Dancehalls in Lafayette Parish

Antler’s Billiard Parlor

555 Jefferson Street- From the book “Images de Lafayette: A Pictoral History”, edited by Paul F. Matthews: favorite meeting place during 1930s and 40s: Included in Emily Ardoin’s 2014 thesis “Fais do-do to ‘Hippy Ti-Yo’: Dance Halls of South Louisiana”: “Anters was originally a billiard parlor that now serves as a restaurant and venue. The building is of brick construction, has a flat roof, a straight parapet, and has a unknown foundation type.” “Antlers is the oldest bar in Lafayette. It has existed in the beautiful historic district of downtown Lafayette since 1921. There have been many changes over the years but the original bar and most of its décor have stayed the same. The best change is the great authentic Cajun food that is now served by the third generation Walters family. The Old Antlers Billiard Pallor was bought in 1940 by Joe Walters and he moved Antlers from directly across the street into its current location which was then known as the La Acadianne Lounge. Antlers has changed owners over the years but has been owned by Raymond Walters Sr., and now his son Johnny is carrying on the tradition that his father and grandfather started many years ago.” Flyer photo by Phil Schneider, posted in Facebook group Lafayette Memories ...

Aragon club

Dudley Duhon: near 4 corners area- C&W & swing place ...

Arcade Skating and Dance Hall, Mrs. Leon Plonsky’s dancehall

Newspaper mention that “Mose Levy will build a new skating rink adjoininghis present one the size of same will be 50 by 110 in the clear without center posts, and he will use his present one for a dance hall, while the new one will be completed.”: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86079068/1907-02-27/ed-1/seq-7/ http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86079068/1907-04-24/ed-1/seq-5/ http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86079068/1907-10-11/ed-1/seq-1/ http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86079068/1907-11-19/ed-1/seq-3/ : 1908: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86079068/1908-05-26/ed-1/seq-3/ ...

Alex Broussard’s Ranch

Owned by Cajun musician Alex “Brud” Broussard, Jr., this hall was known for a large annual trail ride and hosting well-known touring musicians such as George Jones and Freddy Fender. Photo from the Johnnie Allan Collection at the Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. ...

B. Pellerin’s Belvedere Club

mile down from Alex Broussard- Michael J Green (Rickels student, 1972): “On Ridge Road- down from Ferdinand Stute’s place.” T-Paul Duhon sometimes played the bones along with a Cajun band there on Saturday nights. Helen Roy: “This dance hall was located on south fieldspan in Duson-really off Ridge Road. It was opened for a long time-as long as I can remember. (I went) there a lot. -It was owned by Beltazar (Bee) and Regina Pellerin. They would have dances every Saturday- many greats played there. I remember Belton Richard the most. There were many wedding receptions are wedding marches there, including my own. They have both died but there only child their daughter is my aunt. the building is still there and I think it should be listed as one the oldies but goodies.” ...

Winchester Club

Possibly also the Belvedere Club? Photo from the Johnnie Allan Collection at the Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. ...

Camille Romero’s Club

Listed in “Readers recall clubs where they danced to Louisiana Music” from The Daily Advertiser, December 29, 1998: “Readers of The Daily Advertiser were asked to submit names of’ the clubs where they danced to Louisiana music in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, with a brief recollection of what the club was like and who played there.” ...

Ernest Sonnier’s Club

Listed in “Readers recall clubs where they danced to Louisiana Music” from The Daily Advertiser, December 29, 1998: “Readers of The Daily Advertiser were asked to submit names of’ the clubs where they danced to Louisiana music in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, with a brief recollection of what the club was like and who played there.” round building ...