CENTRAL SPEAKS GOOD NEWS FOR A GREAT CITY! GOOD

CENTRAL SPEAKS
June 12, 2014 • Daily News at CentralSpeaks.com
Good News
for a
Great City!
Throwback Thursday
Taking a Look Back at Pieces of Central’s History
Central high school “teacheridge”
Central’s Vintage Drive In
This old house wore many hats in its day. Built around the turn of the century,
it started as a “teacheridge” (a sort of hotel) for teachers who had long
distances to travel. They may have stayed the week or just a day or two if
the roads were impassable. Later it was used for classrooms and finally as a
residence before being torn down.
A root beer float sure tasted good after sitting in class on a hot Louisiana day. This
spot on Sullivan Road offered hamburgers, malts, sundaes, and an assortment of
snacks for Central School students to choose from before embarking on their trek
back home. And yes, Coca-Cola was still 5 cents back then.
Special thanks to Mrs. Jodie Mae Crawford
Special thanks to Mrs. Jodie Mae Crawford
North Central’s History Goes Back to the 1800’s
This article was written from documents
owned by Central Historical Society. Thanks
to the Society for their willingness to share
their wealth of information. Check out the
Central history section at the Joor Road
Library.
The ties that exist amongst the
families of the Milldale area date back
to the Euro-American settlement of the
area. Planters from the eastern seaboard
states of the Carolinas and Georgia,
with their slaves, travelled across
the Southwestern frontier through
Tennessee and down into the Mississippi
territory. By 1800 the Drehrs, Kellys,
Chaneys and Norwoods settled in East
Feliciana Parish in Louisiana. The
next generation moved into East Baton
Rouge Parish and replaced an earlier
Anglo settlement that had established
land grants under the British and
Spanish governments which controlled
West Florida before 1810.
The population until the Civil War
was about half white and half slave.
Settlements were established along
bodies of water such as the Amite and
Comite Rivers and Sandy Creek.
Two core areas existed in the
settlement along Sandy Creek. At the
confluence of Sandy Creek with the
Amite River the people tended to be
Methodist, and the focal point of the
community was the Bethel Church.
This was later called Indian Mound.
North along the west side of Sandy
Creek more of the people were Baptist.
This upper settlement became known as
Pride. The area developed west toward
the Comite River and the settlements
of Deerford and Milldale came into
existence. Along the east side of the
Comite River, settlement was sparse
and chiefly consisted of the Norwood
and Chaney plantations. After the Civil
War, the landowners that remained
faced a vastly changed set of economic
and social relations with a newly
freed population, immigration and
natural population growth. The rural
community of the 19th and early 20th
centuries centered on the community
hub of the country store, church, post
office and one-room schoolhouse.
The naming of schools and post offices
played a symbolic role in the formation
of rural communities during the PostReconstruction period (1877-1910).
With a name, a sense of community
was fostered by a communal identity
for families who lived in the area.
Burlington is a name that appears on
early maps and it was located on the
Amite River about two miles south of
the confluence with Sandy Creek. A
ferry crossed at Burlington and a post
office, cotton gin, and blacksmith shop
were in operation. A post office with
the name of Sandy Creek existed during
the early 1830’s in the lower Sandy
Creek settlement. The post office was
soon transferred to Burlington. During
the 1850’s Greenwell Springs came into
existence as a resort and the post office
was moved there in 1854. A post office
by the name of Pine Grove served the
upper Sandy Creek settlement during
the 1830’s. Stoney Point took over
the mail service in 1840. There was a
ferry and a post office at Stoney Point
until 1918. During the Reconstruction
Period (1865-1877) the post office
at Port Hudson served the northern
end of the Parish. It was during the
Post-Reconstruction Period that many
contract post offices sprang up in the
countryside. Applications for post
offices required detailed descriptions
concerning location. This information
was translated onto maps. No towns
existed in this rural area of East Baton
Rouge Parish. The names for the places
marked on maps originated with the
name the first contract postmaster chose.
In most instances, it was a country store
owner who applied for a contract post
See Central History, Page 3
Rezoning
Compromise
Considered
Last Thursday property
owners met with City Council
Members in a workshop to discuss
two proposed compromises on the
rezoning of all of the property in
Central as one of the final steps in
Central’s Master Plan.
First,
all
property
commercially zoned or in commercial
use prior to this action will retain its
zoning and not be affected by the
new Ordinance. This would apply
to actual zoning as well as existing
legal non-conforming uses.
The second compromise is
to allow the majority of the rural
property in Central to have minimum
lot sizes of one acre instead of the
proposed three acres. The three acre
minimum would still apply to some
areas designated Conservation or
Green Space.
The ordinances to enact
the new zoning including the
compromises will come to a vote of
Central’s City Council at the June
24th meeting at 6PM at Kristenwood.
2 CITY
No Compromise Is Perfect
will not be devalued in the rezoning.
In a perfect world where city
planners get to take 66 square miles of
uninhabited land and decide where all of
the businesses will go, some of Central’s
businesses would not be allowed where
they are. However, most of these
businesses were there before Central
was a city. Council approval of this
compromise is expected and I thank our
council in advance for making the right
decision.
The second compromise is to allow the
Central’s mass rezoning seems to have
reached a compromise, which means no majority of the rural property in Central
one gets everything they want, but most to have minimum lot sizes of one acre
everyone gets enough to allow them to instead of the proposed three acres. The
agree. This compromise would likely three acre minimum would still apply to
never have been considered without some areas designated Conservation or
informed property owners voicing their Green Space.
While individual properties may
opinions and our elected officials being
need to be reconsidered in the future,
willing to listen.
On June 24th Central’s City Council especially as new flood studies are
will vote on whether to rezone 100% completed, I am hopeful that our council
of Central’s 66 square miles of private will approve this compromise. Central
property. The past month has seen already has some significant barriers
much discussion and several public to overdevelopment. There can be no
meetings to consider changes to the subdivisions of more than seven homes
proposed rezoning, and it has been a without tying in to sewer lines, which
healthy process of Central. Two major don’t exist in most of Central’s rural
areas, and one acre lots make it nearly
compromises are to be voted on.
First, all property commercially zoned impossible to build big subdivisions of
or in commercial use prior to this action affordable homes.
So, in the end, we have compromise, and
will retain its zoning and not be affected
by the new ordinance. People and no compromise is perfect. However, our
families have invested much time, effort, Master Plan is also a “living document”
and money in operating businesses and and should be able to be reviewed and
building commercial buildings. This revised as Central grows. That is Good
action should ensure that their investment News for a Great City.
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Crime Stoppers: Have You
Seen These Fugitives?
www.crimestoppersbr.com Call Toll Free at 1-877-723-7867
Crime Stoppers will pay cash reward for information leading to the arrest
of these WANTED FUGITIVES:
HEATHER RICHELLE BECK
DOB 02/05/1976
WHITE/FEMALE
5’03” HGT / 135 WGT
BROWN HAIR / BROWN EYES
BRYAN KENDELL HUGHES
DOB 07/18/1984
BLACK/MALE
6’02” HGT / 225 WGT
BLACK HAIR / BROWN EYES
WANTED FOR:
WANTED FOR:
SIMPLE BURGLARY OF AN STALKING; SIMPLE ASSAULT
INHABITED DWELLING
IMPROPER TELEPHONE
COMMUNICATION; DOMESTIC
ABUSE BATTERY
If you have any information on these fugitives contact:
Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP(7867), text CS225 plus your message
to CRIMES (274637) or email us anonymously from our facebook
page or website www.crimestoppersbr.com
**Remember you do not have to give your
name to collect this or any Crime Stoppers
Reward but you must call Crime Stoppers **
These fugitives are active as of June 11, 2014
Open House
and Reception
Join us Thursday, June 19th from
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at 9352 Plank Road,
North Baton Rouge and find out how we can
service all of your commercial truck needs.
RSVP Today
contact Buck Spencer
at 490-5101
Buck Spencer
CONTACT Central SpeakS
12023 Sullivan Road
Central, LA 70818
P.O. Box 78137
Central, LA 70837
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (225) 262-3730
Fax: (888) 220-8396
News & Commentary: Dave Freneaux
[email protected]
Published Weekly 51 weeks a year
Deadline 12 NOON Tuesdays
Article submission is free of charge.
Editor: Beth Fussell
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Production Editor:
Lindsey Pyburn
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Central History, Continued from Page 1
office. The shortest lived post offices
opened during this century were the
Milldale and Tucker post offices.
Sawmills came into existence at the
turn of the century and provided men
with their first opportunity to work off
the farm for cash. Until the roads were
graveled and labor was hired to maintain
them and the opening of Standard Oil,
sawmills and the cutting of cross-ties
and staves was the main occupation
outside of farming. Sawmills were
located in Milldale, Deerford, and
Baywood. Wood production shaped the
rural communities in the South during
this time. The increased availability
of cash due to wood products led to
a more stable situation for a country
store owner. The crop lien system had
not been favorable for a country store
owner. Men traded staves at the store
to pay for their groceries and for cash.
There were stores located in Deerford,
Milldale and Pride.
The value of wood products lent
itself to local cultural interpretation
through membership in the “Woodmen
of the World”, a fraternal organization
that provided burial insurance to its
members. This organization played a
significant role in the leadership of the
white community.
The Standard Oil Corporation built
a refinery in Baton Rouge in 1910, and
over the next decades other national
corporations opened plants along the
Mississippi River. Men found jobs
outside the local area and many families
left. Farming became a part time
endeavor and cotton fields were turned
into cow pastures. Rural electrification
through the leadership of Wesley Long
was brought into the area. Farmers,
chiefly cattlemen, organized themselves
into a profession.
Much of the local community life
changed as early as 1930 with the
consolidation of the Baywood, Milldale,
and Deerford schools into Pride High
School. The churches at Baywood,
Pride and Deerford remained as the
only expression of localism.
CALENDAR
THURSDAY 6/12:
Central Speaks hits the streets
Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM
Live Music with Kenny Acosta, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6-9PM
Mayor’s Transition Team Town Hall Meeting, CHS Theater, 6:30PM
FRIDAY 6/13:
Paint-in, Magnolia Methodist Church, 9:30AM-12PM
Live Music at American Farmhouse: LA Nights, 6:30-10PM
The next CCA Forum will be held Tuesday, June 17th
at 7pm in the DEMCO meeting room. Speakers will be
Senators Mack “Bodi” White and Dale Erdey as well as
Representatives Valarie Hodges and Barry Ivey. Meet
your elected officials and get updated on the latest
legislation that will affect the Central community.
CAPA
Corner
Sometimes I feel like the of ever bring fixed? The wonderful
ant that's living on a piece of wood
traveling down a lazy river. To the
ant this piece of wood is his whole
world, his truth. In reality though,
the massive river is but a small
stripe within the world; and in his
wildest dreams he could never
imagine the river!
We see through the eyes
we've been given, meaning our
understanding of the truth is based
upon our own unique perceptions
of what we accept as absolute.
Some
diminish
themselves
because they have been repeatedly
diminished by others. They can
only see the reflection of someone
who is "less than" because that's
the truth they've come to accept.
This process is played out
in a variety of ways all around
us, and, yes, even within us
constantly- more times than we
could hope to count.
How easily we become so
firmly fixed, that there's little hope
SATURDAY 6/14:
See you at church!
TUESDAY 6/17:
Kid’s Night, free scoop of ice cream, Caliente Mexican Craving, 5-8PM
CCA Forum, DEMCO Meeting Room, 7PM
WEDNESDAY 6/18:
THURSDAY 6/19:
Central Speaks hits the streets and mailboxes
Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM
Live Music with Justin McCain, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6-9PM
May 2014 Building Permits
From the City of Central
During the month of May
2014 in the city of Central, a total
of 10 new residential permits were
issued. The total valuation of these
permits was $2,458,188.
Within these May permits,
three were issued in Burlington
Lakes with an average valuation of
$178,616; one in Geo-Je’s valued
at $224,786; one in Bellingrath
Lakes valued at $331,186; one
on Joor Rd valued at $361,890;
one on McCullough Rd valued at
$128,822; one on Blackwater Rd
valued at $307,874; one on Carey
Rd valued at $302,090; and one on
Hubbs Rd valued at $265,700.
Building valuation is the
price based upon the square footage
of the home used for permitting
purposes. The actual selling price
of the home is usually higher than
the valuation and depends upon
amenities installed by the builder.
On the commercial side,
there were no new commercial
permits issued.
thing about Jesus is that He came
to unfix us. He sets us free from
half truths and complete lies,
helping those who would receive
His help to view the world from
a different perspective. It's like
making the jump from believing
that the world is flat to knowing
that it's actually round. It'll blow
your mind!
Being a companion of
Christ helps one to stand upon
new vistas, giving them a much
clearer view of everything. Don't
get me wrong- we can and often
do choose to believe once again
that the world is flat because it
helps us fit in with flatlanders. But
you'll never be content to just stay
there ever again. When you've
seen the river, it's hard to go
back to the piece of wood. You'd
rather discover more. The more is
always found in Jesus!
Dale Phillips
Comite Baptist Church
our people.
your poWeR.
Magnolia Methodist Market, 8AM-2PM
Women Veterans of LA Meeting, Jones Creek Library, 11:30AM
Late Night Music at American Farmhouse: Color Blind, 8PM-12AM
SUNDAY 6/15:
CITY 3
Every call. Every line. Every member. Every day,
DEMCO is dedicated to bringing more power to you.
hurricane preparation checklist
q 3-day supply of water & non-perishable food
q Spare clothing, blankets and pillows
q Toiletries, first-aid kit and prescription medicines
q Special items/food for babies and the elderly
q Flashlights, portable radio and extra batteries
q Extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash
q Important documents kept in a waterproof
container or watertight plastic bag
• Identification, copy of birth certificate,
marriage certificate and Social Security card
• Insurance documents and medical records
• Bank account numbers, online passwords and
log-in information
• Emergency contact list
q Emergency tools
/DEMCOLouisiana
demco.org
4 HISTORY
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Images of the Old Murray’s Pharmacy
Pictured Above: The 1st Browning Store, with Ed Browning on the far right
and his brother Pryor 2nd from the right, prior to 1922
Found Puppy: Near Marilyn Dr. & Florida Blvd. Call to ID. 620-5428
L o s t :
REWARD Lost off of
Sullivan Rd
by Summers
Dr but has
been seen off
of Sullivan
Rd
going
into Central
Woods. Call
241-4280.
Found
off
of Greenwell
Springs Rd.
between
Alfonse
Forbes and
Stoney Point.
If this is
your
dog,
contact me
by inboxing
me
at
[email protected]
or
Facebook Lost Pets of Central City
Found: Saturday
morning
near
H o o p e r / J o o r.
Older
female
chihuahua.
Collar with a
bell. Call 4540698.
While the City
of Central is only
eight years old, our
history goes back
more than 150 years.
Murray's Pharmacy
is one piece of
that history, and
Mrs. Murray was
gracious enough to
share these and other
photographs with the
Central Community.
Located across from
what is now Central
Middle School, the
pharmacy
later
moved to the location
that is now Marino’s
Central Florist.
Central Speaks
would like to prompt
everyone to consider
sharing their pieces
of Central's long
history. Send your
pictures and stories to
info@centralspeaks.
com, and we will
share them with the
community
Found: Hooper and Sullivan Road.
Call 225-268-4826
Found: Black
lab. Has a
camo collar but
no tags. Please
call 921-8028
if you know
who he belongs
to. Found in
Sherrington
place
on
Charleston.
Please send any lost or found pets
to the “Lost Pets of Central City”
Facebook page or
[email protected]
!
t
r
a
e
H
alth to
e
H
r
u
o
y
Take
Join us for a free
Wellness
Screening
Saturday, June 14
7:30 am - 10:30am
Cardiovascular Institute of
the South
6550 Main Street
Suite #1000
Zachary, LA 70791
The event will feature screenings for carotid ultrasound, abdominal aortic
ultrasound, cholesterol testing, and results review with a provider.
These screenings are ideal for those who haven’t checked their numbers
in the past year or those who do not have a cardiologist.
Learn your risk of cardiovascular disease and receive recommendations to
achieve your best heart health.
*Light refreshments will be served.
Space is limited.
Please call 225.654.1559 to register.
www.cardio.com
HISTORY 5
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Help the Central Cultural Foundation
Preserve Central’s WWII History
By Jason Ellis
On August 14, 1945, a day that
captured the attention of the entire
world, the Japanese surrendered,
bringing an end to World War II.
Over 16 million Americans served
in World War II and 291,000 lost
their lives. With each passing day,
the number of living World War
II veterans continues to dwindle
across the nation, and with them
go stories about one of the most
pivotal and defining periods in
history.
The Central Cultural Foundation
is on a mission to help preserve the
stories of the men and women of
this area who served our country
during World War II. We are looking
for WWII veterans who currently
live in Central or the surrounding
area who would be willing to talk
about their experiences before,
during, and after the war with an
interviewer. The Central Cultural
Foundation will video record the
interview and have it uploaded to
the foundation's website so that the
stories of participating veterans
can be shared for posterity.
Help us preserve the real life
history of this nation’s greatest
generation and call Mia Freneaux
at 413-2162 to participate in the
CCF Veterans History Project. You
can also email [email protected].
The Choctaw Tribe Was the First
to Settle in Greenwell Springs
By Mia Freneaux
Did you know?
Many children this summer are
availing themselves of the fun to
be had at Camp Istrouma Summer
Camp.
Owned by the United
Methodist Church, Camp Istrouma
was also a Boy Scout Camp, but
long before that, many people called
it home.
Camp Istrouma is named after
the Native American word for “Red
Stick” (“Baton Rouge” in French).
An Indian mound which still exists
on Greenwell Springs Road gave
its name to the community of
European settlers who came here in
the early 1800’s. But long before
the Europeans came, the Amite
and Choctaw tribes lived here. Dr.
Jesse Fairchild, who was a life long
Greenwell Springs resident, found
many relics of this civilization.
Farmers along the Amite River
regularly plowed up artifacts as they
prepared their fields. It would be
wonderful to recover some of these
artifacts for a museum in Central.
From the Choctaw Nation website,
one learns “The Choctaw are native
to the Southeastern United States
and members of the Muskogean
linguistic family, which traces its
roots to a mound-building, maizebased society that flourished in
the Mississippi River Valley for
more than a thousand years before
European contact. Although their
first encounter with Europeans ended
in a bloody battle with Hernando de
Soto’s fortune-hunting expedition
in 1540, the Choctaw would come
to embrace European traders who
arrived in their homeland nearly
two centuries later. By the time
President
George
Washington
initiated a program to integrate
Southeastern Indians into European
American culture following the
Revolutionary War, many Choctaw
had already intermarried, converted
to Christianity and adopted other
white customs. The Choctaw became
known as one of America’s Five
Civilized Tribes, which also included
the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and
Seminole.” Sadly, despite signing 9
peace treaties with the United States
Government, the Choctaw were the
first tribe to be forced to relocate
from their ancestral land along what
is called today “The Trail of Tears”.
2,500 members of the tribe perished
along the way. Despite this, the
Choctaw are the third largest tribe in
the nation today, having overcome
much adversity, and even served in
World War I as the famous “Code
Talkers” who used their native
tongue to help defeat the Germans
in France.
Mound building, maize based
Native American societies were
settled communities that flourished
in the Midwestern, Eastern, and
Southeastern United States from
about 800 B.C. to 1500 A.D. They
shared several cultural traits,
including construction of platform
mounds that had houses, temples,
or burial buildings built on top of
them. This is why disturbing an
Indian Mound can be a serious
offence to Native Americans. These
communities were based on maize
agriculture, which allowed them to
settle in one place and develop trade
routes (in some cases as far as the
Rocky Mountains) and art forms
such as shell tempered pottery.
They were typically ruled by a
chief. They followed the traditions
of the Southeastern Ceremonial
Complex (SECC) which included
a fairly uniform use of ritual items,
weaponry, and artwork. This culture
had no system of writing, no stone
architecture, did no smelting, but
worked naturally occurring copper
to create many beautiful artifacts.
They were known for using a striped
pole (Baton Rouge!), bi-lobed
arrows, maces, copper masks, and
pottery. Like the SEC, the SECC
was often connected to ritual game
playing, specifically a game called
“chunkey”, played by rolling stone
discs across a huge arena that housed
large audiences, then throwing
spears to see who could come closest
to the stopped stone. To lose the
game generally meant to lose your
life. Gives a whole new meaning
to the term “Death Valley,” doesn’t
it! Unlike the SEC, gambling was
encouraged!
Comprehensive
Imaging Services
Close to Home
OUTPATIENT DI AGN OSTI C
AND ImAG I N G SErv I CE S
7 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday
(225) 271-6035
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5000 O’DONOvAN BlvD, WAlkEr
Information
(225) 271-6000
Lab/Imaging
(225) 271-6035
Community Pharmacy
(225) 271-6098
6 CentralSpeaks.com
HISTORY
Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Print Edition
11
A Civil War Camp Was Located Right Here in Central!
Artist’s rendering of the Camp on the Comite River
By Vicki Carney
If you asked me how many times I have passed
Old Greenwell Springs Road at Frenchtown Road, I
would say thousands of times in the past 35 years. It
wasn’t until recently that I started reading The War of
the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records
of the Union and Confederate Armies that I realized
the historical importance of where Old Greenwell
Springs Road crossed the Comite River – just two
blocks west of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. This
confederate camp was called Camp Breckinridge or
Camp on Comite River. At one time Old Greenwell
Springs Road was Greenwell Springs Road. It was not
until the existing bridge was built that the road was
straightened and part of the road was cut off. That part
of the road that was cut off is called Old Greenwell
Springs Road. (Not to be confused with Old Greenwell
Springs Road that is close to Liberty Road).
General Breckinridge had been the VicePresident of the United States. When the Civil War
broke out he was appointed Major General in the
Confederate States Army. After Vicksburg, he arrived
at Camp Moore in 1862. He was then ordered to march
to Baton Rouge. He and his troops reached the Comite
River at Greenwell Springs Road (now called Old
Greenwell Springs Road) on Monday, August 4, 1862.
The General wrote that the sickness had been appalling.
He started out with 3,000 men but by the time he and
his troops marched to Camp on the Comite he only had
2,600 able-bodied men. These poor soldiers had only
from the afternoon of the 4th until 11 p.m. of that same
day to rest and prepare for battle before marching into
the Battle of Baton Rouge some ten miles from Camp
Breckinridge or Camp on the Comite River. That was
only a couple of hours! Following the horrific battle
in Baton Rouge, Breckinridge returned his command
to the Comite River. He wrote the following in his
report of September 30, 1862 about the Battle of Baton
Rouge: “The enemy were well clothed, and their
encampments showed the presence of every comfort
and even luxury. Our men had little transportation,
indifferent food, and no shelter. Half of them had
no coats, and hundreds were without either shoes or
socks.” A few days after the battle, Breckinridge left
Greenwell Springs and occupied Port Hudson with a
portion of the troops under the command of Brigadier
General Ruggles. Brigadier General Bowen, who had
just arrived in Greenwell Springs, was ordered to the
Camp on the Comite River to “observe Baton Rouge
from that quarter, to protect our hospitals, and to cover
the line of communication between Clinton and Camp
Moore (a major Confederate training camp.)
Many troop leaders wrote field reports from
Camp Breckinridge or Camp on the Comite River. 1)
Captain John A. Buckner, Assistant Adjutant-General,
C.S. Army, commanding First Brigade First Division,
wrote from the Comite River, ten miles from Baton
Rouge, LA, August 9, 1862. 2) Col. Jeptha Edwards,
Thirty-first Alabama Regiment, wrote from Camp Near
Comite River, LA, August 8, 1862. 3) Captain John H.
Millett, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, wrote from Camp
Near Comite River, August 7, 1862. 4) Major J.C.
Wickliffe, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, Headquarters
Fifth Kentucky Regiment, wrote from Camp Near
Comite River, LA, August 7, 1862. 5) Col. T.B. Smith,
Twentieth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Fourth
Brigade, wrote from Camp on Comite River, Louisiana,
August 10, 1862. 6) Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C.S.
Army, commanding Second Division, with Return of
Casualties, Camp Breckinridge, August 9, 1862. He
reported that “on the night
of August 4 this division
proceeded from Comite River Bridge, marching left
in front; … (some of his troops) reached Ward’s Creek
Bridge, on the Greenwell Springs and Baton Roads,
about 3 a.m.” He also said there was a “prevalence
of thick fog.” In this report is an explanation of
how Lieutenant Todd was killed and how “Colonel
Allen also fell dangerously wounded.” 7) Col. J.W.
Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry, commanding
First Brigade, wrote from Camp on Comite River, LA,
August 7, 1862. 8) Lieu. Col. Edwin Goodwin, Thirtyfifth Alabama Infantry, wrote from Camp on Comite
River, LA, August 7, 1862. 9) Lieu. Col. M.H. Cofer,
Sixth Kentucky Infantry, wrote from Comite River,
LA, August 7, 1862. 10) Col. Gustavus A. Breaux,
Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry, Headquarters Second
Brigade, wrote from Camp Near Comite River, LA,
August 8, 1862. He reported: “The troops, exhausted
by fatigue and crying for water, were thrown in utter
confusion.” 11) Lieu. S.E. Hunter, Fourth Louisiana
Infantry, wrote from Camp Near Comite, August 7,
1862. 12) Capt. Thomas Bynum, Boyd’s Battalion,
Stewart’s Legion writing from Comite Bridge, LA,
August 8, 1862.
These reports, both Union and Confederate,
are fascinating to read. The reports give the reader a
basic understanding of how the Battle of Baton Rouge
transpired. You can find the volumes at Bluebonnet
Library, Port Hudson, Camp Moore, etc. The pages
pertaining to this story can be found in the Civil War
Notebook at the Central Library’s Local History
Collection.
Note: This area was also one of the Camp
Grounds at Greenwell Springs before the Civil War.
When there was an outbreak of yellow fever, garrisons
in the town moved to camps on the Comite and Amite
River.
References:
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official
Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington
Government Printing Office. 1886
Casey. Powell A., Encyclopedia of Forts, Posts, named
Camps, and Other Military Installations in Louisiana,
1700-1981.
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
Cafe Phoenicia Brings
Elegant Greek Food to Central
By Mia Freneaux
Walking into Café Phoenicia,
one is immediately struck by the
unique and understatedly elegant
décor. Decorated in warm earth
tones, Café Phoenicia uses original
art depicting Greek temples and
Phoenician triremes to draw the
diner into a truly Mediterranean
experience. Whether you choose
to sit indoors, or dine on the patio
decorated with wrought iron and
featuring a lovely fountain with
gas fire accents, the scents of exotic
spices and roasting meats will make
your mouth water.
Café Phoenicia, part of a 3
restaurant chain begun by 3 friends
15 years ago, offers a Mediterraneaninfluenced menu which features
traditional Lebanese, Greek, and
Italian dishes. With offerings that
range from the familiar, such as
Chicken Scaloppini and Gyros,
to the exotic, such as Mujadara (a
delicious dish of lentils and rice
with sautéed onions), Kibbi (a
flavorful blend of cracked wheat,
ground beef, onions and pine nuts)
and Lamb Shanks (fork tender lamb
marinated in spices), Café Phoenicia
has something to tempt every palate.
Children will be happy with a kid's
menu, and less adventuresome
souls will enjoy the zesty baby back
ribs and hand-formed hamburgers.
Vegetarians will appreciate the
many meat-less choices, and those
seeking healthy diet choices can opt
for "Mediterranean Diet" features of
fresh vegetables, extra virgin olive
oil, and lean, tender meats.
Manager Ammar Ali is
deservedly proud of his restaurant.
"We make everything we offer fresh
daily: every sauce, the hummus,
the Grecian dip. We receive fresh
vegetables daily, and our meats
are always top grade Prime." This
attention to freshness shows in
the crisp-tender sautéed sides, the
beautifully green salads, and the
juicy, deliciously marinated beef,
lamb, and chicken. A large variety of
seafood dishes make for tantalizing
choice options: Flounder Crab
Cake is a beautifully presented filet
wrapped around a cake stuffed with
crab, all topped in a light lemonbutter sauce with asparagus tips;
Byblos Fish features a pan sautéed
filet adorned with mushrooms
and shallots and flamed with dry
vermouth. Clams, Scallops, Shrimp
and Lobster and Crawfish are also
offered in a variety of sauces and
accompaniments.
A well-developed wine
list shows vintages from all over
the world. Reds and whites from
Italy, France, Germany, Greece,
New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and
Lebanon are paired with entrees on
the menu to make dining choices
simple. The very attentive wait
staff, overseen by head waitress
Mikayla, make sure the diner's
every whim is satisfied, offering
refreshing Lebanese tea, specialty
cocktails from the full-service
bar, and tempting desserts such as
lighter-than-air Tiramisu and exotic
Ashta drizzled with Rose Essence.
Mediterranean Shrimp Soup and
Lentil Soup make savory sides or
main meals in themselves, and a
huge list of Appetizers will make
the mouth water. Friday "Chef's
Choice" specials, daily Lunch
Specials, and soon-to-be-added
Lamb Chops round out the extensive
menu. "Our Chef is specially trained
in Mediterranean cuisine, its unique
flavors and preparation," Ammar
states. Many of the recipes are Café
Phoenicia exclusives, including the
popular Pasta Phoenicia, featuring
gyros or shawarma meat nestled
with artichoke hearts, mushrooms,
and sun-dried tomatoes over penne
in a crème blanche wine sauce. Most
popular is the Chicken Shawarma
and Gyros Combination plate,
served with their signature creamy
hummus and tender Rice Pilaf.
"Try our terrific shawarma
and gyros," encourages Mikayla,
"We have such a wide variety of
items. We offer hot, fresh food,
amazing drinks, and great company
- what more could you ask for?"
Café Phoenicia, 14319
Wax Road, 302-5443. Monday Thursday 11-9, Friday, Saturday
11-10, Sunday 11-8:30.
www.
cafephoenicia.com
COMMUNITY 7
8 SPORTS
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Sarah LeDuff Wins Ms. Majorette 2014 Central Graduates Team
Up with the Little Gators
Sarah LeDuff, the Featured
Majorette for Central High School,
competed for Ms. Majorette of LA
on May 3rd in Kenner, LA. She won
her 4th title as Ms Majorette of LA in
the Beginner 13-15 year old division.
She also took her 3rd title as Ms.
Crescent City Majorette Queen in the
same division. The weekend before
she brought home a first place for the
Central High Band as the Majorette at
the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.
Way to go Sarah!
Bulldogs Are CAYL Champs
Photo submitted by Jennifer Bergeron
The Bulldogs were first place champions for Coaches Pitch Select
League and Post-Season Tournament. Top Row: Coach Caleb, Coach
Brian, Coach Jeremy (not pictured: Coach Joey & Coach Collin) 2nd Row:
Dawson Glover, Brady Smith, Alex Giles, Zory Williams, Ethan Johnson,
Andrew Richard, & Arlen Francois 3rd Row: Cade Walock, Jacob LeBlanc,
Gage Moreland, Lawson Dixon, Blaysen Stokan, & Brayden Brown
We do stitches.
WHAT A
RELIEF!
Sometimes it’s more
than just a scrape.
Our experienced
medical staff, great
service, and trusted
tradition will help
you and your loved
ones get better faster.
CENTRAL LOCATION
8751 Sullivan Road • (225) 262-8377
Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM • Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM
www.LakeAfterHours.com
Two Central students, 2014
CHS graduate Austin Bergeron
and 2014 CPS graduate Daniel
McNamara, spent the end of their
senior year doing something a little
atypical of high school seniors. In
the fall Austin spent his senior year
earning his First Responders and
EMT certifications and volunteering
with the Chaneyville and Pride fire
departments while maintaining his
graduate requirements. Daniel,
a very busy member of Central
Private’s athletic department, heard
of a group of young boys in need of
support. When Daniel told Austin
of several children registered with
CAYL in desperate need of a coach,
the two decided to put their senior
social lives on hold to spend their
final months as seniors coaching
t-ball.
The Little Gators just
finished the season in third place
for their division and participated
in the CAYL tournament on June
8-9. Thank you to Austin and
Daniel, and congratulations to the
Little Gators!
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
ANNOUNCEMENTS 9
In Memoriam: Tommy Roshto Hannah Prather and Stephen
A memorial service will be JoLynn Conley and Carol Roshto;
Burns
Jr.
Married
March
21
held for Mr. Tommy Roshto, age and numerous nieces and nephews.
60, on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 1:00 He was preceded in death
Hannah
Claire
pm at Zoar Baptist Church with a
visitation reception to follow. A
native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
and a resident of Birmingham,
Alabama, Mr. Roshto passed away
on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 8:30
am at MD Anderson hospital in
Houston, Texas after a hard fought
battle with leukemia.
Mr. Roshto is survived by
his wife, Becky Roshto; his son,
Thomas Roshto; his daughter,
Rebecca McCormick and her
husband, David McCormick; his
two granddaughters, Conley and
Stella McCormick; his mother
and father in law, Neal and Bettie
Conley; his sister, Cyndi Roshto;
his brothers and sisters in law, Len
and Kathy Conley and Brent and
by his parents, Roy and Vivian
Roshto and his brother, Steve
Roshto.
The family would like
to thank everyone for the love,
prayers, and support during this
difficult time. In lieu of flowers,
the family is asking donations be
made to the Sojourn House, an
apartment ministry of South Main
Baptist Church in Houston, Texas
serving those in need of extended
housing while receiving medical
treatment away from home.
Donation checks can be made out
to South Main Baptist Church,
specifying the Sojourn House in
the memo line and mailed to 4100
Main Street, Houston Texas 77002
or at www.smbc.org.
GSBC is proud
'to be hosting
All About Kids Productions
Performing Arts Camp
June 22- through 27
For children who have
completed
1st- through 7th Grade
$145. For more info and
to register, go to
www.lamplightartists.com
Many Central schools,
churches, and businesses
are offering summer
camps, so check our last
few issues for lists of local
camps for kids. Remember
that all of our archived
papers can be found at
www.CentralSpeaks.com
in the PDF and
Archives sections.
Prather
and
Stephen
Kerry Burns, Jr., both of
Central, were married
in a 6:30 p.m. ceremony
March 21 at Greenwell
Springs Baptist Church in
Greenwell Springs, LA.
Pastor Brian Canuteson
officiated.
The bride is the
daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Michael Wayne
Prather of Central. She
is the granddaughter of
James and Ruby Arnold
of Central, Wendell and
Bonnie Reed of Baker,
and Rose Prather and the
late Wayne Prather, both
of Central.
The bridegroom is
the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Stephen Kerry Burns,
Sr. of Central. He is the
grandson of Betty Burns
and the late Raymond Burns, Sr. of Central and the late Lionel and
Elaine Smith of Baton Rouge.
The bride was attended by her "men of honor" who are also her
brothers, Beau Prather and Logan Prather. Bridesmaids were Sarah
Burns, Kylie Comeaux, Jessica Morris, and Bailey Reed. Flower girl
was Kinslie Bouquet.
The bridegroom was attended by his best man, Brent Burns.
Groomsmen were Josh Huckabee, Alec Reed, Logan Prather, and Beau
Prather. Ushers were Kyle Comeaux, Bryce Koester, and Scout Koester.
A reception took place at Boudreaux's. The couple will reside in
Central and will take a wedding trip to the Bahamas in August.
10 PUZZLES Classifieds
Acreage For Sale: 7.73 acres
$139,140. 7.82 acres $140,760 Located
off Alphonse Forbes Rd.
Estate/Moving Sale: 1/2 Price Sale.
June 14, 7-2. glassware, collectibles,
furniture. 14687 Frenchtown Rd, indoors
Garage Sale: Sat. June 14th. 7:30-1:30
12134 Partridgewood Drive (Willow
Woods Acres Sub) No early birds.
Help Wanted: Blackwater United
Methodist Church is looking for a
Church Accountant. PT position
w/ regular office hours. Some night
meetings. Req’s: accounting background,
ex. computer skills, budget management
skills, professional appearance, love
of people, and a desire to serve God in
this position. Call Rev. Marie Williams
225-261-4646. Send résumés to her attn
at Blackwater UMC, 10000 Blackwater
Rd., Baker, LA 70714
Vacation Rental: Vacation on the MS
Gulf Coast. Beautiful condo 2 bed,
2 1/2 bath, balcony w/ocean view,
furnished. Week-end, weekly, monthly
rates 225 938 8601, 225 324 0973
For Sale: 2 vaults, 1 companion marker
at Resthaven on Jefferson Hwy. Sold
out section. Retails $11,100, asking
$8,000. Call 939-5292 or 769-0219.
For Sale: Graco Convertible Crib
(White) w/ mattress. Only used when
grandson took a nap. $100 485-4599
Help Wanted: Blackwater United
Methodist Church is looking for a FT
Church Secretary. Req’s: ex. computer
skills; familiarity with general office
equipment; ex. writing skills; time
management; self-directed; professional
appearance; love of people; a desire to
serve God in this position. Call Rev.
Marie Williams 225-261-4646. Send
résumés to her attn at Blackwater UMC,
10000 Blackwater Rd., Baker, LA 70714
Home for sale: Indian Mound
subdivision. 16936 Teneiya Ave. The
home is 2,800 sq. ft. 4 bed 2.5 bath.
It has just recently been updated and
includes a bonus lot. Very beautiful
property. Asking price is $285,000.
There is also another adjoining lot
for sale priced at $41,000. The house
can be seen at FSBOBR.com. If you
would like to talk about the house or
ask any other questions, please call Sid
Edwards at 225-614-8852.
For Sale: 19 buffet style chairs. $150
for all. 261-5396
For Sale: 7 Lifetime 5’ round folding
tables w/ 54 folding chairs. White
granite color. $1500 for all. 261-5396
Puzzles
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Email [email protected]. Deadline is Tuesday at NOON. Real estate &
professional classifieds cost $10 for 3 lines, plus $3 per extra line. Other ads are free.
SHOP CENTRAL FIRST $75/mo.
Email [email protected]
A/C & HEATING
HOUSE WASHING
American A/C & Heating
Residential & Commercial
Free Estimates
Central Owned
225-588-7707
ALL PURPOSE EXTERIOR CLEANING
Quality work at a fair price
House & concrete cleaning
Affordable House Washing Since 1994
225-273-1473
AIR CONDITIONING
LANDSCAPE/LAWN CARE
Confederate Heating & Air 261-5000
$30 off Spring Maintenance
Service all makes & models
Residential & Commercial
Licensed Bonded & Insured
AIR CONDITIONING
Fontana Air, LLC
We Cater to Your Comfort
Not a Bait and Switch Contractor
Guaranteed Quality at the Best Price
Jon Fontana - 938-7448
AIR CONDITIONING
GROUNDS PRO
Lawn - Landscape - Bush Hog
Commercial & Residential
(225) 281-9296
LAWN CARE
Causey’s Lawn Service
Free Estimates
CHS Grad & College Student
Wyatt Causey
225-937-1219
LAWN CARE
Rebel Heating & Air
Service-Repair-Replace-Installation
Free Estimates on Change Outs
www.rebelheatingandair.com
225-929-8944
Central Lawn Pro, LLC
Lawn Maintenance, New installation
or renovation, Landscape, Hardscape
Licensed and Insured
413-5028
$200-$300
For Wrecked or Junk Cars
More for New or Running Cars
LA CASH 4 YOUR WRECKED CARS
225-715-4852
Gator Cuts Lawn Maintenance
Mowing, Edging, Weed Eating
Bed Cleanup & Maintenance
Free Estimates. Licensed and Insured.
225-588-9185
AUTOMOTIVE
BRICK WORK
LAWN CARE
LAWN CARE
Construction Plus of Baton Rouge
Fireplaces, Mailboxes, Floors, Driveway
Apron, Outside Kitchens, Patio, etc.
Free Estimate. Call Jerome Dugas
225-261-1063
MTM LLC.
Professional Lawn Care
Locally owned & Fully insured
Call us for all of your outdoor needs
225-235-1000
CARPET/TILE CLEANING
LAWN CARE
Bayou Steam
Carpet, Upholstery,
Tile & Grout Cleaning
Locally Owned and Operated
225-955-6955
Tree of Life Lawn & Landscaping
Professional Lawn Care
Landscape Renewal & Maintenance, New Construction
Licensed, Free Consultations
Call James Coates: 225-301-4971
CHILD CARE
LAWN MOWER REPAIR
Central’s Little School
Now Enrolling 2014/15 and
Daycare & Summer Camp
6 wks to 12 yrs old
M-F 6-6, 603-8704 or 261-1288
PRICECO SUPPLY
Lawnmower Repair, Replacement
Blades, Safety Glasses and Gloves
15151 Greenwell Springs Road
225-262-6245
DIRT WORK
PAINTING
General Sand & Gravel
Limestone, Gravel, Mason & Fill
Sand, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete,
Clay, T/S - Tractor Work
VISA
261-3953
M/C
Central Painting and Drywall
Interior & Exterior - Central Owned
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
35 Years Experience - Dependable Service
225-936-7191
DRAPERY/UPHOLSTERY
PLUMBING
Mill direct fabrics, Shades, Custom
drapery, Slipcovers,woven wood
Romans, interior shutters. 22 years
experience. Call Charlotte Harris
225-936-8649
DAVE-CO PLUMBING
New Construction, Remodels, Repairs
Natural Gas Generator Hook-Up
Best Prices and Top Quality Job
13366 Hooper Rd 262-1234
ELECTRIC
TREE REMOVAL
Simple Electric
Licensed, Insured & Bonded
Any Size Job - 30 Yrs Experience
Central Owned Business
921-2633
Audubon Tree Service LLC
Licensed & Insured
Trimming & Removal
Free Estimates
225-270-7250
HOME IMPROVEMENT
TREE REMOVAL
Chiasson Co., LLC.
Remodeling, additions, home repairs,
Outdoor kitchens, window & door install
Free Est. Call Matt 225.806.9127
www.chiassonconstruction.com
Tiger Tree Services, LLC
Best Rates Guaranteed
37 Year Licensed Arborist
Lifetime Central Resident
284-7678 or 261-3896
HOUSE CLEANING
D & D Cleaning
Need Your House Or
Business Cleaned?
Call Us Today at
262-5157 or 573-0143
TREE REMOVAL
TREE MEN, LLC
Tree service & stump grinding
Fully Licensed and insured
Free Estimates
262-6092 or 791-3981
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, June 12, 2014
On May 16, 2014 Scott Campbell
graduated Summa Cum Laude from
the Bagley College of Engineering at
Mississippi State University with a
Bachelor of Science in Industrial and
Systems Engineering. His parents are
Jerrell and Susan Campbell of Central.
Scott begins graduate school this
summer at Mississippi State working
on his Master of Engineering.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 11
Michelle Beck and Jason
Tinsley Married March 22
Gilbert and Patricia Parker
Celebrate 50th Anniversary
Gilbert Samuel and Patricia
A. Parker, Jr., both natives of
Baton Rouge, LA, celebrated
their 50th anniversary with a
surprise trip to Gulf Shores, AL
where they stayed the weekend at
Gulf Shores Plantations hosted by
their family. The couple married
on June 2,1964 in Mobile, AL.
Their golden anniversary
was commemorated by daughters
Paige and husband Doug Hall,
Sr., of Zachary; Glinda Shannon
and husband Steven Glascock
of Walker; Pamela and husband
Gregor Thuswaldner of Beverly,
MA; and Georgette and husband
Bobby Bynum, Sr., of Daphne,
AL. The couple's grandchildren, also present, were: Magen and
Doug Hall, Jr.; Brandon and Shelby Lee; Maximilian and Alexander
Thuswaldner; and Avery, Sydney and Bobby Bynum, Jr.
The Parkers had a wonderful time at the beach and enjoyed having
all family members congratulate them on this very special occasion. A
special word of thanks goes to extended family and friends for all their
well wishes.
Michelle Lees Beck and
Jason Lee Tinsley were wed in a
sunset ceremony on March 22, 2014
at the Bennett House in Zachary,
Louisiana. Rev. Dickie Davis of
Live Oak United Methodist Church
officiated.
The bride is the daughter of
Fred and Jo Ann Lees of Zachary. She
is a 1991 graduate of Zachary High
School and a current student of Fortis
College in Radiologic Technology.
She will graduate with an Associate’s
Degree in November.
The groom is the son of
Frosty and Brenda Tinsley. He
is a 1989 graduate of Alexandria
High School. He is originally from
Thibodaux, Louisiana. He attended
Louisiana State University and was
a member of Acacia Fraternity. He
is a twelve-­year employee of Koch
Specialty Plant Services.
The bride and groom are
active members of St. Alphonsus
Catholic Church where the bride
serves as a lector.
The bride wore an ivory taffeta
A-­line gown featuring an exquisite
illusion lace neckline, pleated bodice
and a stunning lace V-­
back. She
carried a bouquet of ivory roses,
blue thistle, and Brazilian berries.
She wore her sister-­in-­law’s sapphire
earrings and her Aunt Ann’s sapphire
and diamond bracelet. The groom’s
daughter, Kylie Tinsley, attended the
bride. The bride presented Kylie with
a three stone diamond necklace to
represent the joining of their family.
The couple will reside in
Zachary.
12 COMMUNITY
CHS Seniors Celebrate
Graduation With Cruise
Thursday, June 12, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
The Girls - Kaitlyn Samson, Kelly Nijoka, Kelli Wilson, Alex Stuckey, Sarah Sonnier, Hope Hebert, Tori Lewis
130 people, including Central High seniors as well as their
parents, grandparents, and guardians cruised on the Carnival Dream
out of New Orleans. The group left on May 25th and came back on
June 1st. The trip was a 7 day Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Grand
Cayman, and Jamaica. It was 7 days filled with beach life, water sports,
snorkeling, swimming with the Dolphins and/or Stingrays, ziplining,
and Margaritaville.
Central Resident Brooke McIntyre Graduates
with Top Honors from St. Michael High School
Submitted by St. Michael High School
Brooke McIntyre graduated
from St. Michael High School as
one of the most decorated students
in the Class of 2014, receiving
some of the most prestigious
awards St. Michael offers.
The
St.
Michael
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award:
Given annually to a senior boy, a
senior girl, and two St. Michael
faculty and staff members who
have devoted their efforts to
humanitarian service. They value
and appreciate all people and
work to break down the barriers
that divide our community. They
bring people together and create
a community of love by reaching
out to others.
The Student Instructional
Leadership Corps Award: SILC
students gave up their study
halls to work with an individual
teacher to assist in the teaching
and learning processes in the
classroom and in the library. These
students did research, lead small
group discussions, set up labs, and
even taught a lesson or two. Today
we thank these students for their
hard work and their leadership.
The Warrior Shield
Award for Spirit Club: Given to
the students who have demonstrated
leadership excellence in extracurricular organizations.
St.
Michael
Award:
Given to students who the faculty
believes live out the mission
statement of St. Michael the
Archangel High School. These
students were chosen for their
spiritual, academic, and personal
development
as
committed
Disciples of Christ.
CPS Celebrates the
Class of 2014
Graduation ceremonies were held at 7
p.m. on Friday, May 16, in the sanctuary
of Zoar Baptist Church.
Before receiving their diplomas, students received various academic and
performance awards including honor
graduates, subject awards, organizational recognition, honor roll, and special
scholarships. Additionally, students who
have attended CPS since kindergarten
or pre-k were recognized with the Rebel
Award.
Co-Valedictorians Kelli Wilson & Brent Burns