CENTRAL SPEAKS June 12, 2014 • Daily News at CentralSpeaks.com
Good News for a Great City!
Throwback Thursday Taking a Look Back at Pieces of Central’s History
Central high school “teacheridge”
Central’s Vintage Drive In
This old house wore many hats in its day. Built around the turn of the century, it started as a “teacheridge” (a sort of hotel) for teachers who had long distances to travel. They may have stayed the week or just a day or two if the roads were impassable. Later it was used for classrooms and finally as a residence before being torn down.
A root beer float sure tasted good after sitting in class on a hot Louisiana day. This spot on Sullivan Road offered hamburgers, malts, sundaes, and an assortment of snacks for Central School students to choose from before embarking on their trek back home. And yes, Coca-Cola was still 5 cents back then.
Special thanks to Mrs. Jodie Mae Crawford
Special thanks to Mrs. Jodie Mae Crawford
North Central’s History Goes Back to the 1800’s
This article was written from documents owned by Central Historical Society. Thanks to the Society for their willingness to share their wealth of information. Check out the Central history section at the Joor Road Library.
The ties that exist amongst the families of the Milldale area date back to the Euro-American settlement of the area. Planters from the eastern seaboard states of the Carolinas and Georgia, with their slaves, travelled across the Southwestern frontier through Tennessee and down into the Mississippi territory. By 1800 the Drehrs, Kellys, Chaneys and Norwoods settled in East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana. The next generation moved into East Baton Rouge Parish and replaced an earlier Anglo settlement that had established land grants under the British and Spanish governments which controlled West Florida before 1810. The population until the Civil War was about half white and half slave. Settlements were established along bodies of water such as the Amite and Comite Rivers and Sandy Creek. Two core areas existed in the settlement along Sandy Creek. At the confluence of Sandy Creek with the Amite River the people tended to be Methodist, and the focal point of the
community was the Bethel Church. This was later called Indian Mound. North along the west side of Sandy Creek more of the people were Baptist. This upper settlement became known as Pride. The area developed west toward the Comite River and the settlements of Deerford and Milldale came into existence. Along the east side of the Comite River, settlement was sparse and chiefly consisted of the Norwood and Chaney plantations. After the Civil War, the landowners that remained faced a vastly changed set of economic and social relations with a newly freed population, immigration and natural population growth. The rural community of the 19th and early 20th centuries centered on the community hub of the country store, church, post office and one-room schoolhouse. The naming of schools and post offices played a symbolic role in the formation of rural communities during the PostReconstruction period (1877-1910). With a name, a sense of community was fostered by a communal identity for families who lived in the area. Burlington is a name that appears on early maps and it was located on the Amite River about two miles south of the confluence with Sandy Creek. A
ferry crossed at Burlington and a post office, cotton gin, and blacksmith shop were in operation. A post office with the name of Sandy Creek existed during the early 1830’s in the lower Sandy Creek settlement. The post office was soon transferred to Burlington. During the 1850’s Greenwell Springs came into existence as a resort and the post office was moved there in 1854. A post office by the name of Pine Grove served the upper Sandy Creek settlement during the 1830’s. Stoney Point took over the mail service in 1840. There was a ferry and a post office at Stoney Point until 1918. During the Reconstruction Period (1865-1877) the post office at Port Hudson served the northern end of the Parish. It was during the Post-Reconstruction Period that many contract post offices sprang up in the countryside. Applications for post offices required detailed descriptions concerning location. This information was translated onto maps. No towns existed in this rural area of East Baton Rouge Parish. The names for the places marked on maps originated with the name the first contract postmaster chose. In most instances, it was a country store owner who applied for a contract post See Central History, Page 3
Rezoning Compromise Considered
Last Thursday property owners met with City Council Members in a workshop to discuss two proposed compromises on the rezoning of all of the property in Central as one of the final steps in Central’s Master Plan. First, all property commercially zoned or in commercial use prior to this action will retain its zoning and not be affected by the new Ordinance. This would apply to actual zoning as well as existing legal non-conforming uses. The second compromise is to allow the majority of the rural property in Central to have minimum lot sizes of one acre instead of the proposed three acres. The three acre minimum would still apply to some areas designated Conservation or Green Space. The ordinances to enact the new zoning including the compromises will come to a vote of Central’s City Council at the June 24th meeting at 6PM at Kristenwood.
2 CITY
No Compromise Is Perfect
will not be devalued in the rezoning. In a perfect world where city planners get to take 66 square miles of uninhabited land and decide where all of the businesses will go, some of Central’s businesses would not be allowed where they are. However, most of these businesses were there before Central was a city. Council approval of this compromise is expected and I thank our council in advance for making the right decision. The second compromise is to allow the Central’s mass rezoning seems to have reached a compromise, which means no majority of the rural property in Central one gets everything they want, but most to have minimum lot sizes of one acre everyone gets enough to allow them to instead of the proposed three acres. The agree. This compromise would likely three acre minimum would still apply to never have been considered without some areas designated Conservation or informed property owners voicing their Green Space. While individual properties may opinions and our elected officials being need to be reconsidered in the future, willing to listen. On June 24th Central’s City Council especially as new flood studies are will vote on whether to rezone 100% completed, I am hopeful that our council of Central’s 66 square miles of private will approve this compromise. Central property. The past month has seen already has some significant barriers much discussion and several public to overdevelopment. There can be no meetings to consider changes to the subdivisions of more than seven homes proposed rezoning, and it has been a without tying in to sewer lines, which healthy process of Central. Two major don’t exist in most of Central’s rural areas, and one acre lots make it nearly compromises are to be voted on. First, all property commercially zoned impossible to build big subdivisions of or in commercial use prior to this action affordable homes. So, in the end, we have compromise, and will retain its zoning and not be affected by the new ordinance. People and no compromise is perfect. However, our families have invested much time, effort, Master Plan is also a “living document” and money in operating businesses and and should be able to be reviewed and building commercial buildings. This revised as Central grows. That is Good action should ensure that their investment News for a Great City.
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Crime Stoppers: Have You Seen These Fugitives?
www.crimestoppersbr.com Call Toll Free at 1-877-723-7867 Crime Stoppers will pay cash reward for information leading to the arrest of these WANTED FUGITIVES:
HEATHER RICHELLE BECK DOB 02/05/1976 WHITE/FEMALE 5’03” HGT / 135 WGT BROWN HAIR / BROWN EYES
BRYAN KENDELL HUGHES DOB 07/18/1984 BLACK/MALE 6’02” HGT / 225 WGT BLACK HAIR / BROWN EYES
WANTED FOR: WANTED FOR: SIMPLE BURGLARY OF AN STALKING; SIMPLE ASSAULT INHABITED DWELLING IMPROPER TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION; DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY If you have any information on these fugitives contact: Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP(7867), text CS225 plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or email us anonymously from our facebook page or website www.crimestoppersbr.com **Remember you do not have to give your name to collect this or any Crime Stoppers Reward but you must call Crime Stoppers ** These fugitives are active as of June 11, 2014
Open House and Reception Join us Thursday, June 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at 9352 Plank Road, North Baton Rouge and find out how we can service all of your commercial truck needs.
RSVP Today contact Buck Spencer at 490-5101 Buck Spencer
CONTACT Central SpeakS 12023 Sullivan Road Central, LA 70818
P.O. Box 78137 Central, LA 70837
Email: Info@CentralSpeaks.com Phone: (225) 262-3730 Fax: (888) 220-8396
News & Commentary: Dave Freneaux Dave@CentralSpeaks.com
Published Weekly 51 weeks a year Deadline 12 NOON Tuesdays Article submission is free of charge.
Editor: Beth Fussell Beth@CentralSpeaks.com
Production Editor: Lindsey Pyburn
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Central History, Continued from Page 1 office. The shortest lived post offices opened during this century were the Milldale and Tucker post offices. Sawmills came into existence at the turn of the century and provided men with their first opportunity to work off the farm for cash. Until the roads were graveled and labor was hired to maintain them and the opening of Standard Oil, sawmills and the cutting of cross-ties and staves was the main occupation outside of farming. Sawmills were located in Milldale, Deerford, and Baywood. Wood production shaped the rural communities in the South during this time. The increased availability of cash due to wood products led to a more stable situation for a country store owner. The crop lien system had not been favorable for a country store owner. Men traded staves at the store to pay for their groceries and for cash. There were stores located in Deerford, Milldale and Pride. The value of wood products lent itself to local cultural interpretation
through membership in the “Woodmen of the World”, a fraternal organization that provided burial insurance to its members. This organization played a significant role in the leadership of the white community. The Standard Oil Corporation built a refinery in Baton Rouge in 1910, and over the next decades other national corporations opened plants along the Mississippi River. Men found jobs outside the local area and many families left. Farming became a part time endeavor and cotton fields were turned into cow pastures. Rural electrification through the leadership of Wesley Long was brought into the area. Farmers, chiefly cattlemen, organized themselves into a profession. Much of the local community life changed as early as 1930 with the consolidation of the Baywood, Milldale, and Deerford schools into Pride High School. The churches at Baywood, Pride and Deerford remained as the only expression of localism.
CALENDAR THURSDAY 6/12:
Central Speaks hits the streets Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM Live Music with Kenny Acosta, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6-9PM Mayor’s Transition Team Town Hall Meeting, CHS Theater, 6:30PM
FRIDAY 6/13:
Paint-in, Magnolia Methodist Church, 9:30AM-12PM Live Music at American Farmhouse: LA Nights, 6:30-10PM
The next CCA Forum will be held Tuesday, June 17th at 7pm in the DEMCO meeting room. Speakers will be Senators Mack “Bodi” White and Dale Erdey as well as Representatives Valarie Hodges and Barry Ivey. Meet your elected officials and get updated on the latest legislation that will affect the Central community.
CAPA Corner Sometimes I feel like the of ever bring fixed? The wonderful
ant that's living on a piece of wood traveling down a lazy river. To the ant this piece of wood is his whole world, his truth. In reality though, the massive river is but a small stripe within the world; and in his wildest dreams he could never imagine the river! We see through the eyes we've been given, meaning our understanding of the truth is based upon our own unique perceptions of what we accept as absolute. Some diminish themselves because they have been repeatedly diminished by others. They can only see the reflection of someone who is "less than" because that's the truth they've come to accept. This process is played out in a variety of ways all around us, and, yes, even within us constantly- more times than we could hope to count. How easily we become so firmly fixed, that there's little hope
SATURDAY 6/14:
See you at church!
TUESDAY 6/17:
Kid’s Night, free scoop of ice cream, Caliente Mexican Craving, 5-8PM CCA Forum, DEMCO Meeting Room, 7PM
WEDNESDAY 6/18: THURSDAY 6/19:
Central Speaks hits the streets and mailboxes Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM Live Music with Justin McCain, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6-9PM
May 2014 Building Permits
From the City of Central
During the month of May 2014 in the city of Central, a total of 10 new residential permits were issued. The total valuation of these permits was $2,458,188. Within these May permits, three were issued in Burlington Lakes with an average valuation of $178,616; one in Geo-Je’s valued at $224,786; one in Bellingrath Lakes valued at $331,186; one on Joor Rd valued at $361,890; one on McCullough Rd valued at
$128,822; one on Blackwater Rd valued at $307,874; one on Carey Rd valued at $302,090; and one on Hubbs Rd valued at $265,700. Building valuation is the price based upon the square footage of the home used for permitting purposes. The actual selling price of the home is usually higher than the valuation and depends upon amenities installed by the builder. On the commercial side, there were no new commercial permits issued.
thing about Jesus is that He came to unfix us. He sets us free from half truths and complete lies, helping those who would receive His help to view the world from a different perspective. It's like making the jump from believing that the world is flat to knowing that it's actually round. It'll blow your mind! Being a companion of Christ helps one to stand upon new vistas, giving them a much clearer view of everything. Don't get me wrong- we can and often do choose to believe once again that the world is flat because it helps us fit in with flatlanders. But you'll never be content to just stay there ever again. When you've seen the river, it's hard to go back to the piece of wood. You'd rather discover more. The more is always found in Jesus! Dale Phillips Comite Baptist Church
our people. your poWeR.
Magnolia Methodist Market, 8AM-2PM Women Veterans of LA Meeting, Jones Creek Library, 11:30AM Late Night Music at American Farmhouse: Color Blind, 8PM-12AM
SUNDAY 6/15:
CITY 3
Every call. Every line. Every member. Every day, DEMCO is dedicated to bringing more power to you.
hurricane preparation checklist
q 3-day supply of water & non-perishable food q Spare clothing, blankets and pillows q Toiletries, first-aid kit and prescription medicines q Special items/food for babies and the elderly q Flashlights, portable radio and extra batteries q Extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash q Important documents kept in a waterproof container or watertight plastic bag • Identification, copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate and Social Security card • Insurance documents and medical records • Bank account numbers, online passwords and log-in information • Emergency contact list
q Emergency tools
/DEMCOLouisiana demco.org
4 HISTORY
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Images of the Old Murray’s Pharmacy
Pictured Above: The 1st Browning Store, with Ed Browning on the far right and his brother Pryor 2nd from the right, prior to 1922
Found Puppy: Near Marilyn Dr. & Florida Blvd. Call to ID. 620-5428 L o s t : REWARD Lost off of Sullivan Rd by Summers Dr but has been seen off of Sullivan Rd going into Central Woods. Call 241-4280. Found off of Greenwell Springs Rd. between Alfonse Forbes and Stoney Point. If this is your dog, contact me by inboxing me at lostpetsofcentral@yahoo.com or Facebook Lost Pets of Central City
Found: Saturday morning near H o o p e r / J o o r. Older female chihuahua. Collar with a bell. Call 4540698.
While the City of Central is only eight years old, our history goes back more than 150 years. Murray's Pharmacy is one piece of that history, and Mrs. Murray was gracious enough to share these and other photographs with the Central Community. Located across from what is now Central Middle School, the pharmacy later moved to the location that is now Marino’s Central Florist. Central Speaks would like to prompt everyone to consider sharing their pieces of Central's long history. Send your pictures and stories to info@centralspeaks. com, and we will share them with the community
Found: Hooper and Sullivan Road. Call 225-268-4826 Found: Black lab. Has a camo collar but no tags. Please call 921-8028 if you know who he belongs to. Found in Sherrington place on Charleston.
Please send any lost or found pets to the “Lost Pets of Central City” Facebook page or info@centralspeaks.com
! t r a e H alth to
e H r u o y Take
Join us for a free
Wellness Screening Saturday, June 14 7:30 am - 10:30am Cardiovascular Institute of the South 6550 Main Street Suite #1000 Zachary, LA 70791
The event will feature screenings for carotid ultrasound, abdominal aortic ultrasound, cholesterol testing, and results review with a provider. These screenings are ideal for those who haven’t checked their numbers in the past year or those who do not have a cardiologist. Learn your risk of cardiovascular disease and receive recommendations to achieve your best heart health. *Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited.
Please call 225.654.1559 to register.
www.cardio.com
HISTORY 5
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Help the Central Cultural Foundation Preserve Central’s WWII History By Jason Ellis
On August 14, 1945, a day that captured the attention of the entire world, the Japanese surrendered, bringing an end to World War II. Over 16 million Americans served in World War II and 291,000 lost their lives. With each passing day, the number of living World War II veterans continues to dwindle across the nation, and with them go stories about one of the most pivotal and defining periods in history. The Central Cultural Foundation is on a mission to help preserve the stories of the men and women of this area who served our country
during World War II. We are looking for WWII veterans who currently live in Central or the surrounding area who would be willing to talk about their experiences before, during, and after the war with an interviewer. The Central Cultural Foundation will video record the interview and have it uploaded to the foundation's website so that the stories of participating veterans can be shared for posterity. Help us preserve the real life history of this nation’s greatest generation and call Mia Freneaux at 413-2162 to participate in the CCF Veterans History Project. You can also email Centralart@cox.net.
The Choctaw Tribe Was the First to Settle in Greenwell Springs By Mia Freneaux
Did you know? Many children this summer are availing themselves of the fun to be had at Camp Istrouma Summer Camp. Owned by the United Methodist Church, Camp Istrouma was also a Boy Scout Camp, but long before that, many people called it home. Camp Istrouma is named after the Native American word for “Red Stick” (“Baton Rouge” in French). An Indian mound which still exists on Greenwell Springs Road gave its name to the community of European settlers who came here in the early 1800’s. But long before the Europeans came, the Amite and Choctaw tribes lived here. Dr. Jesse Fairchild, who was a life long Greenwell Springs resident, found many relics of this civilization. Farmers along the Amite River regularly plowed up artifacts as they prepared their fields. It would be wonderful to recover some of these artifacts for a museum in Central. From the Choctaw Nation website, one learns “The Choctaw are native to the Southeastern United States and members of the Muskogean linguistic family, which traces its roots to a mound-building, maizebased society that flourished in the Mississippi River Valley for more than a thousand years before European contact. Although their first encounter with Europeans ended in a bloody battle with Hernando de Soto’s fortune-hunting expedition in 1540, the Choctaw would come to embrace European traders who arrived in their homeland nearly two centuries later. By the time President George Washington initiated a program to integrate Southeastern Indians into European American culture following the Revolutionary War, many Choctaw had already intermarried, converted to Christianity and adopted other white customs. The Choctaw became known as one of America’s Five Civilized Tribes, which also included the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole.” Sadly, despite signing 9 peace treaties with the United States
Government, the Choctaw were the first tribe to be forced to relocate from their ancestral land along what is called today “The Trail of Tears”. 2,500 members of the tribe perished along the way. Despite this, the Choctaw are the third largest tribe in the nation today, having overcome much adversity, and even served in World War I as the famous “Code Talkers” who used their native tongue to help defeat the Germans in France. Mound building, maize based Native American societies were settled communities that flourished in the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United States from about 800 B.C. to 1500 A.D. They shared several cultural traits, including construction of platform mounds that had houses, temples, or burial buildings built on top of them. This is why disturbing an Indian Mound can be a serious offence to Native Americans. These communities were based on maize agriculture, which allowed them to settle in one place and develop trade routes (in some cases as far as the Rocky Mountains) and art forms such as shell tempered pottery. They were typically ruled by a chief. They followed the traditions of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (SECC) which included a fairly uniform use of ritual items, weaponry, and artwork. This culture had no system of writing, no stone architecture, did no smelting, but worked naturally occurring copper to create many beautiful artifacts. They were known for using a striped pole (Baton Rouge!), bi-lobed arrows, maces, copper masks, and pottery. Like the SEC, the SECC was often connected to ritual game playing, specifically a game called “chunkey”, played by rolling stone discs across a huge arena that housed large audiences, then throwing spears to see who could come closest to the stopped stone. To lose the game generally meant to lose your life. Gives a whole new meaning to the term “Death Valley,” doesn’t it! Unlike the SEC, gambling was encouraged!
Comprehensive Imaging Services Close to Home OUTPATIENT DI AGN OSTI C AND ImAG I N G SErv I CE S 7 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday (225) 271-6035 • • • • • • •
mrI (magnetic resonance Imaging) CT (Computed Tomography) mammography Bone Density Testing Digital X-ray Fluoroscopy Ultrasound
5000 O’DONOvAN BlvD, WAlkEr Information (225) 271-6000
Lab/Imaging (225) 271-6035
Community Pharmacy (225) 271-6098
6 CentralSpeaks.com HISTORY Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com ANNOUNCEMENTS Print Edition 11
A Civil War Camp Was Located Right Here in Central!
Artist’s rendering of the Camp on the Comite River By Vicki Carney
If you asked me how many times I have passed Old Greenwell Springs Road at Frenchtown Road, I would say thousands of times in the past 35 years. It wasn’t until recently that I started reading The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies that I realized the historical importance of where Old Greenwell Springs Road crossed the Comite River – just two blocks west of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. This confederate camp was called Camp Breckinridge or Camp on Comite River. At one time Old Greenwell Springs Road was Greenwell Springs Road. It was not until the existing bridge was built that the road was straightened and part of the road was cut off. That part of the road that was cut off is called Old Greenwell Springs Road. (Not to be confused with Old Greenwell Springs Road that is close to Liberty Road). General Breckinridge had been the VicePresident of the United States. When the Civil War broke out he was appointed Major General in the Confederate States Army. After Vicksburg, he arrived at Camp Moore in 1862. He was then ordered to march to Baton Rouge. He and his troops reached the Comite River at Greenwell Springs Road (now called Old Greenwell Springs Road) on Monday, August 4, 1862. The General wrote that the sickness had been appalling. He started out with 3,000 men but by the time he and
his troops marched to Camp on the Comite he only had 2,600 able-bodied men. These poor soldiers had only from the afternoon of the 4th until 11 p.m. of that same day to rest and prepare for battle before marching into the Battle of Baton Rouge some ten miles from Camp Breckinridge or Camp on the Comite River. That was only a couple of hours! Following the horrific battle in Baton Rouge, Breckinridge returned his command to the Comite River. He wrote the following in his report of September 30, 1862 about the Battle of Baton Rouge: “The enemy were well clothed, and their encampments showed the presence of every comfort and even luxury. Our men had little transportation, indifferent food, and no shelter. Half of them had no coats, and hundreds were without either shoes or socks.” A few days after the battle, Breckinridge left Greenwell Springs and occupied Port Hudson with a portion of the troops under the command of Brigadier General Ruggles. Brigadier General Bowen, who had just arrived in Greenwell Springs, was ordered to the Camp on the Comite River to “observe Baton Rouge from that quarter, to protect our hospitals, and to cover the line of communication between Clinton and Camp Moore (a major Confederate training camp.) Many troop leaders wrote field reports from Camp Breckinridge or Camp on the Comite River. 1) Captain John A. Buckner, Assistant Adjutant-General, C.S. Army, commanding First Brigade First Division, wrote from the Comite River, ten miles from Baton Rouge, LA, August 9, 1862. 2) Col. Jeptha Edwards, Thirty-first Alabama Regiment, wrote from Camp Near Comite River, LA, August 8, 1862. 3) Captain John H. Millett, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, wrote from Camp Near Comite River, August 7, 1862. 4) Major J.C. Wickliffe, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, Headquarters Fifth Kentucky Regiment, wrote from Camp Near Comite River, LA, August 7, 1862. 5) Col. T.B. Smith, Twentieth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Fourth Brigade, wrote from Camp on Comite River, Louisiana, August 10, 1862. 6) Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C.S. Army, commanding Second Division, with Return of Casualties, Camp Breckinridge, August 9, 1862. He reported that “on the night of August 4 this division
proceeded from Comite River Bridge, marching left in front; … (some of his troops) reached Ward’s Creek Bridge, on the Greenwell Springs and Baton Roads, about 3 a.m.” He also said there was a “prevalence of thick fog.” In this report is an explanation of how Lieutenant Todd was killed and how “Colonel Allen also fell dangerously wounded.” 7) Col. J.W. Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry, commanding First Brigade, wrote from Camp on Comite River, LA, August 7, 1862. 8) Lieu. Col. Edwin Goodwin, Thirtyfifth Alabama Infantry, wrote from Camp on Comite River, LA, August 7, 1862. 9) Lieu. Col. M.H. Cofer, Sixth Kentucky Infantry, wrote from Comite River, LA, August 7, 1862. 10) Col. Gustavus A. Breaux, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry, Headquarters Second Brigade, wrote from Camp Near Comite River, LA, August 8, 1862. He reported: “The troops, exhausted by fatigue and crying for water, were thrown in utter confusion.” 11) Lieu. S.E. Hunter, Fourth Louisiana Infantry, wrote from Camp Near Comite, August 7, 1862. 12) Capt. Thomas Bynum, Boyd’s Battalion, Stewart’s Legion writing from Comite Bridge, LA, August 8, 1862. These reports, both Union and Confederate, are fascinating to read. The reports give the reader a basic understanding of how the Battle of Baton Rouge transpired. You can find the volumes at Bluebonnet Library, Port Hudson, Camp Moore, etc. The pages pertaining to this story can be found in the Civil War Notebook at the Central Library’s Local History Collection. Note: This area was also one of the Camp Grounds at Greenwell Springs before the Civil War. When there was an outbreak of yellow fever, garrisons in the town moved to camps on the Comite and Amite River. References: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington Government Printing Office. 1886 Casey. Powell A., Encyclopedia of Forts, Posts, named Camps, and Other Military Installations in Louisiana, 1700-1981.
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Cafe Phoenicia Brings Elegant Greek Food to Central
By Mia Freneaux
Walking into Café Phoenicia, one is immediately struck by the unique and understatedly elegant décor. Decorated in warm earth tones, Café Phoenicia uses original art depicting Greek temples and Phoenician triremes to draw the diner into a truly Mediterranean experience. Whether you choose to sit indoors, or dine on the patio decorated with wrought iron and featuring a lovely fountain with gas fire accents, the scents of exotic spices and roasting meats will make your mouth water. Café Phoenicia, part of a 3 restaurant chain begun by 3 friends 15 years ago, offers a Mediterraneaninfluenced menu which features traditional Lebanese, Greek, and Italian dishes. With offerings that range from the familiar, such as Chicken Scaloppini and Gyros, to the exotic, such as Mujadara (a delicious dish of lentils and rice with sautéed onions), Kibbi (a flavorful blend of cracked wheat, ground beef, onions and pine nuts) and Lamb Shanks (fork tender lamb marinated in spices), Café Phoenicia has something to tempt every palate. Children will be happy with a kid's menu, and less adventuresome souls will enjoy the zesty baby back ribs and hand-formed hamburgers. Vegetarians will appreciate the many meat-less choices, and those seeking healthy diet choices can opt for "Mediterranean Diet" features of fresh vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and lean, tender meats. Manager Ammar Ali is deservedly proud of his restaurant. "We make everything we offer fresh daily: every sauce, the hummus, the Grecian dip. We receive fresh vegetables daily, and our meats are always top grade Prime." This attention to freshness shows in the crisp-tender sautéed sides, the beautifully green salads, and the juicy, deliciously marinated beef, lamb, and chicken. A large variety of seafood dishes make for tantalizing choice options: Flounder Crab Cake is a beautifully presented filet wrapped around a cake stuffed with
crab, all topped in a light lemonbutter sauce with asparagus tips; Byblos Fish features a pan sautéed filet adorned with mushrooms and shallots and flamed with dry vermouth. Clams, Scallops, Shrimp and Lobster and Crawfish are also offered in a variety of sauces and accompaniments. A well-developed wine list shows vintages from all over the world. Reds and whites from Italy, France, Germany, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Lebanon are paired with entrees on the menu to make dining choices simple. The very attentive wait staff, overseen by head waitress Mikayla, make sure the diner's every whim is satisfied, offering refreshing Lebanese tea, specialty cocktails from the full-service bar, and tempting desserts such as lighter-than-air Tiramisu and exotic Ashta drizzled with Rose Essence. Mediterranean Shrimp Soup and Lentil Soup make savory sides or main meals in themselves, and a huge list of Appetizers will make the mouth water. Friday "Chef's Choice" specials, daily Lunch Specials, and soon-to-be-added Lamb Chops round out the extensive menu. "Our Chef is specially trained in Mediterranean cuisine, its unique flavors and preparation," Ammar states. Many of the recipes are Café Phoenicia exclusives, including the popular Pasta Phoenicia, featuring gyros or shawarma meat nestled with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes over penne in a crème blanche wine sauce. Most popular is the Chicken Shawarma and Gyros Combination plate, served with their signature creamy hummus and tender Rice Pilaf. "Try our terrific shawarma and gyros," encourages Mikayla, "We have such a wide variety of items. We offer hot, fresh food, amazing drinks, and great company - what more could you ask for?" Café Phoenicia, 14319 Wax Road, 302-5443. Monday Thursday 11-9, Friday, Saturday 11-10, Sunday 11-8:30. www. cafephoenicia.com
COMMUNITY 7
8 SPORTS
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Sarah LeDuff Wins Ms. Majorette 2014 Central Graduates Team Up with the Little Gators Sarah LeDuff, the Featured Majorette for Central High School, competed for Ms. Majorette of LA on May 3rd in Kenner, LA. She won her 4th title as Ms Majorette of LA in the Beginner 13-15 year old division. She also took her 3rd title as Ms. Crescent City Majorette Queen in the same division. The weekend before she brought home a first place for the Central High Band as the Majorette at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. Way to go Sarah!
Bulldogs Are CAYL Champs Photo submitted by Jennifer Bergeron
The Bulldogs were first place champions for Coaches Pitch Select League and Post-Season Tournament. Top Row: Coach Caleb, Coach Brian, Coach Jeremy (not pictured: Coach Joey & Coach Collin) 2nd Row: Dawson Glover, Brady Smith, Alex Giles, Zory Williams, Ethan Johnson, Andrew Richard, & Arlen Francois 3rd Row: Cade Walock, Jacob LeBlanc, Gage Moreland, Lawson Dixon, Blaysen Stokan, & Brayden Brown
We do stitches.
WHAT A
RELIEF! Sometimes it’s more than just a scrape. Our experienced medical staff, great service, and trusted tradition will help you and your loved ones get better faster.
CENTRAL LOCATION 8751 Sullivan Road • (225) 262-8377 Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM • Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM
www.LakeAfterHours.com
Two Central students, 2014 CHS graduate Austin Bergeron and 2014 CPS graduate Daniel McNamara, spent the end of their senior year doing something a little atypical of high school seniors. In the fall Austin spent his senior year earning his First Responders and EMT certifications and volunteering with the Chaneyville and Pride fire departments while maintaining his graduate requirements. Daniel, a very busy member of Central Private’s athletic department, heard
of a group of young boys in need of support. When Daniel told Austin of several children registered with CAYL in desperate need of a coach, the two decided to put their senior social lives on hold to spend their final months as seniors coaching t-ball. The Little Gators just finished the season in third place for their division and participated in the CAYL tournament on June 8-9. Thank you to Austin and Daniel, and congratulations to the Little Gators!
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
ANNOUNCEMENTS 9
In Memoriam: Tommy Roshto Hannah Prather and Stephen A memorial service will be JoLynn Conley and Carol Roshto; Burns Jr. Married March 21 held for Mr. Tommy Roshto, age and numerous nieces and nephews. 60, on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 1:00 He was preceded in death Hannah Claire pm at Zoar Baptist Church with a visitation reception to follow. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Roshto passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 8:30 am at MD Anderson hospital in Houston, Texas after a hard fought battle with leukemia. Mr. Roshto is survived by his wife, Becky Roshto; his son, Thomas Roshto; his daughter, Rebecca McCormick and her husband, David McCormick; his two granddaughters, Conley and Stella McCormick; his mother and father in law, Neal and Bettie Conley; his sister, Cyndi Roshto; his brothers and sisters in law, Len and Kathy Conley and Brent and
by his parents, Roy and Vivian Roshto and his brother, Steve Roshto. The family would like to thank everyone for the love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to the Sojourn House, an apartment ministry of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas serving those in need of extended housing while receiving medical treatment away from home. Donation checks can be made out to South Main Baptist Church, specifying the Sojourn House in the memo line and mailed to 4100 Main Street, Houston Texas 77002 or at www.smbc.org.
GSBC is proud 'to be hosting All About Kids Productions Performing Arts Camp June 22- through 27 For children who have completed 1st- through 7th Grade $145. For more info and to register, go to www.lamplightartists.com
Many Central schools, churches, and businesses are offering summer camps, so check our last few issues for lists of local camps for kids. Remember that all of our archived papers can be found at www.CentralSpeaks.com in the PDF and Archives sections.
Prather and Stephen Kerry Burns, Jr., both of Central, were married in a 6:30 p.m. ceremony March 21 at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church in Greenwell Springs, LA. Pastor Brian Canuteson officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wayne Prather of Central. She is the granddaughter of James and Ruby Arnold of Central, Wendell and Bonnie Reed of Baker, and Rose Prather and the late Wayne Prather, both of Central. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kerry Burns, Sr. of Central. He is the grandson of Betty Burns and the late Raymond Burns, Sr. of Central and the late Lionel and Elaine Smith of Baton Rouge. The bride was attended by her "men of honor" who are also her brothers, Beau Prather and Logan Prather. Bridesmaids were Sarah Burns, Kylie Comeaux, Jessica Morris, and Bailey Reed. Flower girl was Kinslie Bouquet. The bridegroom was attended by his best man, Brent Burns. Groomsmen were Josh Huckabee, Alec Reed, Logan Prather, and Beau Prather. Ushers were Kyle Comeaux, Bryce Koester, and Scout Koester. A reception took place at Boudreaux's. The couple will reside in Central and will take a wedding trip to the Bahamas in August.
10 PUZZLES
Classifieds
Acreage For Sale: 7.73 acres $139,140. 7.82 acres $140,760 Located off Alphonse Forbes Rd. Estate/Moving Sale: 1/2 Price Sale. June 14, 7-2. glassware, collectibles, furniture. 14687 Frenchtown Rd, indoors Garage Sale: Sat. June 14th. 7:30-1:30 12134 Partridgewood Drive (Willow Woods Acres Sub) No early birds. Help Wanted: Blackwater United Methodist Church is looking for a Church Accountant. PT position w/ regular office hours. Some night meetings. Req’s: accounting background, ex. computer skills, budget management skills, professional appearance, love of people, and a desire to serve God in this position. Call Rev. Marie Williams 225-261-4646. Send résumés to her attn at Blackwater UMC, 10000 Blackwater Rd., Baker, LA 70714 Vacation Rental: Vacation on the MS Gulf Coast. Beautiful condo 2 bed, 2 1/2 bath, balcony w/ocean view, furnished. Week-end, weekly, monthly rates 225 938 8601, 225 324 0973
For Sale: 2 vaults, 1 companion marker at Resthaven on Jefferson Hwy. Sold out section. Retails $11,100, asking $8,000. Call 939-5292 or 769-0219.
For Sale: Graco Convertible Crib (White) w/ mattress. Only used when grandson took a nap. $100 485-4599
Help Wanted: Blackwater United Methodist Church is looking for a FT Church Secretary. Req’s: ex. computer skills; familiarity with general office equipment; ex. writing skills; time management; self-directed; professional appearance; love of people; a desire to serve God in this position. Call Rev. Marie Williams 225-261-4646. Send résumés to her attn at Blackwater UMC, 10000 Blackwater Rd., Baker, LA 70714 Home for sale: Indian Mound subdivision. 16936 Teneiya Ave. The home is 2,800 sq. ft. 4 bed 2.5 bath. It has just recently been updated and includes a bonus lot. Very beautiful property. Asking price is $285,000. There is also another adjoining lot for sale priced at $41,000. The house can be seen at FSBOBR.com. If you would like to talk about the house or ask any other questions, please call Sid Edwards at 225-614-8852. For Sale: 19 buffet style chairs. $150 for all. 261-5396 For Sale: 7 Lifetime 5’ round folding tables w/ 54 folding chairs. White granite color. $1500 for all. 261-5396
Puzzles
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition Email classifieds@centralspeaks.com. Deadline is Tuesday at NOON. Real estate & professional classifieds cost $10 for 3 lines, plus $3 per extra line. Other ads are free.
SHOP CENTRAL FIRST $75/mo. Email Ads@CentralSpeaks.com
A/C & HEATING
HOUSE WASHING
American A/C & Heating Residential & Commercial Free Estimates Central Owned 225-588-7707
ALL PURPOSE EXTERIOR CLEANING Quality work at a fair price House & concrete cleaning Affordable House Washing Since 1994 225-273-1473
AIR CONDITIONING
LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE
Confederate Heating & Air 261-5000 $30 off Spring Maintenance Service all makes & models Residential & Commercial Licensed Bonded & Insured
AIR CONDITIONING Fontana Air, LLC We Cater to Your Comfort Not a Bait and Switch Contractor Guaranteed Quality at the Best Price Jon Fontana - 938-7448 AIR CONDITIONING
GROUNDS PRO Lawn - Landscape - Bush Hog Commercial & Residential (225) 281-9296
LAWN CARE
Causey’s Lawn Service Free Estimates CHS Grad & College Student Wyatt Causey 225-937-1219
LAWN CARE
Rebel Heating & Air Service-Repair-Replace-Installation Free Estimates on Change Outs www.rebelheatingandair.com 225-929-8944
Central Lawn Pro, LLC Lawn Maintenance, New installation or renovation, Landscape, Hardscape Licensed and Insured 413-5028
$200-$300 For Wrecked or Junk Cars More for New or Running Cars LA CASH 4 YOUR WRECKED CARS 225-715-4852
Gator Cuts Lawn Maintenance Mowing, Edging, Weed Eating Bed Cleanup & Maintenance Free Estimates. Licensed and Insured. 225-588-9185
AUTOMOTIVE
BRICK WORK
LAWN CARE
LAWN CARE
Construction Plus of Baton Rouge Fireplaces, Mailboxes, Floors, Driveway Apron, Outside Kitchens, Patio, etc. Free Estimate. Call Jerome Dugas 225-261-1063
MTM LLC. Professional Lawn Care Locally owned & Fully insured Call us for all of your outdoor needs 225-235-1000
CARPET/TILE CLEANING
LAWN CARE
Bayou Steam Carpet, Upholstery, Tile & Grout Cleaning Locally Owned and Operated 225-955-6955
Tree of Life Lawn & Landscaping Professional Lawn Care Landscape Renewal & Maintenance, New Construction Licensed, Free Consultations Call James Coates: 225-301-4971
CHILD CARE
LAWN MOWER REPAIR
Central’s Little School Now Enrolling 2014/15 and Daycare & Summer Camp 6 wks to 12 yrs old M-F 6-6, 603-8704 or 261-1288
PRICECO SUPPLY Lawnmower Repair, Replacement Blades, Safety Glasses and Gloves 15151 Greenwell Springs Road 225-262-6245
DIRT WORK
PAINTING
General Sand & Gravel Limestone, Gravel, Mason & Fill Sand, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Clay, T/S - Tractor Work VISA 261-3953 M/C
Central Painting and Drywall Interior & Exterior - Central Owned Popcorn Ceiling Removal 35 Years Experience - Dependable Service 225-936-7191
DRAPERY/UPHOLSTERY
PLUMBING
Mill direct fabrics, Shades, Custom drapery, Slipcovers,woven wood Romans, interior shutters. 22 years experience. Call Charlotte Harris 225-936-8649
DAVE-CO PLUMBING New Construction, Remodels, Repairs Natural Gas Generator Hook-Up Best Prices and Top Quality Job 13366 Hooper Rd 262-1234
ELECTRIC
TREE REMOVAL
Simple Electric Licensed, Insured & Bonded Any Size Job - 30 Yrs Experience Central Owned Business 921-2633
Audubon Tree Service LLC Licensed & Insured Trimming & Removal Free Estimates 225-270-7250
HOME IMPROVEMENT
TREE REMOVAL
Chiasson Co., LLC. Remodeling, additions, home repairs, Outdoor kitchens, window & door install Free Est. Call Matt 225.806.9127 www.chiassonconstruction.com
Tiger Tree Services, LLC Best Rates Guaranteed 37 Year Licensed Arborist Lifetime Central Resident 284-7678 or 261-3896
HOUSE CLEANING D & D Cleaning Need Your House Or Business Cleaned? Call Us Today at 262-5157 or 573-0143
TREE REMOVAL TREE MEN, LLC Tree service & stump grinding Fully Licensed and insured Free Estimates 262-6092 or 791-3981
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014 On May 16, 2014 Scott Campbell graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. His parents are Jerrell and Susan Campbell of Central. Scott begins graduate school this summer at Mississippi State working on his Master of Engineering.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 11
Michelle Beck and Jason Tinsley Married March 22
Gilbert and Patricia Parker Celebrate 50th Anniversary
Gilbert Samuel and Patricia A. Parker, Jr., both natives of Baton Rouge, LA, celebrated their 50th anniversary with a surprise trip to Gulf Shores, AL where they stayed the weekend at Gulf Shores Plantations hosted by their family. The couple married on June 2,1964 in Mobile, AL. Their golden anniversary was commemorated by daughters Paige and husband Doug Hall, Sr., of Zachary; Glinda Shannon and husband Steven Glascock of Walker; Pamela and husband Gregor Thuswaldner of Beverly, MA; and Georgette and husband Bobby Bynum, Sr., of Daphne, AL. The couple's grandchildren, also present, were: Magen and Doug Hall, Jr.; Brandon and Shelby Lee; Maximilian and Alexander Thuswaldner; and Avery, Sydney and Bobby Bynum, Jr. The Parkers had a wonderful time at the beach and enjoyed having all family members congratulate them on this very special occasion. A special word of thanks goes to extended family and friends for all their well wishes.
Michelle Lees Beck and Jason Lee Tinsley were wed in a sunset ceremony on March 22, 2014 at the Bennett House in Zachary, Louisiana. Rev. Dickie Davis of Live Oak United Methodist Church officiated. The bride is the daughter of Fred and Jo Ann Lees of Zachary. She is a 1991 graduate of Zachary High School and a current student of Fortis College in Radiologic Technology. She will graduate with an Associate’s Degree in November. The groom is the son of Frosty and Brenda Tinsley. He is a 1989 graduate of Alexandria High School. He is originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University and was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He
is a twelve-year employee of Koch Specialty Plant Services. The bride and groom are active members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where the bride serves as a lector. The bride wore an ivory taffeta A-line gown featuring an exquisite illusion lace neckline, pleated bodice and a stunning lace V- back. She carried a bouquet of ivory roses, blue thistle, and Brazilian berries. She wore her sister-in-law’s sapphire earrings and her Aunt Ann’s sapphire and diamond bracelet. The groom’s daughter, Kylie Tinsley, attended the bride. The bride presented Kylie with a three stone diamond necklace to represent the joining of their family. The couple will reside in Zachary.
12 COMMUNITY
CHS Seniors Celebrate Graduation With Cruise
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
The Girls - Kaitlyn Samson, Kelly Nijoka, Kelli Wilson, Alex Stuckey, Sarah Sonnier, Hope Hebert, Tori Lewis
130 people, including Central High seniors as well as their parents, grandparents, and guardians cruised on the Carnival Dream out of New Orleans. The group left on May 25th and came back on June 1st. The trip was a 7 day Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. It was 7 days filled with beach life, water sports, snorkeling, swimming with the Dolphins and/or Stingrays, ziplining, and Margaritaville.
Central Resident Brooke McIntyre Graduates with Top Honors from St. Michael High School Submitted by St. Michael High School
Brooke McIntyre graduated from St. Michael High School as one of the most decorated students in the Class of 2014, receiving some of the most prestigious awards St. Michael offers. The St. Michael Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award: Given annually to a senior boy, a senior girl, and two St. Michael faculty and staff members who have devoted their efforts to humanitarian service. They value and appreciate all people and work to break down the barriers that divide our community. They bring people together and create a community of love by reaching out to others. The Student Instructional Leadership Corps Award: SILC students gave up their study
halls to work with an individual teacher to assist in the teaching and learning processes in the classroom and in the library. These students did research, lead small group discussions, set up labs, and even taught a lesson or two. Today we thank these students for their hard work and their leadership. The Warrior Shield Award for Spirit Club: Given to the students who have demonstrated leadership excellence in extracurricular organizations. St. Michael Award: Given to students who the faculty believes live out the mission statement of St. Michael the Archangel High School. These students were chosen for their spiritual, academic, and personal development as committed Disciples of Christ.
CPS Celebrates the Class of 2014 Graduation ceremonies were held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, in the sanctuary of Zoar Baptist Church. Before receiving their diplomas, students received various academic and performance awards including honor graduates, subject awards, organizational recognition, honor roll, and special scholarships. Additionally, students who have attended CPS since kindergarten or pre-k were recognized with the Rebel Award.
Co-Valedictorians Kelli Wilson & Brent Burns