Acadian Heritage and Culture Fondation, Inc. d/b/a

Cajun Culture and Eco-Tours of Vermilion Parish

Vermilion Parish is a region with fascinating history and culture. From the settlement of thearea–beginning as early as 1757, by French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, and Acadiancolonists and the native Attapakas people–Vermilion Parish has evolved to become recognizedas “the most cajun place on earth,” as noted by its motto. Today, it is still common to hear CajunFrench spoken on the streets of its villages, towns, and hamlets. Vermilion Parish people are alively multicultural blend marinated in history and infused with a unique joie de vivre. Cajunsmake up a significant portion of its population and exert a huge impact on its culture. They arefamily-friendly, predominately Catholic, and known far and wide for their lively Cajun music–aswell as their spicy Cajun cuisine using local ingredients, such as okra, rice, pecans, seafood, andwild game.

Photo courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011) by Warren A. Perrin

Author Warren A. Perrin, local historian and cultural preservationist, served as president of theCouncil for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) and is a native of the parish. In his latest book Vermilion Parish, he presents the history of Vermilion parish through itscitizens: families, farmers, students, ranchers, fisherman, educators, musicians, and politicians.Always friendly and often colorful, the people who make up the intricate tapestry of the area tellthe beautiful story of Vermilion Parish’s rich history.

Mary Perrin has a Masters Degree in Visual Arts and artwork in two

national museums, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and the

Ogden Museum of Southern Art, a branch of the Smithsonian. She serves

on the Board of Directors/Art Director of the Acadian Museum and is a

founding member of the Louisiana Craft Guild. Shown is Mary Perrin and

her grandson, Henry Perrin.

Warren A. Perrin and Mary Perrin, married since 1969, parents of three children, RebeccaPerrin Ouellet, Andrew Perrin and Bruce Perrin, will be your guides for the tour of the parish.

Vermilion Parish: “The most Cajun place on earth!”

8:30 am Acadian Museum of Erath

For a glimpse into the life of the early Acadiens, visit the Acadian Museum of Erath. Thismuseum specializes in the promotion of local French heritage and culture and hasnumerous displays and artifacts on the life and culture of the people, now known asCajuns, from Nova Scotia who settled in south central Louisiana. On display arenumerous exhibits on the transformation of the immigrants “Acadiens to Cajuns”including rare artifacts from the 17 century unearthed by archaeologists from the originalth

Thibodeau(x) Acadian settlements in Acadia. Further, there is an extensive display onthe Acadian who led the first immigration to Louisiana, Joseph Beausoleil Broussard.Perrin wrote his biography, Acadian Redemption, which was named the Best HistoryBook published in Louisiana by the Louisiana Press Women’s Association in 2004.

www.acadianmuseum.com

In 1990, attorney Warren A. Perrin filed a petition for an apology on

behalf of all Acadians against the British Crown for wrongs that occurred

during the Acadian exile from 1755-1763. On December 9, 2003, Queen

Elizabeth II’s representative, Adrian Clarkson, the governor general of

Canada, signed the Royal Proclamation, which is on display at the Acadian

Museum, acknowledging the Crown’s role in the deportation. The

proclamation decreed July 28 an annual day of commemoration. Photo

courtesy Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

Le Café du Musée

Located next door to the Acadian Museum, Le Café du Musée opens daily at 11:00a.m. It is where many locals meet and speak French together. Monthly, the café hoststhe popular "Living Legends" program where individuals are honored for promotingthe Cajun culture. Please check the schedule on the museum’s website or call the cafébecause the programs are set on an irregular basis, but usually coinciding with theCajun music jam sessions. Jam sessions are held every other Saturday from 2:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 337-937-0012. Free Cajun suppers are heldevery Monday night. The traditional Cajun meals are donated by someone in the localcommunity. Supper is served at approximately 8:00 p.m. during the summer and at7:00 p.m. in the winter.

Champagne’s FoodMarket

This Cajun store in downtown Erath provides a full menu of plate

lunches and a unique collection of meats.

Shown are (L) Jim Landry, owner of CathLan Landscaping Services of

Abbeville and (R) Warren A. Perrin, of the Acadian Museum. Mr.

Landry donated the materials and labor for the preparation of a flower

garden to enhance the historical marker in the Town of Erath which

memorialized the first Acadian prairie settlement in the area. The

historical marker is situated on the northern shoulder of Louisiana

Highway 14 west of Erath.

9: 30 am Don’s Boat Landing

For a comfortable, low key place to hang out and chat with locals,

Don’s Boat Landing on the Boston Canal, Gateway to the Gulf, is the

place to go. In business for over 50 years, and rebuilt after Hurricanes

Rita and Ike, new owners Tony and Norma Romero have plans to be in

business for many more years to come. View the shrimp boats and

pleasure boats housed at the landing, then go inside the country store

and bar, and enjoy a hamburger and one of their world-famous Bloody

Marys, If you are lucky, you will get some love from tiny little Lucy, the

sweetest little terrier you will ever meet, who visits often when Norma’s

parents are manning the bar!

10:30 am Moss Ranch

Hank” Moss, son of former Sheriff Jack Moss (1956 to 1964), operates

a ranch in Vermilion where guests from France come to intern. The

cattleman learned to negate the effects of hurricanes by moving from a

traditional cow-calf enterprise to a stocker operation. Photo courtesy of

Mid-South Farmer and Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

11:30 am Perrin Farm

At the Perrin farm, in operation since 1952, participants will see an organic

garden, rice fields, crawfish ponds and duck blinds. Cooking

demonstrations of crawfish and other Cajun specialties will be held. Here,

guests will share a meal while listening to twice Grammy nominated Cajun

musician D. L. Menard. Perrin Farms hosted NYU students for sampling

of crawfish cuisine. For more information, visit:

http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Postcard-crawfish-harvest-in-erath-

louisiana

Shown here during the fall bird hunting season is the sun setting over the

duck pond located on the Perrin farm. In the spring, the duck blinds are

used to observe the many species of birds in the area. Photo courtesy of

Camille Comeaux.

Shown is the organic garden at the Perrin Farm.

View of the barn from the garden at the Perrin farm.

Shown at the Perrin farm are Mary Perrin and her granddaughter, Lily

Mae Perrin

On October 11, 2011, the Acadian Museum hosted Acadians from

Memramcook, New Brunswick during the Grand Reveil Acadien. The

group was provided with a Cajun meal prepared by museum volunteers.

D. L. Menard and Earl Brousssard provided entertainment for the group

The crawfish is now a symbol of Cajun culture. Before 1950, crawfish

were harvested only for individual consumption, but farmers soon realized

the commercial opportunities and began flooding and stocking rice fields

in the off-season. In the spring, fields across the parish are teeming with

people crawfishing. Shown at “Red” Richard’s Crawfish Patio in 1970 are,

from left to right, Diane Richard Frederick, unidentified, Ovey “Red” B.

Richard Jr., and Florine Richard Vincent. Photo courtesy of Vermilion

Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

Elemore Morgan Jr., the father of Louisiana landscape artists, was a gentle

giant of the arts. Vermilion Parish prairies, rice fields, and the big skies

over them served as his constant inspiration. He worked continuously to

promote the arts in Louisiana at Lafayette. His paintings of rice country in

Vermilion Parish have been widely exhibited during a distinguished career

as Louisiana’s foremost contemporary landscape painter. Morgan spent33

years teaching visual arts at the University of Louisiana and influenced

students and fellow artists around him. In 2000, Morgan received the New

Orleans Museum of Art’s Distinguished Artist Award and in 2001 was

inducted as a Living Legend. He died May18, 2008, and, subsequently,

September 18 was declared an annual “Elemore Morgan Jr. Day”by the

State of Louisiana. Morgan’s mother was Dorothy Golden of Abbeville.

(Photo courtesy Elemore Morgan Jr. Estate.)

The preparation and enjoyment of food were relaxing pastimes for

hardworking citizens. Roux, a browned mixture of flour and oil, provided

the thick, robust body for gumbo, sauce-piquante (highly seasoned stew),

rice dressing, and jambalaya. The Spaniards introduced spicy condiments.

Those shown preparing boudin in the 1950s are, from left to right, Eunice

Hebert, Clement Hebert, and Mrs. Dalton Sellers. Photo courtesy of

Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

D.L. Menard, Vermilion’s most famous Cajun musician, was dubbed the

“Cajun Hank Williams” at the 1973 National Folk Festival. His most

famous song, “La Porte d’en Arrière” (The Back Door) remains a Cajun

classic. D.L. and his Louisiana Aces have performed in 38 countries. His

latest album, Happy Go Lucky, (Soileau Records, cover design by Megan

Barra) garnered Menard a second Grammy nomination in 2010. Photo

courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

Bancker, located south of Abbeville on the Vermilion River, was once a

bustling community with the following large plantations: Live Oak, Cade,

Hope Mill, and Ramsey Plantations. In 1890, Diedrich Ramsey donated

land for a school. In 1895, a Catholic church was established, but in 1939,

it was moved to Henry and renamed St. John the Evangelist Catholic

Church. Pictured in 1930 is the Bancker Grotto, which is maintained by

Les Chretiens as a site for contemplation. Photo courtesy of Vermilion

Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

Scene from the east bank (looking westward) of the Vermilion River at

Bancker, site of one of the earliest plantations to locate in Vermilion

Parish. Photo courtesy of Camille Comeaux.

Aurora Farm

Visit Aurora Farms, formerly McGhee Farm, in south Vermilion to see

a operating farm in the wetlands, using the system of levees and

drainage gates–similar to what the Acadians developed in Acadie.

There you will see a crawfishing operation on 140 acres of land and

abundant migratory birds and wildlife, including alligators and snakes.

Domingues Farm

Visit Domingues Farms, the largest sugar cane operation in Vermilion

Parish, and be hosted by a family of three generations of Cajun farmers

who will provide a lecture on the crop and bring visitors into the fields

to even get a sample taste of the sweet cane.

2 Crop Farmsnd

Be a guest of 2 Crop Farms owned by Ross Hebert, one of thend

innovators of farming rice and crawfishing in south Louisiana, and learn

how they enjoy a symbiotic relationship.

Workers hauling 200-pound sacks of rice onto a train for shipment to

New Orleans.

2:30 pm Turkey Island swamp, owned by Ron Miguez - Abbeville Red Iris

Iris nelsonii (Abbeville Red Iris or Nelson’s Iris) isLouisiana’s only endemic plant, the only plant unique to thestate. It is only found in cypress swamps south of Abbeville inVermillion Parish. It blooms in April and has large redflowers pollinated by butterflies and hummingbirds. For thisrare visit to a remote swamp, your guides will be bi-linguallandowner Ron Miguez, botanists with the Louisiana StateDepartment of Wildlife and Fisheries, Amity Bass, LANatural Heritage Manager, Christopher Reid, NationalHeritage Program Botanist, and professors from Texas StateUniversity, Dr. Nolan Martin, and Sunni Taylor, AssistantProfessor.

Also lecturing will be Dr. Whitney Broussard is a landscapeecologist at UL Lafayette studying the effects of humanactivities on water quality, wetlands, and coastal prairieecosystems. As a member of the Institute for Coastal Ecologyand Engineering, his primary focus is the fragile coastal zoneof Southwestern Louisiana. Dr. Broussard is an 8th generationdescendent of Alexandre "dit Beausoleil" Broussard, and anavid defender of the Cajun way of life and the lands that havesustained this livelihood.

4:15 pm Depart for Abbeville for the night

4:30 pm Lodging in Abbeville

• The Caldwell House (Carolyn - 337-281-0807)• Apartment A (Debbie - 337-652-6148)• Best Western (KP - 337-740-4100)• Extended Stay (Nina - 337-898-3180)• Executive Inn (Nash - 337-740-4666)• The Ducote Williams House a B & B (Diane - 337-898-0048)

7:00 pm Dinner options in Abbeville

Shucks! The Louisiana Seafood House! is the only full-service oyster

house in Acadiana. While other restaurants serve oysters a few months out

of the year, Shucks is serving fabulous Louisiana oysters year round.

Shucks prepares oysters more ways than any restaurant anywhere. The

five types of charbroiled oysters outshine the best that even New Orleans

restaurants has to offer. Other outstanding items on the menu are our huge

white gulf shrimp, Vermilion Bay crab meat, delicious Louisiana crawfish

and our own Sugar Cane Pepper Glaze & Sugar Cane Vinegarette made

with authentic local Steen's Pure Cane Syrup. Steak lovers will enjoy the

Chairman's Reserve Angus Beef.

www.shucksrestaurant.com - (337) 898-3311

Dupuy's Oyster Shop–in a unique settling on the Vermilion River–is a local favoriteknown for oysters on the half shell. Also served are seafood, steaks, pastas, poboys,salads and daily specials. Join locals for the tradition of warm Cajun hospitality, greatservice and delicious food.

Dupuy’s Oyster ShopContacts: Jody Hebert, owner/chef, or Jay Thornbill, manager108 S. Main St.Abbeville, LA337-893-2336www.dupuysoystershop.com

In 1869, Joseph Dupuy opened Dupuy’s Oyster Shop in Abbeville, using

a sailboat to harvest his oysters. Dupuy’s, still operating at the same

location, is a multi-generational business now recognized as one of the 10

oldest restaurants in the state. Shown in Dupuy’s in 1997 are, from left to

right, R.J. Benoit, Ann Gaspard, Lillian Comeaux, Earl Comeaux, and Don

Gaspard. Photo courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

9:00 am Tour downtown Abbeville

Walking Tour of Downtown Abbeville, Parish Seat of Vermilion Parish

The tour begins in City Hall with coffee and beignets and a welcome by the mayor orhis representative. A local alligator farmer displays a small live alligator for thevisitors to examine as he talks about the particulars of alligator farming. Then, thewalking portion of the tour begins with a visit to the Vermilion Cultural and HistoricalCenter, the one hundred year old St. Mary Magdalen Church, and the near-byMagdalen Square, which is accented by large oak trees, a fountain, and a gazebo. Astatue in memory of Père Antoine Désiré Mégret, founder of the town, also stands inthe square. A short walk from the square brings the group to the Vermilion ParishWar Memorial and to the Vermilion Parish Court House—the largest and mostdistinctive building in downtown Abbeville. Last on the tour, for a bit of shopping,the group visits the Depot at Magdalen Place, a restored 1894 train depot and caboosemuseum. The tour lasts approximately one hour.

• The Depot at Magdalen Place - after you tour the downtown area, visit the Depotat Magdalen Place for souvenirs, books about Cajun cooking and local history,and to view the railroad museum. The Depot is an 1894 wood frame railroadfreight depot that houses a railroad museum, gift shop, tourist information, andCajun products. The Depot is free and open Tuesday through Friday from 10 amto 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm (337-740-2112).

• Louisiana Military Hall of Fame designed to honor Louisiana soldiers, sailors andairmen who went above and beyond the call of duty in their service to ourcountry. It is the intention of the museum to pya tribute to these heroes bydetailing their service and heroic actions in combat. A short film highlights thestories of the first inductees and the hall features such interesting items as anoriginal Korean Ware-era helicopter and a World War II landing craft.

In 2009, under the leadership of Fr. William Blanda, a three-million dollar

project restored St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church of Abbeville after

damage from Hurricane Rita. Ceiling murals, Stations of the Cross, stained

glass windows, and altars were refurbished. The iconic landmark has now

been returned to its former glory. Pictured in 1950 are Abbevillians

Rayward Landry and Florine Joyce LeBlanc Landry following their

wedding at the church. Photo courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia,

2011).

The relationship Vermilion Parish has with water is unique—sometimes

entertaining or calming but at other times threatening and devastating.

Retired lieutenant general Russel Honoré, a French-speaking Creole

inducted as an Acadian Museum Living Legend, is shown in 2005 in Erath

supervising recovery after Rita. In his book, Survival, Honoré preaches

that houses that had been elevated prior to the storm survived without

major damage. (Photograph by Susan Poag; courtesy the Times-Picayune

and Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

12:00 pm Lunch at Suire's Grocery and Restaurant

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite touring downtown Abbeville, head west toKaplan and on to Suire’s Grocery and Restaurant. A local favorite, Suire’s serves home-cooked Cajun meals in a casual, family setting. Make sure to try their famous turtle saucepiquant or “made-from-scratch” desserts. They also have many menu items packaged totake with you. This family owned and operated restaurant has been featured in The NewYork Times, Houston Chronicle, Country America and numerous Louisiana publications.Open Monday thru Saturday (337-643-8911).

While crawfish is enjoyed throughout Louisiana, in Vermilion Parish it is

celebrated. More than mere nourishment, the crawfish is a symbol of the

region. Mounds of the 10-legged crustaceans are piled in the center of the

table so that everyone is able to converse throughout the meal. In 1990,

Patrick Stevenson (left) and Rufus Palombo are shown eating boiled

crawfish at the Vermilion Farmers Cooperative Association in Abbeville.

Photo courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

1:00 pm Palmetto Island State Park

Take a driving tour of this facility located on the Vermilion River.

Palmetto Island State Park offers a real south Louisiana outdoor

experience. Overnight guests can stay in one of six vacation cabins, nestled

among the trees with a screened-in porch for listening to the crickets and

frogs sing out their evening melodies. There are 96 RV campsites to

choose from tent camping pads for those who like to get a little closer to

nature. The visitor center complex features a water playground and

bathhouse visitors. A multi-purpose room can be rented for meetings, and

other events. A boat launch provides access to the river for fishing and

boating, while interior lagoons allow canoers and kayakers an up-close

look at native plant and animal life.

2:15 pm Kaplan Museum

Le Musées de la Ville de Kaplan has displays of the history and culture of Kaplan and itspeople, as well as rotating art exhibits. A free self-guided or personal tour is offered.Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm (337-643-1528).

In 1906, Frenchman Eugene Eleazar moved to Kaplan and on July 14

started the Bastille Day celebration, which commemorated the beginning

of the French Revolution. Shown is the Deshotel family of Kaplan in 1908.

They are, from left to right, Jeanne, Mrs. Leon Forest, Lelia Forest,

Henrietta, Christine, Isabelle, Lucille, and Octave H. Deshotel Sr., the first

mayor of Kaplan. Photo courtesy of Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

3:00 pm Stansel Rice Mill

Stansel Gourmet Rice, one of the oldest gourmet rice companies in America, is a workingrice mill where they raise, harvest, dry mill and package their own labels of rice, flour andfish fry. During crawfish season, you can also witness how crawfish are raised andharvested. While visiting, be on the look out for the peacocks that roam the grounds.

4:00 pm Vivian Alexander Gallery and Museum in Maurice

Renowned for his eggshell sculptures, Alexander Caldwell has a museum

near Maurice. In 2010, the exhibit “Defining and Redefining the Art of

Fabergé Eggs” opened at the Louisiana State Archives. In 2008, Emery

“Bichon” Toups, founder of Abbeville’s Giant Omelette Festival, was

presented with one of the Fabergé-like Caldwell eggs entitled “Bichon

Egg-Man.” Those pictured are, from left to right, Elray Schexnayder, the

third grand maître of the festival; Toups; and Caldwell. Photo courtesy of

Vermilion Parish (Arcadia, 2011).

Suggestions for a country drive: one of my favorite drives in South Louisiana is to take Hwy 82,south of Abbeville to Pecan Island, Rockefeller Wildlife Reserve and Grand Chenier. Then go northon Hwy 27 and take a right on Hwy 14 to the Lacassine Wildlife Refuge. You can google a map ofthe reserve or stop at the welcome center to obtain more detailed information of the area. If you goon Illinois Road off of Hwy 14, you get to see many types of wildlife up close. Then return to Hwy14 and proceed in an easterly direction to return to Abbeville or go on to Interstate I 10 for a fasterdrive back to your destination.

Interesting personalities of the Cajun culture who are available to meet our tours are: Allen Simon(faith healer/French/humor), Bruce Perrin (food/french), Bubba Leblanc (boat building), BubbaDemarcy (furniture making), Rebecca Ouellet (sewing/French), Pat Mier (film), Jean Ouellet(fishing/hunting/French), David Bertrand (food), Sam Broussard (music/French), Eric Toups (justiceof the peace), Kirk Broussard (water control), David Dronet (hunting/fishing/boats), Andy Perrin

(architecture), Paul Poche (carpentry/ hunting), Lester "Pee Wee" Gayneaux (alligators), NelwynHebert (history), Bernie David (native-American), Andrew Babineaux (gardening/French), SonnyMoss (horse racing/French), Angie Comeaux (gardening), Zachary Richard (birdwatching/music/French), Dorphy Landry (food/French), Val Delino (history), Julian Hinckley(horses), Carlin Trahan (history/French), Dr. Shane Bernard (history), Joey Hebert(agriculture/education), Mary Perrin (gardening), Ross Hebert (rice/crawfish farming), Ron Gaspard(food/French), Ron Miguez (Abbeville Red Iris/French), Betty Bernard (culture), Lovelace Touchet(hunting), Errol Domingues (sugarcane farming), Natial d'Augereau (song/dance), Vergie MaeDelahoussaye (food/French), D.L. Menard (music/French), Nelda Menard (music), Dr. MayWaggoner (song/dance/french), Randal Perrin (cattle/French), Drew Landry (music/environment),Rodney Dugas (cattle/French), Dot Mergist (food/French), Jonas Perrin (oil/French), Phillip & AliceDesormeaux (Castle 337-783-3641) and other Cultural Representatives. Visitwww.acadianmuseum.com.

Birding, Nature Trail opened near White Lake - A 2-mile birding and nature trail opened April 12,2012 at the state’s White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Vermilion Parish. The trail, whichwinds through 32 acres on the north side of White Lake, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Thereis no fee. Parking is available at the conservation area’s entrance, which is about 7 miles south ofGueydan at the end of LA 91. For more information, visit: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/white-lake-wca-birding-and-nature-trail