Legendary Locals of Eunice, Louisiana

by Reed, Alma Brunson; Reed, Van

• ISBN13: 9781467100243
• ISBN10: 1467100242
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-08-27
• Publisher: Arcadia Pub

Summary

Long before C.C. Duson--realtor, sheriff, and state senator--established his town on the Louisiana prairie, Cajuns, Europeans, and Native Americans had forged homes on the isolated site. Then in 1894, Duson's city auction enabled numerous ethnic groups to buy lots in the new town. Railroad construction brought Anglo, African-American, and Irish laborers, while Lebanese and Jewish merchants saw retail opportunities in Eunice. Fearful of war rumors in Europe prior to 1914, German families immigrated to prairie farms. In 1929, Italians arrived as the Mississippi River's flooding disrupted their lives. By the 1930s, the Tepetate oil field was discovered south of Eunice, creating fortunes for Anglo workers. Men from nearby World War II military bases often settled in Eunice after marrying local girls. Eunice saw new arrivals as petrochemical plants and pipelines began construction in the 1950s. The diverse traditions of newcomers blended with the dominant Cajun culture, resulting in the rich gumbo of citizens' lives. Legendary Locals of Eunice celebrates some individuals who have contributed to the vibrant and diverse culture of Eunice through the years.

Author Biography

Alma Brunson Reed and Van Reed, descendants of Colonial Louisiana settlers, have also authored Eunice, in Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series. The Reeds are proud of Eunice and its colorful and unique residents. Images donated by area families and the Bevan Brothers Historical Collection comprise this book. Each book in Arcadia Publishing's Legendary Locals imprint delves into the history of some of the unique individuals and groups, past and present, who have made a memorable impact on their community throughout its history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 6
Introduction	p. 7
Before Eunice's Founding	p. 9
Pioneers and Early Settlers	p. 15
Unique and Colorful Citizens	p. 33
The Business Community	p. 55
The Preservationists	p. 73
The Heroic and Commendable	p. 87
Some Notable Visitors	p. 115
Index	p. 127
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.