Tuesday, January 13, 2015

**DECEMBER 25TH M C

From the Lafayette Gazette of December 25th, 1897:



 Deadline Passes for Lafayette Republicans.





 Tuesday evening was the last day that the Republicans of the parish could file papers for the nomination of a candidate opposed to the Democratic nominee, Hon. R. C. Landry. To our knowledge that gentleman is the only candidate in the field, and Lafayette will be represented in the convention by a Democrat. The fact that the Republicans of Lafayette consider it futile to put up a candidate, proves, beyond doubt that wisdom of the Democracy's choice. In that selection, all elements were united and ask discordant factions harmonized. It proved eminently acceptable to the masses of both parties, and Mr. Landry will go to the constitutional convention truly representing the people of this parish, and no one faction thereof.
 Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.






America's Best Shows. - The old saying, "nothing succeeds like success" is amply verified in the ever-growing popularity of Hummel, Hamilton & Sells' great shows, and deservedly so, being indefatigable in resources, taking time by the forelock and always on the alert for new attractions until their name has become a synonym of everything expressive of greatness in the show world from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the combined shows will be in Lafayette on Monday December 27. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.



A New Bar-room. - Emanuel and Raoul Pellerin, two of our popular young men, will in a few days open a bar-room and billiard hall, in the building lately occupied by Mr. E. McDaniel. The stand has been renovated and now presents a neat appearance. These two young men have made a host of friends by their affable ways, who no doubt will guarantee them success in their new undertaking. Both have had experience in that line of business, and their customers can be assured of prompt and satisfactory service.
Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.



Another Negro Stabbed.

 Although we of Lafayette have not quite reached the pinnacle of notoriety that "Bloody Tangipahoa" has attained in lawlessness - far from it - yet cutting affrays are becoming somewhat frequent among our colored citizens. Sunday morning in the wee small hours of the night, Martial Reed stabbed and seriously wounded another negro, Joachim Babin. Both parties live on the northern outskirts of the town. Babin's home was the scene of the trouble. The undue invasion of the latter's domicile is supposed to have been the casus belli.

 Our de-fatigable Deputy Thomas Mouton made the arrest.
 Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.



 Death of a Venerable Citizen.

 There died at his residence in Carencro, December, 16, 1897, one of the old citizens of Lafayette parish, Mr. Joseph Prejean, the venerable head of a large family and the respected friend of all.

 During his lingering illness, "Old Mr. Joseph," as he was affectionately termed, was fortified by the sacraments of the Catholic church, of which he was affectionately termed, was fortified by the sacraments of the Catholic church, of which he was a pious and consistent member; and his hours of suffering and last moments were soothed by the loving ministrations of his devoted children. And so he awaited the coming of death. Patient, calm and peaceful, confident in the mercy of God, full of prayer and faith, and un-fearful of the end.

 Mr. Prejean was the embodiment of the old Creole, and filled honorably and usefully, the sphere in which he moved. Some few years ago he was a member of the town council of Carencro and has always, in every capacity, enjoyed the esteem of his fellow citizens.

 Firm in his friendships, staunch in the support of his religion in which he lived and died, possessed of beautiful spirit of old time hospitality, mild and dignified and unassuming, and, with his snow hair and beard, the picture of a patriarch, he will long be remembered by those who knew him, as a type of noble old age.

 His funeral on Saturday morning, in spite of the inclement weather, was attended by a very large concourse of people from Carencro and the neighboring town.

 A grand mass of requiem was chanted by his devoted friend and pastor, Father Leforest, assisted by Fathers Young and Leothier, of Grand Coteau; the latter of whom delivered a most eloquent oration, taking as his theme, the shining example of a Christian life, as exemplified in that of the lamented dead.

 Mr. Prejean was laid to rest in the cemetery of St. Peter's Church among the friends and kindred who had gone before - the tears and prayers of his many mourners forming a loving tribute to his memory.
      (Signed)  A. FRIEND.
Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.



Death of Esteemed Colored Citizen.

 On Dec. 19th, died, in Lafayette, at the age of 60 years, Mrs. Wm. Alexander, a respectable colored citizen woman who had the esteemed of the white as well of the colored people and who had helped to raise many of the children of the best families of our town.

 Her funeral took place Sunday afternoon at St. John Catholic church and was attended by a large multitude of people. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.


Fairs at Carencro.

 On December 25.26. grand bazaars and fairs will be given at Carencro for the benefit of the church which was destroyed by a storm. The pupils of St. Ann's Convent will take part in the entertainments. On above dates the fairs will be for the white people, and on Jan. 1, 2, for the colored folk. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.



 A Good Shave.

A good shave is what every man wants when he goes to a barber shop. The Railroad Shaving Parlor is the place to get a shave that you will appreciate. No dull razors used. Ask for Patureau and Pefferkorn and they will accommodate you. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.


A New Bar-room.

 Emmanuel and Raoul Pellerin, two of our popular young men, will in a few days open a bar-room and billiard hall, in the building lately occupied by Mr. E. McDaniel. The stand has been renovated and now presents a neat appearance. These two young men have made a host of friends by their affable ways, who no doubt will guarantee them success in their new undertaking. Both have had experience in that line of business, and their customers can be assured of prompt and satisfactory service. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.


Insane Man Brought to New Orleans.

 Coroner Raoul Trahan left for New Orleans Tuesday, having in charge an unfortunate man by the name of Morvant, who has been kept in jail for several weeks, waiting to be interdicted. The physicians appointed by the court refused to pronounce the man sane, and at their recommendation, he was sent to Charity Hospital. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1903.    

  

 Selected News Notes (Gazette) 12/25/1897.

 Judge C. C. Brown, of Carencro, was in town Tuesday.

 Judge Julian Mouton returned from Grant parish Monday. He left for Acadia the same day, accompanied by Judge Blackman.

 T. N. Blake, the popular traveling salesman, made his rounds in Lafayette this week.

 Judge Debaillon returned to Lafayette Sunday. He held a five weeks' term of court in Abbeville.

 Sheriff Ike Broussard has returned to Lafayette, after a week's absence.

 Leo Judice and Dr. F. Eloi Girard, were registered at the Denechaud Monday.

 J. Edmond Mouton made a trip to Rayne, Wednesday, where he purchased machinery for a cotton gin he will put up on his plantation next year.

 We are under obligations to the Breaux Bridge Lodge No. 33 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, for an invitation to be present at a ball to be given by them Januanary 1, 1898.

 The latest news from the editor is that he is steadily improving, and will be at the helm of The Gazette again in a few days.

 The public schools closed on Wednesday at 12 o'clock to resume the first Monday of January.

 The Christmas tree at Bertrand's School House was a great success. Miss Harmonson, the energetic young teacher of that school, deserves much praise for the interest she has taken to give the little ones a happy time.

 Prof. C. F. Trudeau, principal of the High School, left for his home in Point Coupee parish to spend the holidays. 

 Judge Albert Voorhies and wife passed through Lafayette last Sunday. They were on their way to New Orleans, their home, and had come from Rayne, where they had been visiting their daughter, Mrs. Geo. Mouton.
Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.


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 From the Lafayette Advertiser of December 25th, 1897:


"A MONSTER SHOW COMING."

 On their own special train to twenty cars.

 BIG CROWDS AT THE CIRCUS.

 Hummel, Hamilton & Sells draws the People.

 Hummel, Hamilton & Sells circus drew another very large crowd last night and the enthusiasm of the audience was fully as demonstrative as that of the previous evening.

 No cleaner, brighter or better show than this has every visited Little Rock. It is honestly conducted by a capable and gentlemanly management, and the utter absence of any of the "fakir" class, or other disreputable people was a pleasure to all who attended.

 Messrs. Hummel, Hamilton & Sells are to be commented for the stand they take against anything partaking of dishonest practices.

 The circus exhibits this afternoon and evening in Argenta and then will visit several other towns in Arkansas before entering Texas for a tour of that state. Arkansas Gazette, Nov. 11, 1897.

 This great show will Exhibit at Lafayette on Monday Dec. 27th.
Lafayette Advertiser  12/25/1897.



Married.
Married in New Orleans December 23rd. Dr. Felix Eloi Girard and Miss Mamie Foucher. After the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride's parents for the near relatives and a few intimate friends.

 Mr. and Mrs. Girard left the same evening on  bridal tour. Lafayette Advertiser 12/25/1897.





Nuptials.

 Monday 20th inst. at 6 o'clock p. m. took place at the residence of the bride's mother the nuptial ceremony of Miss Yolande Rigues, a very charming and popular belle of this place, and Mr. David Pelletier, a well known traveling salesman.

 The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father Bolard and only  a few intimate friends were invited. The Advertiser wishes the young couple a long and happy wedded life. Lafayette Advertiser 12/25/1897.







Pellerin Leaving  J. O. Mouton's.

 Mr. Emmanuel Pellerin resigned his position as bar-keeper at Mr. John O. Mouton's saloon and, in partnership with his brother Raoul, will run the saloon previously belonging to Mr. E. McDaniel. Emmanuel, no doubt, will succeed in his new enterprise, as he is very popular and known by everybody for his kindness and amiability. Together with his brother Raoul, who has numerous friends, they will have liberal support. The saloon will be entirely renewed, special rooms for billiard and other amusements will be arranged in the latest style. First class liquors and wines will always be on hand. Give them a call. Lafayette Advertiser 12/25/1897.


Setting Tombstone.

 On January 9th, 1898, will take place at the Jewish cemetery at Lafayette, at 11 o'clock, the ceremony of setting the tombstone over the grave of Mrs. Solomon Wise. Rev. Max Heller of New Orleans will officiate. All friends of the family are cordially invited to attend. Lafayette Advertiser 12/25/1897.




 Selected News Notes (Advertiser) 12/25/1897.

 A merry Christmas to all our subscribers.

 Dr. P. Caillouet informs the public that he will be absent until Jan. 4th, 1898.

 Don't miss the grand ball at Falk's Opera House on Dec. 31st.

 The old reliable barber, Mr. John Vandergriff, informs his numerous patrons that he is always ready to serve them in his capacity, and for their convenience has added to his parlor a third chair.

 Mr. Lawrence Mercadal, of New Orleans is now engaged as bar-keeper at Mr. John O. Mouton's saloon.

 Mrs. P. L. LeDanois informs the public that she pays the highest prices for hides. Her office is situated near the High School building.

 Mr. Edmond Mouton will soon build a first class cotton gin near his place. The latest improved system will be used as Mr. Mouton wants to make it an up-to-date plant. 



  

    



   














lagniappe:
A PLEA FOR FRENCH.



 It is indeed deplorable that the rising generation of Creoles show a tendency to abandon the language of their fathers and mothers, and they are in many cases encouraged to do so by them. Once the French language has disappeared, one of the distinctive features of Louisiana life will have disappeared. A people should be as zealous in maintaining its distinguishing characteristics as every person of his individuality.


 A Creole who doesn't speak French is to me an anomaly and one who has lived among them without acquiring the language shows a lack of appreciation which very nearly approaches contempt. I appeal to you Creoles! Don't let the French language be supplanted in your homes and social circles. English, we are compelled to use more or less in business, but let us reserve our beautiful French language  for home use. Let the first lisping syllables of our children be in the "doux parler" of France. Let our young people use it in their social intercourse. At the risk of being thought rude, speak it on all occasions to your acquaintances who speak it though others be present who do not understand. Perseverance on these lines will soon restore French to its proper place in Creole life, and force those who do not speak it to learn it. It were better that a few speak French without the proper accent than for many to speak English badly.


 What a shame if posterity should not know how to properly pronounce the names of their towns, streams, etc., given them by their forefathers! What a shame it would be not to be able to read the epitaph on the tombs or their grandfathers! Let it not be.


 Where is your pride, O Creoles! Will you be crushed out and exterminated as a people? Will you part with your language, customs and manners at once, so admirable, so enviable, so distinctive? For the sake of what is styled progress, will you annihilate yourself by adopting manners and a language which are not adapted to you and make you appear ridiculous in the eyes of outsiders? Reflect and you will not.


 Parlons toujours le francais et ne l'oublions jamais. - G. C. B. Lafayette Gazette 12/25/1897.


    

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