About
644. Part 1 of our interview with David T. Ballantyne about his book, Fractured Freedoms: Reconstruction in Central Louisiana. "Fractured Freedoms is a riveting history of central
Louisiana from the 1860s to the 1890s, focusing on majority-Black
Rapides Parish during Reconstruction. Using the region as a case study,
Ballantyne reveals what is, in part, a rural Reconstruction success
story, emphasizing the resilience of Black politics and the persistence
of significant divisions among white residents that allowed the
Republican Party to gain and maintain power there. It was only with the
collapse of state-level Republican power in 1877 that Democratic forces
in the parish were able to dismantle local Republican political control
and gradually constrict Black freedoms." (LSU Press).
Louisiana from the 1860s to the 1890s, focusing on majority-Black
Rapides Parish during Reconstruction. Using the region as a case study,
Ballantyne reveals what is, in part, a rural Reconstruction success
story, emphasizing the resilience of Black politics and the persistence
of significant divisions among white residents that allowed the
Republican Party to gain and maintain power there. It was only with the
collapse of state-level Republican power in 1877 that Democratic forces
in the parish were able to dismantle local Republican political control
and gradually constrict Black freedoms." (LSU Press).
Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy.
The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it
as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in
print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today!
This week in the Louisiana
Anthology. We've recently added Mosquitoes,
one of William Faulkner's early novels. Faulkner was one of
the South's greatest writers. He wrote this novel about the
artists he had met in the French Quarter. He put them on a
yacht that took them through Lake Pontchartrain until they ran
aground and were stranded for several days. That's right,
Faulkner basically created Gilligan's Isle.
"The violet dusk held in soft suspension
lights slow as bellstrokes, Jackson square was now a green and
quiet lake in which abode lights round as jellyfish,
feathering with silver mimosa and pomegranate and hibiscus
beneath which lantana and cannas bled and bled. Pontalba and
cathedral were cut from black paper and pasted flat on a green
sky; above them taller palms were fixed in black and soundless
explosions. The street was empty, but from Royal street there
came the hum of a trolley that rose to a staggering clatter,
passed on and away leaving an interval filled with the
gracious sound of inflated rubber on asphalt, like a tearing
of endless silk. Clasping his accursed bottle, feeling like a
criminal, Mr. Talliaferro hurried on.
"He walked swiftly beside a dark wall,
passing small indiscriminate shops dimly lighted with gas and
smelling of food of all kinds, fulsome, slightly overripe. The
proprietors and their families sat before the doors in tilted
chairs, women nursing babies into slumber spoke in soft south
European syllables one to another. Children scurried before
him and about him, ignoring him or becoming aware of him and
crouching in shadow like animals, defensive, passive and
motionless."
This week in Louisiana history. September 20, 1717. Gov.
LePinay recalled to France after "ruining the colony."
This week in New Orleans history. The last space shuttle
fuel tank rolls out of the Michoud Assembly Facility on
September 20, 2010.
This week in Louisiana.
Louisiana Gumbo Festival
October 10-12, 2025
326 Hwy 304
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Celebrate Louisiana's Rich Culinary Heritage
Indulge in a diverse array of Cajun and Creole cuisines, savor our
traditional gumbo recipe, and immerse yourself in the captivating
rhythms of live Zydeco and Cajun performances. With exciting activities
for all ages, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Louisiana Gumbo Festival began in 1973. During the 1970s,
Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards signed a proclamation naming Chackbay
the Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana. Annually, volunteers cook nearly 500
gallons of Gumbo during the festival weekend. You can also find various
Cajun food, music, amusement rides, parade, auction, and so much more
for the whole family to enjoy.
This year, we are offering Pay One Price Advanced Weekend Armbands
for $65.00 + tax. Advanced Armbands allow children unlimited carnival
rides throughout the duration of the festival. Advanced Armbands are
available for purchase ONLINE ONLY until Friday October 10, 2025.
Armbands will NOT be sold at the festival.
Advanced armbands can be picked up at the designated line of the
festival ticket booth on Friday, October 11th beginning at 5:30pm.
Postcards from Louisiana. Street Poet Melody Eloise.
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