 100,000 visitorseach year for the parade,live entertainment, foodfair, arts and crafts showand a spectacular fireworksshow over Cane River Lake.

Mini-festivals are everyweekend in December witha Holiday Tour of Homes,entertainment and fire-works every Saturday and atmidnight on New Year’sEve. More than 500,000 visi-tors annually trek toNatchitoches during theholiday season to enjoy thelight displays, riverbankvendors, shops, restaurantsand nightly tours by street-car or carriages.

Christmas lights are onevery night at dusk throughJan. 6, 2011. Shops andrestaurants open late. Alltimes are approximate atthis time. Dates are subjectto change.

December EventsThursday, Dec. 27 p.m. -

Natchitoches/Northwestern Christmas Gala, A.A.Fredericks Auditorium NSUcampus. Admission, call(318) 357-4522 for ticketinginformation.

Friday, Dec. 36 p.m._Christmas Flotilla

- Parade of lighted bargeson the Cane River Lake -Downtown Riverbank -FREE

6:30 p.m._Entertainmentby Hardrick Rivers- Fleurde Lis Stage - FREE

7 and 9p.m._Natchitoches/Northwestern Christmas Gala, A.A. Fredericks AuditoriumNSU campus. Admission,call (318) 357-4522 for ticket-ing information.

Saturday, Dec. 484th Annual Christmas

Festival, Louisiana’s

Premiere Holiday Event.Daylong celebration withentertainment, arts, craftsand food vendors, parade,fireworks, laser show andthe lighting of 300,000+Christmas bulbs and 100plus riverbank set pieces.**Admission to Front Streetand Downtown Riverbank .Advance: $6 adults/$4 chil-dren 6 - 11. Day of: $8adults/$5 children 6 - 11.

Schedule Of Events:7:45 a.m.: Santa Shuffle,

5K Run11 a.m.: Junior Parade2 p.m.: Christmas Parade4:30-6 p.m.:

Entertainment by Bag ofDonuts

6 p.m.: Fireworks6:30-9:30 p.m.:

Entertainment by Tributeto Tina Turner

Tuesday, Dec. 77:30 p.m_”Lesson &

Carols” - ImmaculateConception Church, 613Second St. - FREE

Wednesday, Dec. 85-8 p.m._Holiday Tour of

Homes, hosted byNatchitoches HistoricFoundation. Admission.For tickets call 800-259-1714.

Friday, Dec. 105-8 p.m._Holiday Tour of

Homes.Saturday, Dec.

11_*Admission ToDowntown Riverbank OnlyBeginning at 2 p.m. $5 Ages12 and over

9 a.m.-5 p.m._Féte deHiver. Fort St. Jean BaptisteSHS, Celebrate Christmas18th century style with his-torians, re-enactors andperiod merchants. $2 forpersons over 12 and under62.

10 a.m.-5 p.m._Les AmiesChristmas Treasures Artsand Crafts Sale -Natchitoches Events Center,750 Second St. FREE

10 a.m.-5 p.m._HolidayTour of Homes

1-2:30 p.m._ChristmasDownriver. Cane RiverCreole National HistoricPark presents CreoleChristmas with specialtours, educational pro-grams and musical events atMagnolia Plantation - FREE

1-3 p.m._Children’s

Schedule of Events

See Schedule Page 5

Saturday, Dec. 4“America’s Got Talent” finalist Taylor Mathews of

Alexandria, left, will perform at 1 p.m. and TinaTurner tribute artist Connie Garrett will perform at6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6-23Photos with Santa on the south end downtown river-

bank, 6-8:30 pm nightly.

The commandant’s quar-ters are foggy with smokethat trails from the fire-place.

Next door, well-wornleather shoes wait next to asoldier’s bed and rumpledbedcovers in another beliea straw mattress beneath.If this place looks asthough the garrison hasjust stepped out, then thestaff at Fort St. JeanBaptiste have succeeded.

Named for a Frenchpatron saint, the fort’soriginal location isunknown, though it isbelieved to have stoodwhere the Old AmericanCemetery is today.

The fort that visitorstour today is a reconstruc-tion based on historicalrecords.

Though it’s hard for vis-itors to believe, nothinginside its walls is a gen-uine artifact from the 18th

century--except, perhaps,the slowly weathering mudthat is mixed with mossand grasses to seal thewalls (what the Frenchcalled “bousillage”).

But the fort is not meantto be a museum of 18thcentury treasures. Thegoal of this State HistoricSite is to interact with visi-tors, letting them experi-ence the culture of every-day life.

“We are moving towardsliving history,” saysInterpretive RangerDarren Vermillion. “Wekeep fires going in thehouses, bake bread… andbasically try to make thefort look alive.”

Vermillion says that partof their goal is to debunkthe stereotypes associatedwith the oldest town in theLouisiana Territory.

“Natchitoches was notthe back woods in the

1770s,” he explains. “It wasa booming community.”

The French garrison sta-tioned at Fort St. JeanBaptiste had a double pur-pose: keeping a close eye onthe Spanish at Los Adaes tothe west and being a centerfor trade. The later boostedthe economy of the Frenchcolonists and became themain business of the garri-son. Good relations withthe Native American tribesalso encouraged the sol-diers to assimilate theirclothing styles and habits.

“The soldiers adapted toLouisiana woods,” saysVermillion. “They adaptedto Native American dressand wore their style cloth-ing, such as leggings.”

Vermillion and the restof the staff authenticatetheir costumes further byskinning, tanning andmaking their own deer skincoverings.

“I would say 50 percentof our clothing we makeourselves,” he says.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste is

open daily, except holidays,from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Formore information or to

make group reservations,contact the site at 318-357-3101.


State Historic Site moves toward living history demonstrations

Step back in time at FFoorrtt SStt.. JJeeaann BBaappttiissttee

Tanning demonstrations occur throughout the year.

The Association For The Preservation of

Historic Natchitoches Invites You To Visit… Our National Historic Landmarks

Melrose Plantation Complex (Nine Buildings)

Open Tuesday - Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm Groups by Appointment

318-379-0055 16 Miles South Of Natchitoches

In Cane River Country

EXIT 138 of I-49

318-354-0010

• Award Winning Property • Newly Renovated • FREE Hot “On The House” Breakfast • FREE High Speed Internet Access • FREE Local Calls • FREE H BO & Expanded Channels • Pay-Per-View Movies & Video Games • In-Room Coffee Makers & Hair Dryers • FREE In-Room Microwave Available • FREE In-Room Fridge Available • Outdoor Pool & Fitness Center • Guest Elevator & Conference Room

1-800-HAMPTON (426-7866)

www.hamptoninn.com/hi/natchitoches

The public can experienceFrosty’s Avalanche Slide fea-turing tubing down 110 feet ofwinter fun at the first-ever“Snow Fest” in downtownNatchitoches Nov. 26 and 27.

Hours will be Friday, Nov.26 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday,Nov. 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Those sliding must be atleast 42 inches tall to partici-pate. If a child does not meetthe height requirement for theslide, there will be otherbouncers and inflatable slidesto enjoy.

Prices to slide are: one slideis $3, two slides are $5 and fiveare $10.

Snow Fest is being providedby a number of communitysponsors including theNatchitoches Historic District

Business Association and theHistoric District DevelopmentCommission.

For more information call(800) 259-1714.

Christmas Party -Natchitoches ParishLibrary, 450 Second St. -FREE

5 : 3 0 - 8 : 3 0p.m._Entertainment byBarry Badon - Fleur de LisStage (sponsored in part bythe Shreveport RegionalArts Council)

7 p.m._Fireworks overCane River Lake - FREE

Tuesday, Dec. 147:30 p.m._”Lessons &

Carols” featuring NSUChoirs - Trinity EpiscopalChurch, 533 Second St. -FREE

Wednesday, Dec. 155-8 p.m._Holiday Tour of

HomesThursday, Dec. 16

6 p.m._Service of BlueChristmas with TrinityEpiscopal Church and FirstUnited Methodist Church,

411 Second St. (318) 357-8296Friday, Dec. 17

5-8 p.m._Holiday Tour ofHomes

Saturday, Dec.18_*Admission ToDowntown Riverbank only,Beginning at 2 p.m. $5 Ages12 and over

10 a.m.-5 p.m._HolidayTour of Homes

Noon-4 p.m._Cane RiverCreole Christmas at Badin-Roque House. The St.Augustine HistoricalSociety hosts special toursand Creole holiday stories -FREE

1-2:30 p.m._ChristmasDownriver. Cane RiverCreole National HistoricPark presents CreoleChristmas with specialtours, educational pro-grams and musical events atOakland Plantation - FREE

5 : 3 0 - 8 : 3 0p.m._Entertainment byCane Riva Swiggas - Fleurde Lis Stage. Free

7 p.m._Fireworks overCane River Lake

Saturday, Dec. 257 p.m._Fireworks over

Cane River Lake - FREEFriday, Dec. 31

Midnight_Fireworks overCane River Lake - FREE

Dec. 6-23Photos with Santa on the

south end downtown river-bank, 6-8:30 pm nightly.

Dec. 1-24Christmas in the Park -

Rebel State Historic Park -Marthaville_Visitors areinvited to drive or walkthrough the park. Photoswith Santa every Saturdayin December. FREE. Forinformation (318) 472-6255


• Recognized in 2007 as a Preserve America Presidential Award Winner

• Listed as one of the Ten Bargain Retirement Spots by U S News & World Report

• Named as a 2006 Great American Main Street Award Winner by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

• N amed as one of the 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destination in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

www.natchitochesla.gov

Schedule ...

Snow tubing comes to downtown riverbank

Farm Fresh Pecans, Gift Tins, Pecan Candies and So Much More!

439 Little Eva Road, Cloutierville, LA 71416

www.natchitochespecans.com

Call for Free Brochure (318) 379-0272

Unique Gifts For Any Occassion! Unique Gifts For Any Occassion!

atchitoches L ITTLE E VA P LANTATION ,

L OUISIANA

Inc. ecans

S TORE H OURS : Friday & Saturday

P P N N 9am - 5pm

Dec. 4, 11 a.m.: Junior Parade

L O U I S I A N A S T Y L E

C Y P R E S S F U R N I T U R E

117 Second St., Natchitoches, La Visit us at: www.olivier-ww.com

Since its beginning in 1927,the Festival of Lights hasgrown into Louisiana’s pre-mier community based Yuletime celebration and is one ofthe oldest celebrations in theUnited States.

During the holiday seasonNatchitoches has much moreto offer than 300,000Christmas lights and over 100displays. In addition, theNatchitoches HistoricFoundation will present itsannual Christmas byCandlelight Holiday Tour ofHomes during the second andthird weeks in December.

Homes featured on thetour include Samuel GuyHouse, Rusca House, SoldiniHouse, Cunnngham-KeyHouse, Chamard DunahoeHouse, Basilica ofImmaculate Conception,Westrop Cottage,Prudhomme Rouquier,Murchinson Townhouse,Levy East House and KeeganHouse.

ScheduleWednesday, Dec. 8 from 5-

8 p.m.: Samuel Guy, ChamardDunahoe and PrudhommeRoquier

Wednesday, Dec. 15 from5-8 p.m.: Rusca House,Chamard Dunahoe andPrudhomme Roquier

Friday, Dec. 10 and 17from 5-8 p.m.: Cunningham-Key, Basilica of theImmaculate Conception,Murchinson Townhouse andWestrop Cottage

Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18from 1-5 p.m.: Keegan Houseand Levy East House

Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: SoldiniHouse

Tickets to the Tour are $15per person per tour and areavailable at the NatchitochesArea Convention andVisitors Bureau at 781 FrontSt. or at any of the homesduring the tour.


Christmas by Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes

Rusca House

Prudhomme Rouquier (Service League) House

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Chamard Dunahoe House

Keegan House

Soldini House

5335 Hwy. 6 West Natchitoches, LA 71457

Tel: (318) 214-0700 Fax: (318) 214-9721

• 25” Remote Control Expanded Cable TV with HBO, CNN, ESPN • Suites Include Microwave, Refrigerator and Coffee Maker • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Shoney’s and McDonald’s Nearby • Free Highspeed Wireless Internet Service • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Non-Smoking Rooms • 24 Hour Front Desk • Queen Size Beds • Free Local Calls • Meeting Room • 70 Rooms


Formerly the residence for10 Northwestern presidents,the Old President’s Cottagewas renovated for theAlumni Center in 1984.

Built in 1927of FrenchNormandyarchitecture,the buildinghas been des-ignated anationallandmark.

The historical significance of CaneRiver Country is undisputed. Because ofthis heritage, the federal government choseNatchitoches as the site for the NationalCenter for Preservation Technologyand Training. The Old Women’s

Gymnasium,Nelson Hall,has beenrestored forthe perma-nent head-quarters ofthe center.

The old 1884school building thatserved convent stu-dents is one of thehistoric structuresdedicated as a nation-al landmark. The oldcampus quadrangle where the originalcolumns stood was entered into theNational Register of Historic Places in

1980 under thetitle Normal HillHistoric District.

The archives of Watson Libraryand the Williamson Museum inKyser Hall exhibit historical hold-ings from the local and regional cul-ture. Contributions from citizensand historians represent archaeolog-

ical resourcesof Indian andantebelluminfluences.

NSUDemons playSouthlandConference footballat Turpin Stadium.Prather Coliseumhouses theLouisiana SportsHall of Fame withmemorabilia fromthe state’s mostprominent athletes.

Northwestern StateUniversity has been an importantpart of the Natchitoches communi-ty since it was established in 1884.Three columns ofthe BullardMansion that origi-nally stood on thegrounds, serve asthe unofficial sym-bol of the universi-ty. Chaplin Lakefurther enhancesthe historic campusthat serves morethan 9,000 students.

Northwestern’s students and facultyshare diverse talents in drama and artwith the community. The A.A.Fredericks Fine Arts Center regular-ly features performances by the

Natchitoches/NorthwesternSymphony Orchestra andtheatre department. TheHanchey Gallery oftenexhibits the best works ofits faculty and students.

Northwestern State University Tour

MELROSE PLANTATION, 1796, isa National Historic Landmark. Thecomplex includes the Big House,African and Yucca houses, weavingcabin and original home of primitivefolk artist Clementine Hunter. The

plantation is rich in history. and culture that began with MarieTherese Coincoin, an owner who was a freed woman of color.The cultural highlights of the site were furthered during theHenry years as Miss Cammie provided living quarters for writ-ers. Clementine Hunter, renowned folk artist, painted herewhile employed as a domestic servant. Her murals adorn thewalls of the African House and her work is displayed in agallery within the Big House. Melrose serves as the annuallocation for the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival in June. Toursare available daily.

OAKLAWNPLANTATION,

1830, is the restoredhome of “SteelMagnolias” authorRobert Harling. Thisbousillage, three- storystructure displaysCreole architecture common to Cane RiverCountry. The 680-foot oak avenue is the thirdlongest in the state.

CHEROKEE PLANTATION,1839, is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places andwas the site of the famous Bossier-Gaiennie duel, that was fought onthe savannah at the rear ofCherokee. This restored raised cot-tage is an important Creole struc-ture and is often featured duringthe annual NatchitochesPilgrimage in December.

BEAU FORT PLAN-TATION, 1790, was builton the former site of FortCharles. It is an early

Creole-style home and features an 84-foot gallery andcovered rear patio. Many special occasions are con-ducted at Beau Fort.

OAKLAND PLANTATION,1821, now part of the Cane RiverCreole National Historic Parkcontains the finest examples ofCreole architecture. The firstcotton in the state was planted onthis plantation.

THE BADIN-ROQUE HOUSE is one offive structures of its type remaining in theUnited States and the only one of its kind inexistence in Louisiana. Badin-Roque is listedon the National Register for historic placesand has been nominated for NationalLandmark status. It is owned and maintainedby the St. Augustine Historical Society.

THE ST. AUGUSTINECATHOLIC CHURCH is locat-

ed at Isle Brevelle and was foundedand built by Augustine Metoyerand his brother Louis Metoyer in1803. St. Augustine Church is thefirst Church in America estab-lished and maintained by free peo-ple of color. In 1829, when it wasblessed as a mission, it was giventhe name St. Augustine in honor of

St. Augustine. It was blessed as a church parish in 1856, andat that time, had four missions attached to it: St. Anns onOld River, St. Joseph at Bayou Derbonne, St. Anns, SpanishLake and St. Charles, Bermuda. The church was used as afilm site for Steel Magnolias.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION, 1830s,is one of only two National BicentennialFarms west of the Mississippi. Exceptfor the Big House, the complex is nowpart of the Cane River Creole National

Historic Park. The original walls and foundation were reused afterbeing burned by General Banks in 1864. The two and one-half storystructure has 27 rooms, including a Catholic chapel. The only cottonpress still in its original location is here along with the only row ofbrick slave quarters still standing in Louisiana. The Big House is openfor tours.

AAuuttoo TToouurr OOff CCaannee RRiivveerrAuto Tour

of theCane River



The AmericanCemetery repre-sents the manycultures andcountries thatinfluenced theoldest settlementin the LouisianaPurchase. The site is the original loca-tion of Fort St. Jean Baptiste.

Cane Country cavalier Louis Juchereau De

St. Denis foundedNatchitoches in 1714.Fort St. Jean Baptistewas the French outposthe commanded. A replicaof the fort was built andpresents frequent livinghistory programs.

Several organizations that contribute to civic and preservation interests in

Natchitoches have restored land-marks for use as headquarters.The Prudhomme-RouquierHouse was

renovated by the ServiceLeague of Natchitoches. The

Cunningham Law Office,below left, serves as headquar-ters for the Natchitoches Historic Foundation and is opendaily providing tourism information. The Lemee Houseis one of several properties maintained by the Associationfor the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches.

Front Street of Natchitoches boasts historic sites thatearned the oldest settlement in the Louisiana PurchaseNational Historic Landmark designation. Santa, and theChristmas Belles as helpers, greet guests during the holi-day season at the SantaClaus House on the river-bank. The Roque House, alsoalong the riverbank, was relo-cated to its present location.An example of Creole archi-tecture, the Roque House isconstructed of bousillage, amixture of Spanish moss,deer hair and mud.

Bells tollantebellum his-tories surround-ing the two land-mark churchesof ImmaculateConceptionCatholicChurch, left,and TrinityEpiscopalChurch, below.

The Natchitoches Parish OldCourthouse Museum, a branch of

the LouisianaStateMuseum, isopen as a cul-tural learn-ing centerthat pre-serves therich heritageof the entireparish.

Walking Tour of the Historic District

1. Tourism Information Center2. Bust of St. Denis3. Sompayrac Building4. Unter House5. Chez des Amís6. Washington Square7. Breazeale House8. Tauzin House9. Fitzhugh House10. Roque House11. Kaffie-Frederick Store12. Ducournau Square Townhouse13. Blanchard Building14. Prudhomme Building15. St. Denis Tomb Plaque16. Nakatosh Hotel

17. Old Opera House18. DeBlieux Building19. Kaffie House20. Prudhomme-Roquier House21. Tante Huppe House22. Chamard House23. Metoyer Townhouse24. Levy-East House25. Bayou Amulet26. Rusca House

27. Laureate House28. Steel Magnolias House29. Metoyer-Winbarg House30. Lemee House31. Steel Magnolias House32. Queen Anne House33. Green Gables34. Plauche House35. Steamboat House36. Nelken House37. William and Mary Ackel House

38. Fort St. Jean Baptiste39. American Cemetery40. Dismukes House41. Judge Porter House42. Fleur de Lis House43. Chaplin House44. First Methodist Church45. First Baptist Church

46. Trinity Episcopal Church47. Cunningham Law Office/

Chamber of Commerce48. Bishop Martin’s Residence49. Catholic Rectory50. Church of the Immaculate

Conception51. Old Courthouse Museum

53. New Courthouse54. Old Masonic Lodge55. Exchange Bank56. H.A. Cook Building57. Fort Claiborne Guest House58. Wells Home59. Rose Lawn House60. Wheelwright Inn61. The Blessed House

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Sally Field por-trayed M’LynnEatenton, thewarm-heartedbut iron-willedmother of ayoung bride.

Natchitoches residents were extras, includ-ing Norm Fletcher and Lori Tate. Fletcherand Tate played the bridegroom’s parents.

RobertHarling,author of“SteelMagnolias,”played theminister thatmarriedShelby andJacksonLatcherie.

DrumEatenton (TomSkerritt) shootsat the birdsprior to the wed-ding receptionfor his daughter,Shelby (JuliaRoberts).

Truvy’s Beauty Shop was trans-formed into a Christmas wonder-land as the city celebrated its annu-al ChristmasFestival. DollyParton’s quickwit andSoutherncharm shinein her role asTruvy Jones.

Robert Harling,author of “SteelMagnolias,”received a staron the St. DenisWalk of Honor.Each of the starsin the featurefilm received astar. Conferringthe award wasrenowned sports-man andNatchitoches resident GritsGresham.Much of thestory came from real life, based on the sacri-fices of Harling’s sister, Susan, and mother,Margaret, in his hometown of Natchitoches.

The Steel Magnolias House on JeffersonStreet was used during filming as thehome for M’Lynn and Drum Eatenton.It is now a bed and breakfast inn.

‘‘SStteeeell MMaaggnnoolliiaass’’ TToouurr

“Steel Magnolias” stars, from left, JuliaRoberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton,Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field and DarylHannah, portrayed six remarkable friends inthe southern town of Chinquapin.

The actresses commented onthe strength of the charactersand the sense of communitythat drew them to their parts.Meeting many of the real-lifecounterparts of their charac-ters also contributed to theiracclaimed performances.

Produced by Ray Stark, “SteelMagnolias” was directed by HerbertRoss. Victoria White was the execu-tive producer and Andrew Stone wasthe associate producer.

1. St. Septemberine Catholic Church, LouisianaHighway 493 at Melrose, Shelby’s wedding.

2.Northwestern State University Field House, postgame interviews.

3.American Cemetery on Second Street betweenDemeziere and the railroad tracks, Shelby’s funeral.

4. Lemee House, 310 Rue Jefferson, Ouiser’s house.5.Steel Magnolia House, 320 Jefferson, Eatenton

house.

6. Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St., Truvy’s church.7. Private home, 301 Rue Touline, Mrs. Robeline’s boarding

house.8. Chaplin House, 434 Second St., Aunt Fern’s house.9. Walk of Honor, corner of Second Street and Rue St. Denis.10. Blanchard Building, 700 block of Front Street, adjacent to

Ducournau Square, Truvy’s No. 2.11. Riverfront behind Roque House, 800 block of

Washington Street, Easter egg hunt.12. Private home, 515 St. Maurice Lane, Annelle and

Sammy’s home.13. Private home, 453 Henry Blvd., Truvy’s house.14. Brookshire’s, Dixie Plaza Shopping Center, 318 Dixie

Plaza on Keyser Avenue, shopping with Clairee and Ouiser.15. Natchitoches Parish Hospital, 501 Keyser Ave., baby’s

birth.16. Tauzin Plantation Home, 1950 Williams Ave., Clairee’s

home.17. Odalie Lambre-Gwinn House, 1972 Williams Ave.,

Shelby and Jackson’s house.

The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr.and Alice E. Dear School ofCreative and PerformingArts will present its annualChristmas Gala Dec. 1-3 inthe A.A. FredericksAuditorium. Wednesdayperformances have beenadded with four shows forchildren and four for thepublic. Children’s showswill be Wednesday, Dec. 1and Thursday, Dec. 2 at 9:30a.m. and noon. Evening per-formances will beWednesday-Friday at 7 p.m.with a 9 p.m. performanceFriday.

Tickets to the eveningperformances are $10.

N o r t h w e s t e r n ,BPCC@NSU and LouisianaSchool for Math, Scienceand the Arts students areadmitted free with a currentstudent I.D.

The program will featurenine new and traditionalmusic and dance numbers,including a performance of“The Little Drummer Boy”by the

Northwestern Blast, anaudience sing-along of

familiar Christmas songs,an appearance by SantaClaus and his reindeer, adramatic reading of “OneSolitary Life,” and an “OHoly Night” finale.

Dr. Christopher Gilliam,Dr. Vicki Parrish andMichael Rorex are

co-directors.“The Gala will be tradi-

tional in its scope and willfeature many familiarChristmas favorites thatwill be enjoyable for theentire family,” said Gilliam,an associate professor ofmusic at NSU. “We havegreat variety and lots ofnew musical and dancenumbers added this year.With the excitement of theNatchitoches ChristmasFestival Saturday, Dec. 4,there is no better way tobegin the weekend than byattending the ChristmasGala.”

The Gala will feature theNatchitoches-NorthwesternSymphony Orchestra, TheNSU Concert Choir,Chamber Choir and Men’sChorus, The NSU Jazz

Orchestra, NorthwesternTheatre Troupe and theImprov Group. Also per-forming will be the NSURockettes, NorthwesternBlast and the DemonDazzlers.

Ensemble conductorswill be Rorex, Dr. DouglasBakenhus, Scott Burrell, Dr.

Burt Allen, GalindoRodriguez and KevinRichardson. Choreographywill be by Barry Stoneking,Kristen Riehl, Pia Wyatt,Renee’ Scallorn andRebecca

Morgan. Terrie Sanderswill be the featured soloiston “O Holy Night.”

“The directors and casthave been working for near-ly a year on the Gala,” saidGilliam. “The School ofCreative and PerformingArts is proud to share itscollective talents with thepeople of Natchitoches andthe surrounding communi-ties.”

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The Christmas Gala is one of the highlights of the holiday season at NorthwesternState University and in Natchitoches. This year’s Gala, presented by The Mrs. H.D.Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern,will be performed on Dec. 1-3 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Wednesday perfor-mances have been added with four shows for children and four for the public.Children’s shows will be Wednesday, Dec. 1 and Thursday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. andnoon. Evening performances will be Wednesday-Friday at 7 p.m. with a 9 p.m. perfor-mance Friday.

NSU to hostannual

Christmas GalaSpecial performances for children

The “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is one of the popu-lar numbers in Northwestern State University’s annualChristmas Gala. The Gala will be traditional and willfeature many familiar Christmas favorites that will beenjoyable for the entire family.


The Book Merchant

Available at these Front Street Merchants:

Kaffie-Fredrick Hardware

Georgia’s Gifts

Cane Break Café

The design for the Clementine Hunter zinnia was submitted by Natchitoches resi-dent Larry Richards. It depicts the zinnias Hunter included in many of her works.

Riverbank displaywill feature threenew set pieces

The City ofNatchitoches UtilityDepartment has been busyat work preparing threenew lighted set pieces forthe Festival of Lights.

Each year the utilitycrews begin stringingChristmas lights inOctober to prepare for theholiday season.

Over 80 lighted setpieces line the banks ofCane River Lake. Thesedecorations are handmadeby City of Natchitochesemployees, a featureunique to the City’s holi-day traditions. For years,employees have designed,crafted and lighted decora-tions including a canopy oflights, Santa Claus Lane,greeting signs and the setpieces.

This year, a New OrleansSaints football helmet, aClementine Hunter zinniaand animated penguinswill be added.

The design for theClementine Hunter zinniawas submitted byNatchitoches residentLarry Richards. Richardscompleted his master’s

degree fromY a l eU n i v e r s i t ywith a majorin engineer-ing and minorin art. Hisdesign workand drawingshave beenexhibited in Montreal,Toronto, New York andBerlin.

Electrical superinten-dent Charles Brossettestates, “City employeesenjoy preparing for the hol-idays. When we startputting up Christmaslights the kids know Santawill be coming soon.”

Turn on the Holidays,the official lighting cere-mony for Natchitoches’Festival of Lights, will beSaturday, Nov. 20 and theNatchitoches ChristmasFestival will be Saturday,Dec. 4. DowntownNatchitoches will haveChristmas lights everynight from Nov. 20-Jan. 6.

For more informationvisit www.christmasfesti-val.com or call 1-800-259-1714.

Richards

Festival entertainersinclude Disney star andparade grand marshal AnnaMargaret at 1 p.m.,“America’s Got Talent”finalist Taylor Mathews at10 am., New Orleans basedband Bag of Donuts at 4:30p.m. and Connie Garrett:Tribute to Tina Turner from6:30-9:30 p.m. on the down-town riverbank stage.

TTTThhhhaaaatttt ’’’’ssssEEEEnnnntttteeeerrrrttttaaaa iiiinnnnmmmmeeeennnntttt

Festival Day, Dec. 4

Louisiana Pecans is locat-ed on the site of the originalLittle Eva Pecan Barn thatburned in May, 1999. Thehistoric train depot thatnow housees the LouisianaPecans retail gift businessserviced Natches until the1970s when it was moved toDerry and served as a com-munity center in that area.It later lost its funding andwas eventually sold ont ehcourthouse steps.

The Depot became a stor-age building for local artistsupplies until July 1999when it was purchased andmoved six miles south to theeast side of Little EvaPlantation and restored.

The renovated, historicgem has been a nostalgicbackground for the pecanbusiness, as well asantiques, home décor andgift business.

We pride ourselves onhaving the best possiblepecan products available,only surpassed by our atten-tion to customer service anddetail.

They fill each order, largeor small, with the sameattention they would use insending personal orders.Customers are very impor-tant to them, and they takepride in serving them.

At Louisiana Pecans, vis-itors can find whole andcracked pecans straightfrom the orchard, shelledpecan halves in several vari-eties and sizes, pecan piecesand pecan meal. They have17 gourmet flavored pecansincluding sugar free flavors,salted and naturally sweet.In addition, they carrypecan logs, divinity, pra-lines and other southern

pecan delicacies.They offer a variety of

gift tins with an assortmentof products as well as gifttrays and gift baskets.

Their specialty is customgifts and can design a gift tospecifications of price andproduct.

In addition to pecans,they carry select pieces ofjewelry, trinket boxes andother collectables alongwith local art and gourmetproducts nestled into theirantique showcases.

They ship year round.Hours are:

October: Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

November and December:Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Call 318-379-0980 or 800-737-3226 or visitwww.louisianapecans.com.

The plantation is 4 milessouth of Cloutierville on the

east side of La. Hwy 1. Lookfor the red roof.


. . .A Natchitoches Tradition

Come join us and choose from our unique menu featuring ablend of Cajun and Cane river delicacies. We’re famous forour award winning MEAT PIES and delicious DIRTY RICEbut don’t forget our…

Red Beans & Rice With SausageFilet Catfish Platters

And Our Own Special CreationCane River Cream Pie

Breakfast Served • 352-3353 • Open Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm

Meat PieKitchen &Restaurant

622 Second St.Natchitoches, La.

Louisiana Pecans: A taste of the south

Look for the bright red barn

Among the specialty give baskets is the Pecan SamplerCustom Basket. It includes four half-pound bags ofgourmet flavored pecan halves in the customer’s choiceof flavors plus two, 2 oz. round specialty candies such aspralines or pecan patties arranged on a holiday tray.

They have 17 gourmet flavored pecans including sugarfree flavors, salted and naturally sweet. In addition,they carry pecan logs, divinity, pralines and othersouthern pecan delicacies.

Natchitoches Pecans, Inc.is where fine pecans aregrown.

Their 400 acre pecanorchard is located on a por-tion of the historic LittleEva Plantation inCloutierville.

The mission atNatchitoches Pecans is sim-ple: provide the best prod-ucts and service to cus-tomers at the lowest pricespossible.

They take pride in provid-ing what they believe are thebest pecans, pecan candiesand gifts as well as an unsur-passed commitment to cus-tomer service.

Ordering direct from thegrower ensures customersreceive only the freshestpecans and pecan candies.

The online store isdesigned to provide a safeand secure environment tobrowse the product catalog.

If looking for some of thefreshest pecans for yourMom’s pecan recipe to makedelicious pecan pies, or aunique holiday or all occa-sion gift basket, simplybrowse the online pecanstore where you are sure tofind delightful selectionsthat satisfy every pecancraving from simple togourmet.

Natchitoches Pecansoffers in-shell pecans, natur-al shelled halves and pecanpieces, cracked, candied andcinnamon spiced pecans,pecan gift baskets or tinsand more.

Prices include deliverywithin the continentalUnited States.

Other items for saleinclude raw “natural”pecans, roasted saltedpecans, pecan meal,gourmet flavored pecans,pralines, pecan logs, sugarfree pecan treats, Cane Riversampler, Clementine for theholidays collector tin, corpo-

rate pecan gifts, pecan oil,cookbooks, nutcrackers, aspecial blend of pecan cof-fee, rum flavor sugar coatedpecans, old fashion canepecans with a natural canesugar coating and pure milkchocolate covered pecans.

Natchitoches Pecans, Inc.is a family owned and oper-ated pecan orchard whereduties are shared in bring-ing the crop to market, fromscouting insects, fertilizing,pruning and harvesting tominding the store each fall.

Mark Swanson sees to theeveryday operations whilehis wife, Julie, takes care ofLittle Eva’s Pecan Store andthe mail order business.

Mothers, brothers, sis-ters, nieces and nephews allhelp wherever needed.

Natchitoches Pecanstakes pride in having sup-plied the Louisiana PecanFestival Country Store withtop quality fresh pecans forthe past 19 years.

The company was estab-lished in 1987 and has beensupplying the public withsome of the highest qualitypecans available.

Picture yourself sittingon a grassy bank with yourfeet gently dangling in thecool, clear water of the Cane

River. You look up, the sun iswarm on your face, youshade your eyes and lookpast the river to see rowsand rows of pecan trees -they seem to go on forever -green and lush against thebright blue Louisiana sky.You are surrounded by thepecan orchard ofNatchitoches Pecans.

This plantation, original-ly called Hidden Hill half acentury ago, is said to be thereal location that inspiredHarriet Beecher Stowe’sclassic novel, Uncle Tom’sCabin.

Hidden Hill was also thebirthplace of American FolkArtist Clementine Hunter.

Pecan store at Natchitoches Pecans


Local producer Daniel Graves released a DVD tour ofNatchitoches, available at the Book Merchant, Cane BrakeCafé, Georgia’s Gifts and Kaffie-Frederick Hardware.

Graves explains why he chose to focus on the oldest set-tlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

“I’ve studied the area’s history for over 20 years and stillcome across stories that are amazing. Basically everythingabout the town, from the colonial days to the present, is avery unique and unusual story of American history.”

A veteran documentary maker, his productions havedepicted Louisiana history during prehistoric times, theCivil War, the eras of the Long brothers, 20th century plan-tation life and numerous short works on individual inci-dents. He calls the new DVD a “meet-and-greet” production.

“There’s history. You can’t talk about Natchitoches with-out getting into its history, but there’s also some beautifulaerial footage and interviews covering questions visitorsand potential future residents ask most often.”

Local producer releasesDVD tour of Natchitoches

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Natchitoches Pecans


The annual Fleur de Lis Artsand Crafts Show Saturday, Nov.27 will add to a long list ofThanksgiving weekend activi-ties in Natchitoches.

It will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. inthe downtown historic districtwith over 90 vendors from fourstates offering hundreds of

handcrafted jewelry, decora-tions and gifts. The event willbe at the Natchitoches EventsCenter, 750 Second St.Admission is free.

Other weekend activitiesinclude Snow Fest Friday andSaturday and live entertain-ment and fireworks Saturday

beginning at 5:30 p.m. Allevents will be on the downtownriverbank. For more informa-tion on other events inNatchitoches Parish contactthe Convention & VisitorsBureau at (800) 259-1714.

These guitar pick earrings will be featured at the Fleur de lis Christmas Craft Market. Theyare handmade by Cheryl Gianforte and Dawn Celles using a five-step process.

Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft MarketNov. 27

Christmas Festival poster on sale nowThe Natchitoches Arts

Council unveiled theNatchitoches ChristmasFestival Poster to the publicSunday, Sept. 26 at Dickens'& Co.

This year's poster artist isShreveport residentElizabeth Madden. Postersare now on sale for $35 eachand can be purchasedthrough the City ofNatchitoches' Office ofCommunity Development,located at 420 Fourth St. orby calling 357-3839.

Proceeds from postersales help fund arts projectsin the community and schol-arships to art students atNorthwestern StateUniversity. Artist Elizabeth Madden signs posters.

Limited edition signed prints are available as well asback issues of former posters.

View Historic Natchitoches online at: www.natchitochestimes.com

Nobody knowsNatchitoches better!

Visit our website:www.collinsandstamey.com

Collins & StameyR E A L E S T A T E304 College Ave. • 357-1262

Have an exciting and fas-cinating historical educa-tional experience when youvisit the Adai Indian NationCultural Center only 15minutes fromNatchitoches, openfrom 9 am.-5 p.m.

Visit the 8,000square foot, all-weather air-c o n d i t i o n e dand heated cul-tural centerlocated on theb e a u t i f u lgrounds in theAdai IndianN a t i o nCommunity.

Travel northon Interstate 49,Exit 148, turn left,drive 4 1/2 miles on black-top La. Hwy. 485 whileenjoying the beautifulscenery of the countryside.

Feel the spirit of theAmerican Indian throughsong and dance, ancientartifacts and a large collec-tion of arts and crafts.

Stroll the grounds visit-ing the historical Indiandwellings furnished as theywere in the 1800s and early

1900s that were occupied byAdais Indian leaders andfamilies.

Enjoy area birds andsquirrels eating

from feedersplaced around

the culturalcenter.

Experience“thunder ofthe land,” thespirit of thebuffalo herdgrazing onthe groundsof the cultur-al center.There werethousands ofbuffalo herdsr o a m i n g

freely across the NorthAmerican continent at thetime of the first Europeanoccupation of TheAmericas.

Food Court serves visi-tors traditional All-American hamburgers,French fires, chicken sand-wiches, nachos, hot dogs,candy, soft drinks and more.

Step back in time...at the Adai Indian Cultural Center

The Annual Caddo-Adai Pow Wow

Celebrationis in October each year.

The Center is openweekdays year round.

318-472-1007


L OUISIANA P ECANS

The Best Little Eva Pecans In Natchitoches Parish

NOW

OPEN!

25 Miles South On EAST Side On Hwy 1

318-379-0980 or 800-737-3226 • wwwlouisianapecans.com

in the Historic Train Depot Look For The RED Roof

THURS, FRI & SAT

Plantation Tours Steel Magnolias Tours Historic Town Tours

Customized Tours Step-On Bus Tours

with Barbara

318-352-5469 318-663-5468

email: [email protected] www.tournatchitocheswithbarbara.com

The French came to Natchitoches in 1714. Now its your Turn.

Tour Natchitoches Call for more information

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Members of the Caddo-Adai Nation will appear in theNatchitoches Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Dec. 4.

H HIST ISTORICORIC NNAATTCHITCHITOCHEOCHES

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