1980
FILE PHOTO
1978
FILE PHOTO
1976
1974
A new state constitution is ratified
1976
Cortana Mall opens
1977
Riverside Centroplex Arena opens as part of the governmental complex
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EDWIN EDWARDS AND THE OIL BOOM EDWIN EDWARDS ran for governor in 1971 as a reformer, and his Cajun heritage and record of racial tolerance helped him garner support from the state’s ethnic minorities. During his first term, he pushed for a new state constitution that banned racial discrimination. He also worked to change the structure of the state’s oil severance tax, pegging it to the value of crude pumped rather than the amount. As the
price of oil spiked during the 1970s energy crisis, Louisiana lawmakers happily spent the resulting windfall. The state budget ballooned 163% between 1972 and 1980, according to the website KnowLouisiana.org. The sharp-dressing, high-rolling playboy personified the go-go ’70s, and Edwards easily won reelection, even amid corruption allegations. But the good times wouldn’t roll forever—for Louisiana or for Edwards.
FROM THE VAULT
COMING AND GOING
LSU hired Dale Brown, who won more games than any head men’s basketball coach in LSU history and second-most in SEC history, in 1972. He led LSU to four regular-season SEC championships and two Final Fours. Charlie McClendon, or “Cholly Mac,” finished his 18-year run as LSU head football coach in 1979 with more wins than any coach in that program’s history.
Brown
McClendon
WE LOVED THE NIGHTLIFE
Chalet Brandt brought French cuisine to the provincial Baton Rouge restaurant scene in 1973. Del Lago was Baton Rouge’s favorite disco destination in the 1970s and into the 1980s. The Caterie, one of Baton Rouge’s most popular music venues, opened during the 1970s, as did the original Happy Note Lounge. Local blues legend Tabby Thomas (right) opened the original Tabby’s Blues Box in 1979.
TRAILBLAZER
In 1976, Pearl George became the first black woman—and second female—to be elected to the City Council.
‘BATON ROUGE NEEDS A ZOO’
Children’s TV host “Buckskin” Bill Black got his wish in 1970 when the Baton Rouge Zoo opened.