Dancehalls in St. Martin Parish

Robin’s Dance Hall

Mentioned in November 20, 2012 article in Country Roads Magazine: “Catfish & Cajun Culture in Henderson- How to skin a catfish: and the simple joys of my childhood” by Sam Irwin https://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/people-places/catfish-cajun-culture-in-henderson/ ...

Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club

From Sepia Socialite, May 1942: Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club Is Southwest’s Big Amusement Center Morris Dauphine Is Promoter of a Community of Amusement “High-class entertainment and service is the distinction given by Negroes of St. Martinville Parks and New Iberia when mentioning the Tuxedo Garden and Nite Club. It is one of the famed dance centers of this section in that the management has brought to the St. Martinville area many of the outstanding dance bands in the country, including the Harlem Play Girls, Joan Lunceford and the Sweethearts of Rhythm. Morris Dauphine, proprietor and manager of the center, opened the business three years ago with only a barroom and small capital and developed it into one of the outstanding entertainment spots in the state. The property was owned by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Rene Dauphine, who were pioneer farmers of this section, having cultivated 130 areas of land for number of years. Mr. Dauphine’s business was built upon this property and portions of the remaining acres developed into a baseball park and other recreational amusements. The buildings and equipment are valued at more than $20,000. Mr. Dauphine also owns the Teche Bar of New Iberia which is one of the swellest night spots of this section. He furnishes employment to more than 25 Negroes and enjoys across income of approximately $1,500 a month. Mr. Dauphine is a product of Southern University, and is an accomplished musician in that he has played in bands in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.” ...

Walter Angelle’s Club

Eric Castille: It was located across from the original location of Webster’s Bar at Four Corners (Grand Anse Hwy and Coteau Rodaire Hwy) in Cecilia. I’m not sure what the official name was, but everyone called it “Walt-ah’s” after the owner, Walter Angelle. ...

Rainbow Rose

LouisianaDancehalls.com reader comment- Shane Bernard: “I think that might be the same club as The Rainbow Rose, a short-lived nightclub on Highway 182 between New Iberia and Broussard (probably in St. Martin Parish). I recall it offered a lot of swamp pop music. Interestingly, it was also said to be a LGBT club…It occupied the building that is now Paramount Oil Tools at 1373 Old Spanish Trail, Broussard, Louisiana 70518…now a large metal warehouse-type structure. As I recall, the structure was built expressly to house the nightclub, which, after it closed, was taken over by Paramount.” ...

Sportsman’s Club

Mentioned in “Guide to Swingout in Southwest Louisiana and Texas” by Cat, published 2002 Breaux Bridge ...

Mary’s Lounge

Mentioned in “Guide to Swingout in Southwest Louisiana and Texas” by Cat, published 2002 Breaux Bridge ...

Cora’s Lounge

Mentioned in “Guide to Swingout in Southwest Louisiana and Texas” by Cat, published 2002 Breaux Bridge ...