SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER
Mission of Preservation Alliance of Lafayette
Promote strong historic preservation values.
Serve as an advocate for the preservation of local historic properties.
Promote the culture and history of Acadiana.
Serve as a resource center for historic preservation.
"LOCAL HISTORICAL NEWS"
Historic Good Hope Chapel
Gets New Roof & Gutters
The Alliance advocated for the roof of the chapel to be repaired and/or replaced. Thank you St. Paul Church & Diocese of Lafayette for preserving this historic treasure in the
Freetown Port-Rico Historic District.
AN HISTORIC TREASURE IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA”
BY: MS. JEANETTE PLAUCHE’ PARKER
Available for sale at Champagne’s Market & The Kitchenary
in Lafayette’s Historic & Cultural Oil Center District
The story of Lafayette’s Bendel Gardens begins long
before the man for whom it was named was born
in the village once called Vermilionville. Modeled
on Houston’s elegant River Oaks community,
Bendel Gardens became a subdivision in 1950,
though its history dates to the 18th century, when
early French and Spanish settlers and later Acadian
exiles began to develop lands long inhabited by
Native Americans. Author and resident Jeanette
Parker chronicles that evolution and paints a vivid
picture of life at the Mouton family’s Walnut Grove
plantation and its devastation in the Civil War. She
then traces the property’s 20th century ownerships,
notably its acquisition by native son and fashion icon
Henri Bendel, who dreamed of building a riverfront
mansion there and adorned the property with
elaborate plantings, including an allée of magnolia
trees, that remain today. The book explores Bendel’s
intriguing life and events that paved the way for his
estate to become one of Lafayette’s most distinctive
neighborhoods. Segueing into the modern era,
the narrative invokes urban legends; anecdotes of
bomb shelters, movie settings, and distinguished
residents; and other memories shared by current
and former residents. A long-needed accounting of
a Lafayette history that has hidden in plain sight for
much too long!
HISTORIC HEBREW REST CEMETERY
“Menachim Aveilim Cemetery”
The sidewalks in this beautiful historic cemetery are being repaired.
Did you know some of Lafayette’s early settlers are laid to rest here?
This photo is one of the beautiful family Mausoleums.
Please support PAL and get your copy of the updated Register!
The Historic Register Book is available at the following local shops and stores in Lafayette:
Beausoleil Books
Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery
Mouton Planation
All Seasons Garden Center
Pieces of Eight
Hilliard Art Museum Gift Shop
Cathedral of St. John Gift Shop
Vermilionville Gift Shop
Acadian Village Gift Shop
Lafayette Preservation Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The agenda and minutes from the meetings are available online; to find out more about Lafayette Historic Preservation
follow this link:
The Azalea Trail Run is back!
Lafayette's T.R.A.I.L. has partnered with PAL and the historic azalea trail to promote our cultural and historic beauty. More information can be found online at their website.
Lafayette Travel Pocket Guide
Allon's: Lafayette's Inspiration Journal
Features of Lafayette's Historic Azalea Trail
Features of Historic Landmarks
Artwork by Marilyn Lee
"Les Vignettes"
Lafayette Museum Spring Event
Vignettes - The Art of the Tabletop
Thursday, March 31, 2022
The Lafayette Museum
Event: 11am-2pm
Historic Whittington Park Garden District
Boulevard Lamppost Restoration Project Approved
Expected Completion by April 30, 2022
The Old Trappey's Cannery on Pinhook Road
is nominated for Historic Registration.
Read about this historic property at the following
news article:
"STATEWIDE HISTORICAL NEWS"
Bring friends and family to explore Washington Parish’s historic gems on Saturday March 12, 2022! This Ramble will include a mix of sites connected to local lumber history, Civil Rights leaders, 20th Century music history and much more.
Tickets are $50/person, $15 for students and teachers. LTHP members receive an automatic discount when registering online in the membership portal.
Registration closes Monday March 7, 2022.
BALADODISCOVERY
Two great walking tours are available in English, French & Spanish for Downtown and Freetown Port-Rico Historic Districts!
You can access these tours from the website and download the Balado Discovery Ap.
Click on this Link for the BaladoDiscovery Website
UPCOMING EVENTS AT
HISTORIC PROPERTIES:
- March 5, 2022 – Historical Trolley Tours Lafayette Azalea Trail
- March 10 – 13, 2022 – Azalea Society of America Convention – Holiday Inn & Suites North Lafayette
- March 12,2022 – Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation Spring RAMBLE
- March 20, 2022 – Azalea Trail Run by T.R.A.I.L.
- Tour de Atakapas
- March 26, 2022 – UL Spring Gala at UL Alumni Center and Grounds – Historic Heymann House
- March 31, 2022 – The Lafayette Museum
- “Les Vignettes” Spring Event
- April 21-22, 2022: The 41st Louisiana LTHP Preservation Conference Registration Link
