Paul Breaux: “That place was old when I started going out in the late 1960’s, but at that time, it was known as ‘Lil Tavern’. In case you aren’t famliar with main street in Kaplan, Cushing, it’s divided by a neutral ground which makes it convenient to watch a parade from, first passing in one direction, then turning to watch it return. It is now called Annie’s Bar.” ...
Dancehalls in Vermilion Parish
Alex’s
Paul Breaux: “It was called Alex’s, and was one of the top two spots here in Abbeville, along with Royal Anns. Alex was a more peaceful place to go to, and Alex Abshire, the owner, mixed in the crowds, and was friendly. Today, if I recall correctly, Alex Wrecker Service, is run by his family. Perhaps someone else may have an idea, of just where it was located. When I got married in 1972, I took the wife out there one night, and after Alex learned of our marriage, he gave us a bottle of champaigne to celebrate. Alex was a good man, and his persona rubbed off on his Night Club.” Located in the vicinity of Vermilion Catholic High School ...
Air-o-way Club
Lian Cheramie: “In the 30’s and early 1940 it was in Leroy (where North Vermilion High School is now) and it was called the ‘Barras Dancehall.’ Then in 1940 they moved it to Nunez (outside of Kaplan) and it was the ‘Air-o-way Club’.” LouisianaDancehalls.com reader comment by Becki Johnson: “My grandparents owned the club… From left to right: Irene Barras Castille, Ed Barras, Hazel Barras Faulk, Unknown, Edward Barras, Effie Landry Barras. Picture (taken in 1940) shows Highway 25 but it is Highway 35, in Nunez.” ...
August Gallet’s Dancehall
Mentioned in “History in Vermilion Parish, La., Vol. 1”: Early 1900s- “August Gallet’s land was opposite Harry Durke’s at the pontoon bridge. August was proprietor of a large circular dance hall offering Saturday night dancing to the music of the accordion and triangle. Gallet also operated a syrup mill and his daughter, Evella’s recipe was highly favored by the community.” ...
Siesta Club
Listed as a destination in a legal case in 1962: located about 600 feet from the Bel Amour Club ...
Vidrine Hall
Newspaper mention of dance, 1910: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88064250/1910-04-16/ed-1/seq-5/ ...
Barras Dancehall
Lian Cheramie: “In the 30’s and early 1940 it was in Leroy (where North Vermilion High School is now) and it was called the ‘Barras Dancehall.’ Then in 1940 they moved it to Nunez (outside of Kaplan) and it was the ‘Air-o-way Club’.” Rena L. Bertrand: “It was located on Hwy. 14.” ...
Town & Country Club
Also known as Chicky Town. The owner was C.J. Broussard. In July 1954, Will Kegley stabbed Atlas Fruge there while Nathan Abshire and the Pine Grove Boys played. Ray Abshire grew up in the house next door and listened to the bands through his window growing up. Previously the building was a grocery and post office. DL Menard: “(when I was with Badeau and the Louisiana Aces) we played there every other Saturday.” Pat Richard: “Between Gueydan and Morse. On Saturday nights there would be a French band from 8-12 and then a Rock-n-roll band from 1-5 in the morning.” Charlie Simon: “The Riceville Club was my uncle’, Curtis Trahan’s club in the early 1960s . It was named “The Town and Country Club”. I was 9 years old at the time. Big names, such as Loretta Lyn, George Jones, Fats Domino played there. They served food there and had big card games. My uncle Curtis was a big influence on my life, he was larger than life. Believe it or not, he ran around barefooted 90 percent of the time. He passed away in 1966 from cancer. He was in his 40s. This is when the club changed hands and name.” ...
Perry Dance Hall
Probably the same as Feray’s?: Newspaper mention: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88064057/1916-07-01/ed-1/seq-2/ ...
Yuam’s
Reva Chissom: (1221 Deerport, Lake Charles, 70601) on the south side of Abbeville over the river- very very popular- a real “fais-do-do” operated by “Yuam” Bill Sorbet- his brother’s son lives in Maurice, LA- Roy Sorbet ...