Terry McDaniel: “I’m from Pine Prarie, which was somehow a dry ward in the 1950s. The Rock Island Line railroad ran south through Turkey Creek, Pine Prairie, Easton, and Barber Spur on down to Mamou. Before anyone could drive, my buddies and I would jump onto south bound train cars and jump off in Mamou. We’d walk over to the Teen Age Center and go to dances. We’d usually j ...[Read More]
Dancehalls in Evangeline Parish
Twenty Grand Club
Pictured in the October 2014 issue of “Bonnes Nouvelles,” submitted by Richard DesHotels Location and more information unknown
Rainbow Gardens Dancehall
From “Images of America: Ville Platte”, Arcadia Publishing, 2014 by Jean Keisel and Jane Vidrine: “The Rainbow Gardens dancehall stood across the street from the courthouse. It was also known as the fais-do-do. The entrance fee was 25 cents when Octave Fuselier was the proprietor. Only soft drinks were available in the dancehall. Someone who wanted an alcoholic beverage had to le ...[Read More]
Rendezvous
1636 W. Main Street: Was originally the Jungle Room- burned down in July 2013: http://www.katc.com/news/weekend-fire-destroys-iconic-ville-platte-restaurant/
Snook’s Bar & Dancehall
Maurice Barzas and the Mamou Playboys Saturday night gig lasted 35 years after WW2, KBON Priscilla Alleman-Saturday night place: Hwy 22: by Teet’s Grocery
Social Club
Social Club/Dancehall on west side of W. Railroad Avenue North Avenue (then #109) next to People’s Bank Trust Co.- backed up to the RR tracks- info from 1925 Ville Platte Sanborn Insurance Map
Teen-Age Center
From “Images of America: Ville Platte”, Arcadia Publishing, 2014 by Jean Keisel and Jane Vidrine: “The Teen-Age Center opened in the 1950s in Ville Platte’s City Park. Civic clubs got together to erect the building, which had a wooden dance floor and space for tables along the wall. The Center offered food and recreation as well as dances. It also served as a meeting place ...[Read More]
Unknown Dance hall
Unknown Dancehall located across from the Evangeline Parish Courthouse on Court Street between 1st South Street West and 2nd South Street West- info from 1938 Ville Platte Sanborn Insurance Map
Unknown Dancehall
Dancehall on east side of Court Street (then 212-219 Court) across from Evangeline Parish Courthouse- had wooden posts- info from 1938-1944 Ville Platte Sanborn Insurance Map
Unknown Dancehall
Dancehall on northeast corner of Coreil Street & 1st South Street West (then 132-134 Coreil) info from 1925 Ville Platte Sanborn Insurance Map