W hen-from the Teche News files
100 Years Ago May 22, 1926
Several of our citizens met at the City Hall in St. Martinville and after some discussion, it was decided to organize a Civic League, and upon motion Mr. C. T. Bienvenu, who had taken the lead in this movement, was elected chairman and Mrs.J.J. Burdin, who was also active in this movement, was elected Secretary-Treasurer. The board of directors was composed of the following members: Mrs. L. V. Simon, Mrs. Ruth Martin, Mrs. J. R. Olivier, Leo J. Bulliard and A.A. Olivier. The object of this organization is to be prepared at all times to entertain tourists.
The meeting of Farmers and Business men held at the Court House last Sunday, was the largest meeting of this kind held here for many years. The meeting was opened by Mr. J. J. Burdin who introduced Mr. Dabadie, agricultural agent of the Southern Pacific railroad, who spoke in French, and with charts, showed the great demand for all kinds of truck farming, and the advantage Louisiana by its location, to reach the great markets of the country.
Mrs A.A. Anding, President of the Longfellow- Evangeline Memorial Association and National Park, has announced that she expects, to have Gov. Fuqua and the entire Louisiana Legislature, Senate and House, to come here on a special train, to view the proposed National Park site. It is proposed to ask the State Legislature to appropriate $100,000 in four equal payments, and also to ask the same amount of Congress. The work of raising the funds are progressing so satisfactorily, that the board is now figuring of securing 500 acres of wooded land on the bayou bank.
Another heavy rain fell here Wednesday, which was followed by cool weather, which was of no good to the crops.
The senate has under consideration a bill to abolish the stop law which now forces all automobiles to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings. The bill was introduced by Senator Charles Holcombo of East Baton Rouge, and has a large backing in both houses.
50 Years Ago May 19, 1976
Elected officers of the Breaux Bridge Jaycee Jaynes were Pat Hebert, president; Jeanie Bienvenu, vice president; Glenda Huval, secretary; Kathy Romero, treasurer; Peggy Guidroz, historian; and Susan Dumatrait, parliamentarian.
Mercy High student council officers were Lynette Braud, president; Julie Bonin, vice president; Kathy McCoy, secretary; and Dodie Ledet, treasurer.
St. Martinville Sr. High Lady Tigers honored at the annual athletic banquet were Miranda LaSalle, outstanding in track; Joycelyn Robertson, most valuable in track; and Gwen Guidry, outstanding in volleyball.
Henry “Slick” Signorelli was the recipient of the St. Martinville Rotary Club’s Award of Merit.
Tommy Huval of Breaux Bridge was selected a finalist in the Catholic Youth Leadership Award of the Louisiana Knights of Columbus.
40 Years Ago May 21, 1986
A total of 395 St. Martin Parish seniors received their diplomas when the public high schools held commencement exercises for the Class of 1986.
Top ranking graduates at Our Lady of Mercy High School were Belinda Fontenette, valedictorian; and Terri Gondron, salutatorian. Valedictorians at St. Martinville Sr. High were Elizabeth Eastin and Linett Duplantis. Salutatorian was John Champagne.
At Breaux Bridge Sr. High, top grads were Michelle Peltier, valedictorian; and Lesley Devillier and Deirdre Dupuis, salutatorians. Shari Serrette was valedictorian at Cecilia High, while Ruth Frederick was named salutatorian.
25 Years Ago May 23, 2001
In a unique effort to keep the idea for a 65-slot recreational vehicle site alive, the state said it was willing to buy the J.B. Talley property and the adjacent land in the heart of St. Martinville along Bayou Teche.
Three St. Martin Parish deputies received a newly established honor during the monthly meeting of employees of the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office. First-time recipients of the Meritorious Service Award were Capt. Scott Haydel, Sgt. Evan Williams and Lt. Rene Williams,.
Some 415 St. Martin Parish seniors marked the end of their high school careers when public schools conducted commencement exercises in St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge and Cecilia.
