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Preserving the Cajun Way

A LOOK AT HISTORY

EXPLORING YESTERYEAR

A Culinary tradition: Cajun Crawfish Etouffee DECEMBER ISSUE

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TABLEOFCONTENTS ENTERTAINMENT

HOME

Preserving the Cajun Way �� 6

The Pernell’s home �� 18

DAY TRIP

EVENTS

Big Thicket National Preserve �� 10

Laissez les bons temps rouler ��22

FEATURE

A LOOK AT THE HISTORY

Frances Thompson soaks it all in

The Woman’s Club and the Library �� 24

being a wife of a coach �� 12

One the Scene RECIPE

See who was seen out and about �� 26

A Culinary tradition: Cajun Crawfish Etouffee �� 16

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PUBLISHERLETTER Communities are more than neighborhoods with homes built in an orderly fashion along paved streets equipped with drainage and access to electricity and water. Communities are more than industry, service providers, restaurants, grocery stores and all the other establishments that provide employment, goods and services. Communities are churches, clubs, entertainment, schools, sports, arts and education providing opportunity for personal growth and development. These are the components of community offering opportunity for personal enrichment. The Greater Orange Area has a rich tradition in all that makes a community. The Orange Leader has been a part of the rich tradition, chronicling events as they occur, both good and bad. Research historical archives of past editions or clippings found stored in boxes and you will discover fascinating accounts from days gone by. Orange Living is a magazine that will focus on the people and places of the Greater Orange Area. Orange Living will highlight the culture and refinement that enriches the lives of those who enjoy them. Orange is well known for many wonderful venues and events. Orange Living will expose each in a colorful, attractive and provocative magazine destined for your enjoyment and a place on your coffee table. Orange Living will showcase the culture, entertainment and social treasures enriching our lives, treasures we can share with family, friends and associates who visit Orange. We welcome you to this new venture.

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Preserving the Cajun Way By Courtney Zetar If preserving the Cajun lifestyle and culture was a branch in the United States military, then Rusty Benoit would have received his medals a long time ago. He is the president of the Gulf Coast Cajun chapter of the Cajun-French-Music-Association (CFMA), a position Rusty has had for the past 11 years. During this time Rusty has received multiple awards and plaques to honor his commitment to the Cajun way of life. His legacy not only in Louisiana, but also in Texas has been cemented for years, but to Rusty he is just being himself. “I really don’t get why people react to me the way they do, or how they even know me,” said Rusty. “But whatever I’ve done it wasn’t about me it was about doing God’s work and trying my best to promote real Cajun culture.”

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The Cajun culture and lifestyle is something deeply important to Rusty, his entire life and upbringing is planted in the thick soils of real Cajun music, food, and memories that can last a lifetime. Looking into Rusty’s past, its no secret why it is so important to maintain the Cajun history. Rusty Benoit was born August 17, 1943 in Gueydan, Louisiana. His parents were farmers and made sure that Rusty and his siblings knew the meaning of hard work and dedication. His father Alcee “TeToe” Benoit, and mother, Gladice Benoit, raised Rusty along with his siblings to be disciplined and to always be respectful. Benoit’s siblings include older brothers Calvin and James, a twin brother Russell and sister Brenda, the baby of the family. “My mother told my dad, ‘We ain’t stopping until I get a girl’ and when they did and

mama spoiled her rotten,” Rusty said. Rusty reminisces about a time of his life that was innocent, fun, and sometimes a lot of “fun trouble”. “We weren’t like the kids of today with the video games and computer phones, but we did have our own way of having fun that the kids today will never understand,” Rusty said. Growing up on a farm in the south was no easy task. Rusty along with his brothers had to make sure they maintain their chores, do their school work and protect the families most prized gem, their baby sister Brenda. “That girl could do no wrong in my mother’s eyes,” Rusty said. “Even if she lied on us mama would always take her side and give my brothers or me the whooping.” Rusty recalls a story that has left him with the scars to prove it’s authenticity. “I remember Brenda told my mother that I pushed her down and my mother kept trying

to whoop me but every time she grabbed my arm I would break away and take off running, oh she didn’t like that at all,” Rusty said. “So she called my name rather loudly and told me to come here using her finger. I tried to run past her and next thing I know I woke up with everyone around me looking concerned.” Rusty laughs now and likes to show off the scar on his head that was left by his mother after hitting him in the head that day with a hoe handle. Rusty’s mother, Gladice, was the toughest of the two parents, and it is that toughest that has shaped Benoit into the man he is today. “My mother made sure we went to church and knew everything about the lord, She was a strong Catholic woman that would put the ruler to the inside palm of your hand if you messed up in church,” Rusty said. His father believed in hard work and dedication to ones job. “My dad was tough just not as tough as mom, but he made sure we worked seven days a week from sun up to sun down,” Rusty said. “By the time we were teens we could

drive or operate any vehicle, not because we wanted to drive but because we had to learn to drive to complete our daily chores.” Those seven day work days were primarily in the summer, and though they would last for weeks, Rusty and his close in age brothers would hang out and have fun just as any other teenager at the time. “We used to play baseball with a stick and a rock and use cow patties for bases,” Rusty said. Rusty listened to the radio often as well. “I used to listen to the KJEL station on the radio all the time,” Rusty said. This would lead Rusty into rock and roll and eventually playing instruments of his own, starting with the guitar. “I started beating on that thing when I was about 12 years old and I haven’t stopped since then,” Rusty said. There was a time in his life were the music came to an abrupt holt and in his mother’s eyes was never meant to be played again. When Rusty was the age of 14, his twin brother Russell was tragically killed in a bicycle accident after being struck from behind

by an automobile. To this day the death of his brother Russell still affects Rusty. “I don’t think I can put into words how much that hurt me and my family,” Rusty said. In Louisiana, at the time, it was tradition to morn the death of a loved one for an entire year with no music played. It was during this time Rusty’s love for Cajun Music grew stronger. It became a mechanism for dealing with the pain of losing someone so close to him. “People know how hard it is on the parents and it is very hard because they had to bury their own child, but death is hard on everyone, especially your twin brother,” Rusty said. No matter where you turn in Rusty’s life he could always depend on two things, God and The Cajun culture to pull him through any situation. “I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten through a tough time in my life with just the word of God and a good pot of Cajun Gumbo,” Rusty said. To Rusty, the Cajun heritage is more than just music, and food, it’s a way of life and

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worth preserving for future generations. “It’s important to me to preserve our history because it’s not just our history it is also America’s history,” Rusty said. “The Cajun culture is not just crawfish and squeeze boxes, it has a long history that goes beyond a lot of peoples understanding of what it means to be a real Cajun.” During the late 80’s Rusty began to sit in as a guitarist for the Cajun Bands that played authentic Cajun music which is not the same as Zydeco. “There are real differences between Cajun music and Zydeco, the cords and the harmony in certain areas have a major difference,” Rusty said. Though Zydeco is the more popular now a days than it’s predecessor, Cajun Music is known by many as being the original sound of Louisiana. Just like any other musical art form, Cajun music is now in a phase of evolution and is shifting further away from its roots. Combining Zydeco and Cajun music to create a new sound now know as “Zydecajun” which has now become more of the norm in local bars and entertainment halls.

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To Rusty, the changes are not all good, and in his mind, are slowly killing off the old traditions of the Cajun lifestyle and history he remembers. “If you had told me 50 years ago that Cajun music would become what it is today I would have never believed you,” Rusty said. “It’s isn’t the same and I feel it’s my job and the CFMA’s job to keep that history and culture alive, because in my opinion it is slowly dying.” The Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) is a non-profit organization of Cajuns and non-Cajuns whose purpose is to promote and preserve, not only the Cajun music, but also various aspects of the Acadian Heritage. The CFMA was founded in Basile, Louisiana in November of 1984, with Harry LaFleur of Eunice as its founder. In 2007, Rusty Benoit was voted by the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, to be the President of the Gulf Coast Cajun Chapter of the CFMA after only one year as vice president. Now the CFMA has become a staple of Cajun music, food, and traditions. “When I started it was supposed to be something I did for a year or so,” Rusty said. “I was

always one of those kids who could never be still. I never intended on doing anything for this long of a time.” For the past 11 years, Rusty has seen great success with the CFMA. It wasn’t always finically easy to keep a float. “We started with practically nothing and kept putting more and more into it and now it is one of the best know organizations in the area and all over,” Rusty said. The CFMA has raised money for various charities, and low income families. The annual Cajun Music Festival has become a musical playground for the most famous and well know Cajun music artist of alltime. The first festival was one of the biggest to date, filling the building which held 620 guest. “We have had the who’s who of Cajun musicians to perform at our events such as, Ed Gary, Alicia Cormier and Chris Miller,” Rusty said. The younger generation has also been influenced by the works of Rusty and other members of the CFMA, as with the case of two teens Kim and Eric Kelly. “I promoted those two kids while they went

around playing real instruments and not computer generated sounds,” Rusty said. “They have now become outstanding at their craft and travel all over Texas and Louisiana playing for huge crowds.” Today, Rusty lives a quiet yet busy life. He has 3 children, Mickey, and Mark, the oldest named after his twin brother Russell. Rusty was always involved with his children, and coached his sons baseball teams growing up. Rusty has been married to Sandra Benoit for the past 33 years and enjoys spending time with their grandchildren. The rest of his time is spent promoting real Cajun culture, and this upcoming year is set to be a promising as any of the other successful years in the CFMA organization. Rusty can be seen wearing his signature hats which feature an accordion in the middle, a crawfish on the right, and a Texas or Louisiana symbol on the left. CFMA will be holding a fundraiser on January 22, 2018. In February, Rusty will participate in helping the surrounding areas with their Mardi Gras celebrations, leading to the “LeCajun” Music Festival on August 16, 2018. “That is really going to be something,” Rusty said. “We will have live Cajun bands, great Cajun food, and have a good old Cajun time!” Rusty also said he has never really taken music in particular very seriously, but he takes the culture and the heritage of the Cajun history extremely serious. “To me its not just the music, it’s really not,” Rusty said. “It’s more about the Cajun way of life and the history of our culture, just like any other great heritage you want to preserve and keep that around long after you are gone.” To Rusty, just because the music evolved doesn’t mean we have to forget where it came from and how it originally sounds. “At the end of the day I want to say I did it all the right way, Gods way, and of course The Cajun way,” Rusty said.

“We have had the who’s who of Cajun musicians to perform at our events” Orange Living Magazine | 9

DAY TRIP

By Holly Westbrook When it comes to getting the family away from video games and computer screens, a good day trip to Galveston, Houston or Louisiana is just a few destinations that may come to the mind for a Southeast Texan family. But, what about Kountze? Really? Yes, absolutely. An emerald jewel that surrounds us daily when we drive through Southeast Texas, the Big Thicket National Preserve, located in, you guessed it, Kountze is a convergence of nine different ecosystems that protect a diversity of life. From hiking, kayaking and camping; this national park provides the public with a place of natural exploration for all ages. “Hiking a few of our nature trails is a good introduction into the park. Kayaking may need a bit more planning for the beginner,”

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Big Thicket National Preserve

Park Ranger Jason Ginder said. He recommends both the Kirby and the Sundew Nature trails for families. These are both plant hikes. There is no entrance fee to enjoy the preserve. Ginder recommends families with small children to bring sturdy strollers that can handle the trails, backpacks to hold them or carry the young with them through the park. According to the parks’ website, the Big Thicket National Preserve protects 113,121.96 acres of land and water spread over 7 counties in southeast Texas. While public roads connect the units of the preserve, few roads lead into it; the best way to explore and experience this area is by foot or by boat. Approximately 40 miles of trails wind through Big Thicket National Preserve, providing hikers many options for walking

distances and experiences. Trails of varying lengths, from 0.3 miles to 18 miles roundtrip, lead through diverse plant communities, from bogs of carnivorous plants to stands of towering longleaf pines. Most visitors come to walk, birdwatch, canoe, and kayak. “…Songbirds can be found in the early morning hours and the late afternoon hours searching for food. So, look from dusk and dawn when (bird watching),” Ginder said. The Preserve visitor center, the Sundew Trail, and the boardwalk into the Pitcher Plant Trail are all accessible to wheelchairs. Be aware that wooden boardwalks along these trails often become very slick after rains. Most picnic tables and restrooms throughout the preserve are wheelchair accessible. Both the Braille version and large format version of the preserve brochure are available

at the visitor center upon request. An UbiDuo communication device is available at the visitor center to assist those with speech and hearing impairments. â€œWith advanced notice, we are willing to explore obtaining ASL interpreters (for the Deaf),â€? Ginder said. Most visitors to Big Thicket National Preserve experience few problems besides mosquitoes and chiggers. However, there are several environmental hazards that visitors should be aware of. Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. The Park Rangers encourages the public to bring food and water with them when in the park. There is waste and recycle bins throughout the preserve as well as restrooms. The Big Thicket is home to 4 types of venomous snakes: coral snakes, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. Be cautious in dense brush. Most snakes seen here are harmless, and all snakes, venomous or not, are protected in the preserve. Mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers can all leave irritating bites, and some can transmit diseases. Use insect repellent and check for ticks often. Wearing light-colored clothing makes them more visible. For more information about the Big, Thicket National Preserve can contact the park at 409-951-6700. The address is 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX, 77625. For more information

on daily activities and calendar scheduled events or go to their website at, www.nps.gov/ bith

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Frances Thompson soaks it all in being a wife of a coach By Van Wade

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In West Orange-Stark football circles and around Orange County, she is simply known as “Mrs. T” or “Momma T”. For Frances Thompson, she simply soaks it all in and loves it, after all, she has been married to “Coach T” for 30 years now. She has stood beside West Orange – Stark (WO-S) head football coach Cornel Thompson now for 30 years, watching one of the most dominant programs in the state of Texas flourish. She was there when Thompson was the longtime defensive coordinator and has been right there since he’s been the head coach the past seven years. At the time of this story, the Mustangs have made three straight trips to the Class 4A Division II State Championship and winning the last two. “I just can’t tell you how much fun it’s been all of these years,” said Frances. “Especially the last three years. It’s been a whirlwind for sure, but to see the kids flourish and win it all back-to-back, has been truly amazing.” Frances and Coach Thompson started dating when the Mustangs were making state runs from 1986-1988 and she’s been involved keeping a watchful eye on one of the best programs in the state ever since. “It truly was a match made in heaven,” said Frances. “We both love sports so much. I was worried early when we first started seeing each other. Here I was, a ‘Tomboy’, playing softball a lot at the time. I grew up loving sports and I wasn’t the typical prim and proper type but I think that actually appealed to him.” Thompson, of course, was the long-time defensive coordinator at WO-S until he took over as head coach in 2011. He was also an outstanding baseball coach as well. “He always made me feel like a part of the team, and not a whole lot of coaches’ wives can say that,” said Frances. “Those old baseball practices were fun and he would let me get involved with those and even throw a little batting practice. I’m just grateful to be a part of what has been an amazing “Mustang Family” over all these years. From the coaches and their wives I’ve been able to meet and the kids, oh, the kids, they’ve been awesome. To see so many of them go on and prosper later on in life and to be able to keep in contact with them, that’s what you really cherish.” Perhaps one of the most hectic times were watching own children perform in their endeavors. Cornel’s boys Marcus and Michael were heavily involved in both football and base-

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ball, Frances’ son Chad played both sports as well and her daughter Nikki was involved in extra-curricular activities like cheer and dance too. “It was like a whirlwind when you look back on it,” said Frances. “We were hauling kids all over from Little League ball, football practices, cheer and dance camps. I know it was tough on Cornel at times, coaching all three boys, but I also know he loved every second of it. We’re just so super-proud about what the kids have accomplished thus far in their lives. Now we love what we love to do the best, that’s doting on our beautiful grandkids.” Frances has always been willing to lend a helping hand and simply loves to stay busy. She worked at Honeywell for 16 years and also spent time at Greenfield Land Management. She decided to retire from the grind to spend more time with family and doing

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positive ventures. She was involved in the Host Program for awhile, helping to tutor kids, that a lot of people don’t know about. She has also spent countless hours getting the concession stand up and rolling at Mustang Football games. “I wouldn’t call myself hyper, I just love to keep myself busy,” said Frances. “I’m big on helping people and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I was involved in the Host program for eight years and thoroughly enjoyed it so much.” Frances certainly stays busy on the “Thompson Ranch”, the Thompson’s homestead in Orangefield, where they have an abundance of land with cattle and chickens. She’s not afraid to hit the land running, doing things such as driving the tractor, doing some bush-hogging and performing all kinds of repairs around the house. “Our home is our own little special heaven

for us,” said Frances. “We love keeping this place up and we always love to host family and friends. It’s like are own little “Ponderosa” for sure. It keeps Cornel busy. He loves his cattle and it’s a place where he can relax and get away from the hustle and bustle.” Of course, being a wife of a head coach, sometimes you do have to deal with some grouchiness as well. “Cornel is a typical coach, he lets a loss linger, much more so than wins,” said Frances. “There are losses that he still brings up to this day, that goes back to the 80s, 90s and 10 or 11 years ago and he brings up those ‘What ifs.’ Like what if we would’ve done this and what if we had done that. Sometimes I just tell him to just calm down and he always apologizes when he gets that way, nobody is perfect. Of course, we haven’t had to deal with that too much over the years with the program being like it has been. We always

“I’m one of those passionate sports fans”

sit and talk late into the morning after every game and I never mind being a sounding board for him.” She’s kind of been ‘Robin’ to Cornel’s ‘Batman’ over the years. “I’ve spent so many countless hours watching game film and watching him break games down from those old film days to all of the advanced technology we have today,” said Frances. “I just love watching him break down opponents and try to find their weak tendencies, he doesn’t mind when I point something out to him too. He picks at me a lot about the school putting me on a salary. A lot of people like to dig at me for some inside information all the time, like I’m a coach.” Frances isn’t afraid to mix it up at football games when she sits with friends and family. “I’m one of those passionate sports fans, but I’m not obnoxious with it like a lot of people,” said Frances. “I’m am certainly one that can chew on a referee or official when it needs to be done. Believe me, Cornel has heard me on several occasions. I always ask him if I embarrass him and he’s like ‘Heck no, you were 100 percent right.’” Of course, sitting in the stands can be tough

at times, hearing criticisms from fellow fans about Cornel and the coaching staff. She also sees plenty of criticism on social media and sports blogs. “Being a coaches’ wife, that kinda stuff just comes with the territory,” said Frances. “There are times I want to say things, but I always tend to hold my tongue. It seems, sometimes, that everybody knows how to coach football. It can be tough at times because I see all of the countless hours the coaches put in throughout the year, not just during football season. It can be a tough profession, but those who do it, do it for a reason, because they love it.” Even in the offseason, including the summer, the Thompsons have football on the brain . Coach Thompson goes to several camps and coaching schools, and even on summer hiatus, he and Frances will hop in the truck and venture across the state, checking out small and big towns alike and their football stadiums and facilities. Many question whether or not Cornel actually sleeps in Mustang gear because the man very seldom is seen without WO-S apparel on.

“Actually he does sleep in it quite a bit,” laughed Frances. “There’s no question the man loves that school and loves to represent the district and the kids. He’s been that way ever since I’ve known him.” Well, the Thompsons do have a life outside of athletics though. They love venturing around to see their kids and grandkids, and yes, they do spoil the grandkids. Also, they enjoy doing a little ‘stepping’ on the side. “A lot of people don’t know this about Cornel, but he loves getting on his Western wear and boots and likes to go out and dance,” said Frances. “Believe it or not, the man ‘cleans up’ well and looks so good. We love to dance, and he’s got some moves now, let me tell you.” One thing for certain, sports will be always be intertwined with the Thompsons, whether it be watching their grandkids participate to watching college football on the weekends or coaching up those Mustangs. “It’s who we are, what we do and it will always be ingrained in our lives,” said Frances. “Mrs. T” wouldn’t have it any other way.

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A Culinary tradition: Cajun Crawfish Etouffee By Van Wade Perhaps one of the most recognized and loved dishes of Cajun cuisine is etouffee. Its rich flavors have delighted the taste buds for more than 7 decades. And, while it is traditionally made with crawfish, there are variations that use shrimp or crab. Etouffee is a French word, which translated literally means “smothered” or “suffocated.” However, in relation to food, it refers to a method of cooking where seafood is smothered in vegetables with a tomato-based sauce, resulting in a stew-like seafood dish. As a side note, many true foodies and culinary experts will tell 16 | Orange Living Magazine

you that a true Cajun crawfish etouffee does not contain tomatoes. The addition of tomato is a Creole way of preparing the dish. Today, crawfish etouffee recipes abound, but that was not always the case. Food historians trace back Louisiana crawfish etouffee to the crawfish capital of the world, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. According to culinary history, etouffee was first served in the Hebert Hotel in the early 1920s when Mrs. Hebert, along with her daughters, Yoli and Marie, made crawfish etouffee using crawfish tails, crawfish fat, onions and pepper. Later on, the

Heberts shared their recipe with their friend, Aline Guidry Champagne. Ms. Champagne later opened a restaurant, the RendezVous Café, and began serving the dish there. Despite its longtime history of being on the menu in Breaux Bridge, it was not as popular in New Orleans until some years later. In fact, the renowned Galatoire’s Restaurant on Bourbon Street did not have crawfish etouffee on the menu until a few decades ago when one of the waiters brought the dish to the boss. The crawfish etouffee was an instant hit, and is now on the menu whenever

crawfish are in season. Making a Louisiana crawfish etouffee can take some time, but it is truly worth it. Its buttery richness (typi-

cally, people today replace the crawfish fat with butter) paired with the succulence of the crawfish, just the right amount of cayenne, then served

over a bed of fluffy white rice is truly one of the best uses of Cajun crawfish there is.

Emeril Lagasse Crawfish Etouffee Recipe INGREDIENTS 6 clover garlic, minced 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 ½ cups fish or shrimp stock 1 cup peeled, seeded and diced tomatoes 1 ½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper Hot pepper sauce 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 pounds crawfish tails, with the fat ½ lemon, juiced 1 cup chopped green onions ¼ cup chopped parsley Cooked white rice, for serving 6 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 2 cups chopped onions ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped bell pepper DIRECTIONS In a large, heavy saucepan, melt four tablespoons of the butter and whisk in flour to combine well. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until roux is a peanut butter color. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme and cook until vegetables are soft, about six to eight minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, salt, red pepper, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Skim surface, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add crawfish tails and fat, lemon juice, green onions, and parsley and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter and stir to combine well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over hot rice.

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Orange Living Magazine | 17

Pernellâ€™s live in a piece of history By Dawn Burleigh

A house in the Historical District of Orange stands out among the others for it’s unique architecture. The white house with tall windows has a modern look to it and yet has a long history in Orange. James and Annette Pernell purchased the home after losing their home to a house fire six years ago. “It is a privilege to hold a piece of history,” Annette said of the home. “We are caretakers of it in this world.” The home, now on Pine Avenue, was once located on Green Avenue in Orange. The relocation was due to the enlargement of Green Avenue. First Presbyterian Church acquired it to use as a manse, the house occupied by a minister of a Presbyterian church. But there is more to the history of

“We are caretakers of it in this world” the mystique home. It is said to have built for H. Lutcher Brown when he married Emily Wells in 1900. The house included a small playhouse for the children, which is now located in Beaumont. When the house was relocated, the smaller model was also moved to reside in the backyard of the ‘twin’ of the main house in 1949.

A twin of the home was constructed on the corner of Evalon and Ninth in Beaumont in 1948 when the Fred Lock Benckenstien and his wife, Caliste, decided to model their new home after his grandfather’s home. Leonard F. Becknestien bought the house from Brown. While the home is rich in history, it is also rich with life as the Pernell’s reside in it today. At the side entrance, one is graced with a small sunroom with a fireplace. The marble artwork above the fireplace is part of the original design of the home. Walking into the living room, one can see the other side of the fireplace and the carved marble mantel. While in separate rooms, the two pieces bring the space together as one. The ceilings on the first floor are rounded with each window and the Orange Living Magazine | 19

front door within an archway. From the inside, it is almost impossible to tell the windows from the front door. With original artwork donning the walls and family pictures on every table, the Pernells are surrounded by history, a favorite subject of Annette’s. “Most of the paintings are by a color blind artist in Lake Charles,” Annette said. “I met him when I was working in Lake Charles.” Annette added the artist, Eddie ‘Rock’ Mormon, has to finish each painting the day he starts it because of being color 20 | Orange Living Magazine

blind. “He will not be able to match the colors again,” Annette said. With Annette’s artistic eye, she designed a ‘Living Wall’ along the staircase leading up the second floor of the one and a half story home. Behind a door, in the kitchen, the call box for notifying servants of the needs of the homeowners remains. An arrow points to the dining room as if informing the servants which room he or she was in. The home shows the past, present and future blending together in harmony.

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By Dawn Burleigh Let the good times roll as the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce gears up for the 2018 Krewe of Krewe’s Mardi Gras Parades. This year, a new parade will be added to the line up as the inaugural Jeep Parade is set for 6 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018. The chamber will accept application and entry fees for the new event until the deadline on January 24, 2018. The first 300 completed and paid for applications will be accepted. After the parade, Mix Fixxer will perform at the Riverfront Pavilion. Mixx Fixxer is a variety band that plays a mixture of new and classic hit songs. The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2018 Munchkin Parade at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018. The parade for those 0-12 years of age will allow golf carts, driven by an adult. Bicycles, scooters, skates, including in-line and skateboards, are prohibited for safety reasons. Mardi Gras on the Sabine Krewe of Krewe’s 2018 Motor Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Riverfront Pavilion in Orange. Deadline to enter one of the parades is on January 24, 2018. Applications and rules are avialable at www.orangetexaschamber.org

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883-5712 Orange Living Magazine | 23

The Womanâ€™s Club and the Library

By Mike Louviere

The little pink stucco building on the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets in Orange has a history that most may be unaware of. The door on the southeast corner of the building, facing Pine Street opens to the first room built in Orange for the express purpose of being used as a public library. On October 18, 1893, a group of women

24 | Orange Living Magazine

met in the home of Mrs. R.R. Sebring an organized the Ladies Shakespeare Club. The club was formed to study Shakespeare, history, and literature in general. Later, the 16 members of the club changed the name to the Ladies Reading Club. They also adopted orange and white as club colors and the daisy as the club flower.

In 1902, the group became federated with the State and National Federation of Womenâ€™s Clubs. Since reading was so important to the ladies, in 1920 they gave a party and members were requested to donate books. There were 150 books donated. The club was given space in the old Chamber of Commerce building and

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a library was formed with club member Miss Cecile Russell as librarian. Dr. Tom Coyle and his wife Gracie donated the property on the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets to the club. Mrs. Carrie Brown made a loan of $3000 to the club so that they could construct the clubhouse. When the club had repaid the loan, they renewed the note to build an extra room. Shelves for the books were installed and the Orange Public Library was created. Miss Russell had been serving without pay, and the club members decided it was time to hire the first librarian. Miss Hazel Reeves was hired to open the library two days a week for two hours each day. The days were Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning. Mrs. Lutcher Stark donated $100 a year for several years to buy children’s books. Mrs. W.H. Stark donated $200 which enabled the library to purchase 500 books. Mrs. S.W. Sholars donated books about the South in the Civil War. In July, 1934, the library received state funding to enable the library to be open six days each week for more hours. Miss Sallie

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Frazier, at the age of 16, became in charge of library operations. In September, 1937, Miss Cecile Russell was appointed library supervisor with Miss Frazier and Mrs. J. Richardson as librarians in charge. With purchases of books and donations from people like Mrs. H.J.L. Stark donating 20 to 30 books per year, the library soon grew to 5,000 volumes. In 1957 more space was needed. Representatives from the Woman’s Club and from the American Association of University Women petitioned Orange city officials for use of a portion of the recently closed City Hospital for use as a library. The vacated polio ward was given to the club and renovated. In June 1958 the books were moved from the Woman’s Club to the new library. Mrs. Mary Ellen Janowski, a professional librarian was hired as the first librarian at the new library. In January, 1963 the Orange Public Library moved from the old hospital site to the old post office building on Fourth Street. The library remained there until the new one million dollar facility was opened on Fifth Street in 1977.

The library remains at the Fifth Street location today. From the start of only a few books in a corner of a clubhouse, the Orange Public Library has continued to grow and serve the citizens of Orange.

“In July, 1934, the library received state funding to enable the library to be open six days each week for more hours.”

Orange Living Magazine | 25

On the Scene:

American Real Estate Jerry Hughes Team Open House

Jaime Hensley, Debbie Hughes

Mike Yeater and Butch Campbell

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Jody Chesson and Adam Conrad

Jay Trahan and Manon Mohon

Janell Ellison, Taylor Smith and Rodney Hammerly

On the Scene:

American Real Estate Jerry Hughes Team Open House

Tad McKee and Al Granger Shawn Oubre and Dean Granger

Granger Can Food Drive and Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Connection

Brett Guy, Tammy Prattle, and Darlene Guy

Ralf Mims and Chief Deputy John Tarver

Orange Living Magazine | 27

On the Scene:

Bridge City Night Out

Not in particular order: Summer Plessala, Colby Pachuca, Madison Lyons, Corey Harvey, Melissa Mizer, Charlsie Trahan

Whitney Schoenberg, Janna Achord, Laura Roberts

Stephanie Jeane, Jacob Trahan

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Christina Hutson, Teresa Quinones, Scot Shaffer

On the Scene: Bridge City Night Out

Travis Everett, Vince Atkinson, Candace Mulhollan, Darla Bertrand, Leah Devries, Sherry Hommell

Patti McQueen, Megan Hogan, Cindy Roy, Liz Hogan

Orange Living Magazine | 29

On the Scene: Lamar State College - Orange Cypress Center Ribbon Cutting

Ross Smith and Stephen Lee

A R

Kim Dickerson and Rose Simar

Zach Johnson and County Judge Brint Carlton

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On the Scene: Best Day Spa Ribbon Cutting

Dave Derosier, Michael Hanneman, BJ Hanneman, Beverly Perry

ABC Counseling Education Services Ribbon Cutting

Bridge City August Network Coffee

Beverly Perry, Lucy Fields, Rani Dillow

Selinda McNeil and Jill Freeman

Orange Living Magazine | 31

On the Scene: Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

Georgia Taylor and Mary McKenna

Larry Spears and Joy Jacobs

Jessica Hill and Zach Johnson

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Shon Branham and Fred R. Hanauer III

On the Scene: Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

Suzonne Crockett with her husband Rev. Ronnie A.E. Crockett, Sr.

T.W. and Lyndia Permenter

Tim Schossow, Hershel Stagner, Jr, and Johnny Trahan

West Orange Mayor Roy McDonald with his wife LaVerne

Orange Living Magazine | 33

On the Scene: Toy Coffee hosted by Service League of Orange

Salvation Army Capt. Jan Zuniga and Service League President Rita Ballard

Orange Community Players Diana Hill and Codie Vasquez

Orange Lions Club President Chris Guntream and Pie Bridges

David Derosier and Danille Derosier

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On the Scene: Toilet Paper Tea hosted by Southeast Texas Hospice

Patricia Coppage, Cheryl Richard, Renee Dorddy, Brenda Honeycutt

Dean Granger, Dr. Rod Fisette, Bobby Wilkins

Nolan LeBlanc, Dan and Manon Mohon

Orange Living Magazine | 35

HEART OF THE CAJUN PRAIRIE 3rd Annual Courir de Mardi Gras de L’anse/Mermentau Cove 1174 Lafosse Road, Morse, LA February 03, 2018 - 8AM 337-356-6045 facebook.com/cadientoujours

18th Carnival d’ Acadie (Mardi Gras) Downtown Crowley, LA 5 - 10 PM, February 12 and 10AM - 7PM, February 13 337-783-0824

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3rd Annual Rayne Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration Rayne, LA February 10, 2018 - 3PM

aptc@bellsouth.net www.acadiatourism.org

31st Tee Mamou-IotaMardi Gras (Folklife Festival) Downtown Iota, LA 70543 February 13, 2018 337-523-6557 facebook.com/teemamouiotamardigras

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57th Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point 1036 East Ebey-Saddle Club Church Point, LA 70525 February 13, 2018 337-684-2026 churchpointmardigras.com