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Mamou: Various stories on origin of town's name

11/1/2013

22 Comments

 
By Bernice Ardoin and published in the 75th Anniversary Edition of The Weekly Gazette, February 23, 1989, Ville Platte, LA
The Town of Mamou, incorporated in 1911, has a population of approximately 5,000 today. The town is the second largest in Evangeline parish.

The charter granted by the governor for a proclamation of incorporation called for a governing body composed of a mayor and three aldermen. The council was allowed to employ officers.

Members of the first council were Adophe Dugas as mayor, Arnold Bougeau, Arance Bacon and Simeon Vidrine as aldermen. Euclide Landreneau was named treasurer while Avey McCauley was marshall and tax collector. Simon B. Tate served as the town's first clerk. They met for the first time in February 1911 and the population of the town was approximately 250.

The first ordinance adopted by the new officials prohibited the carrying of concealed weapons by any person within the corporate city limits of the town. This included pistols, bowie knives, and any other dangerous weapons.

In 1911, the town officials purchased a lot for the purpose of erecting a city jail. A committee was appointed to meet with the parish school board in Ville Platte to discuss and set up ways and means by which the town could assist in the erection of a public school building in Mamou.

There are several stories about how the Town of Mamou got its name. One was from a legendary Indian, Chief Mamou. It is certain that the vast prairie was known as Mamou Prairie as far back as the 1700's. The Anglo-Americans first called it "Mammoth Prairie" [it was  Mammouth in the article, which is in error[] because of its size. When the Frenchmen came, they called it "Mamou," short for "Mammoth."

There was strong competition between Mamou and Ville Platte for the parish seat. The result was the location of the parish seat in Ville Platte.

According to Robert Gahn Sr.'s book the The Opelousas Country, in 1909 the Southern Pacific Railroad built a branch line from Eunice to Mamou, making Mamou it terminal.

In the early 1900's, several enterprising young black men settled in Mamou. Joseph Celestine and son-in-law Arthur Thomas, and Mark Frank played an important role in education and business in the black community there.

Most of the black settlers worked on farms as laborers and share croppers.

Zan Matthew had the first dance hall in the black community, located where Zion Travelers Church is now.

In 1912, Mamou acquired its first bank; Evangeline Bank and Trust Company of Ville Platte. In 1914, a second bank, Farmer's Bank of Mamou was established where American Security Bank is now located. The bank was absorbed in 1924 by Evangeline Bank. In the early 1950's, Guaranty Bank of Mamou was established as a home-owned bank. Citizen's Bank opened a branch office in Mamou in 1977 and American Security opened its branch in 1983.

Mamou obtained telephone service in 1910 from the Louisiana Telephone Service. Telegraph service was extended from Ville Platte to Mamou in 1911 after the Rock Island Railroad was built in 1911.

According to Mr. Revon Reed, the first school was built in 1911 and Victor Dupuis was the first principal. The two-room frame building was located in a curve off Hwy. 13 near Reddell. It was for students through the 11th grade. Pupils in the first grade ranged from 6-16 years old. The school met the requirements for state high school approval in 1916.

Mr. Revon Reed taught school in Mamou for over 20 years. His uncle, Dominick Reed, also taught school there. Dominick was one of the first graduates from the school. Ella Mae Boutte was another.

In 1924 Mamou High School and Elementary School were built. F.V. Launey was the first principal at the new school. He later became superintendent of the parish. Robert Gahn Sr. was then appointed principal in 1925 until his retirement in 1958.

The high school principals over the years included: Victor Dupuis (1914-15), F.V. Launey (1915-25), Robert Gahn Sr. (1925-58), Dan LaHaye (1958-71), Robert Dogia (1972-84) and Denny Guillory (1984-present).

In the early 1920's Mamou began to grow as it contained such businesses as doctors, a dentist, an attorney, a rice mill, hardware stores, drugstores, general merchandise stores, a car dealership, implement dealer, two railroads, two banks and a large warehouse extending to each railroad. The population then is believed to have been 603.

In 1921, The Evangeline True Democrat, the first newspaper in the town, was published in Mamou. Felix Pierrotti was editor of the publication. The newspaper in the small town was used to boost the town and its area in competition with the Ville Platte newspaper, the first in the parish.

Waterworks were acquired in 1922 and electricity in 1926. Gas was piped to the town in 1938.

When the depression came in the 1930's it wiped out everything.

In the 1950's a new growth came about. A bank was reorganized, a new Catholic Church was built, along with several other churches, a hospital was built, three drugstores, two rice mills, a large rice dryer and elevators, and various other stores as well.

Mayors during the first 50 years (1911-51) were Euclide Landreneau, James Hamilton Seiley, Dixie Tate, O.L. Fuselier, Simeo Vidrine, George Piersall, Y.E. Stagg, Phillip LaHaye, Frank Savoy Sr., White Fusilier, J.C. Duplechin, Simon Tate, Davis Bertrand, Charles Landreneau, Oxeme Fontenot, and J.S. Guillory.

Calvin Landreneau was mayor of the town from 1962-69. He was succeeded by Dr. B.J. Manuel in 1970. Manuel remained mayor until 1980 and was succeeded by Frank Peter Savoy III (1981-85). Clayton McGee served as mayor form 1985-86. Warren Pierrotti, who is presently serving as mayor, took over the duties in 1987.

First Justices of the Peace were Neville "June" Guillory, John Reed and Edovic Rougeau.

Two doctors served the vast prairie in the early days: Dr. T.A. Guillory and Dr. E.D. Conway. Dr. Frank Savoy Sr. began practicing in Mamou in 1920.

The third oldest Catholic Church in the parish is located in Mamou. Father August Viel was appointed pastor of St. Ann's Church in 1914. A new Catholic Church and rectory were built in the 50's.

There were always social events in the town. In the early days there were bal de maison (house dances). These evolved into Fais do-dos and were held at local dance halls. Today the Town of Mamou is well known for its Music Festival in June. The music festival, which began in 1974, sponsored by the Cajun Music Festival Association.

The annual Mardi Gras celebration is called le Courir de Mardi Gras a Cheval (The Mardi Gras Run on Horseback). Men and boys ride horseback or in wagons into the countryside for miles collecting chickens and rice for the evening gumbo. The Mardi Gras in the area dates back to before the Civil War. It wasn't held for many years, but was reorganized in 1953 by Paul Tate, Sr.

Several years ago Mamou was designated as the "Cajun Music Capital of the World." The town is also nationally known for its famous "Fred's Lounge."

A city park in the town was also developed in the early 1950's.

Mamou's second news paper, The Mamou Acadian Press was established in 1955 and is still serving as the town's newspaper today under the editorship of Miss Candace Riley. Other employees as the weekly publication are Leisa Deshotel as advertising representative and Gwen Landreneau as receptionist. The Mamou Acadian Press began as a bilingual newspaper under the editorship of Revon Reed. Mike Deshotels was publisher. The paper ran a number of French columns with the English interpretation as well. Although no longer bilingual, the newspaper remains an integral part of the community.

The Mamou Acadian Press Plus, an advertising supplement to The Mamou Acadian Press began publication in November 1988 and is delivered to residents in central Evangeline Parish.
---------------------------
Mamou - Cajun Music Capital

22 Comments
EMMA MAE HEBERT WIGGINS link
4/17/2016 02:58:14 pm

The article is quite informative. My grandmother Etta Fuselier Hebert's father was one of the original founders of the Evangeline Bank.

Reply
Emma
4/17/2016 07:59:23 pm

Glad you enjoyed it.

Reply
Prudence Fruge' Menier
9/15/2016 10:11:06 pm

My great grandfather was a Piersall. His name was Samuel Piersall, mother was Alzina Fontenot Piersall, father was William Henry Piersall. George Piersall, mayor of Mamou somewhere in the span of 1911-51, had to be a relative.

Reply
Murphy link
9/16/2016 06:52:54 am

Neither Samuel Piersall or your mother Alzina Fontenot are in the Fontenot book. Could you send me that family information or mail a copy to me: Murphy Miller, 10108 NW 171st Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615. I will eventually re-publish the Fontenot family book and would like to include it. Thanks. Email: [email protected]

Reply
Janice Bergeron Fairchild
11/1/2016 02:56:15 pm

Does anyone know what the first Mascot of Mamou High was? I know it is now the "Demons", which I think is awful. Would very much like to know. Thank You

Reply
Murphy Miller
11/1/2016 04:59:40 pm

Not a clue as to the Demons name origin nor did I find anything online. I am working on the Bergeron family book. Want to add your family line? Send me some family history. Thanks.

Reply
Anita Young
4/25/2020 10:56:26 am

Interesting article. My uncle and parrian was Gilbert Piersall so the Piersall info caught my eye. I have a Mamou history question you may be able to help with. I've been trying to get some information on a painter/artist who signed his works Shorty. I understand he painted murals as well. Any additional info?

Reply
Murphy Miller link
4/25/2020 01:15:43 pm

I cannot help your but, I would try asking Richard Deshotel at: https://www.facebook.com/rdezo66

Reply
Tamara Landreneau
7/3/2020 12:35:39 pm

I'm was born in Mamou. My 1st Cousin, married a man, nicknamed, Shorty; he was small, in stature.
His name was James, Manuel, I believe. He was a Jockey. His late wife, was named Jane. He's the only man, that I have ever heard of, with the name, Shorty, in Mamou. I hope that it helps you.
P.S. They hadI 3 childrenhchildren; so, I have 3 2nd cousins;so, I'll ask one of them, if Shorty painted murals.

Reply
Keto Soileau
1/30/2021 07:24:53 pm

Shorty the sign painter's last name was McCauley. Can't remember his first name though!!

Reply
Callie Berzas
2/8/2023 10:24:00 am

Yes Shorty was A McCauley he painted my gift shop “Callie’s Cottage” in 1979. Uncle of Danny, Billy, Margaretta “Totsy & Paulette McCauley.

Greg Granger
2/1/2021 07:58:22 pm

I'm sorry I can't help with more details but we did sell Shorty's paintings (ducks, etc) at my father's furniture store, Home Discount Center, which was open from 1971-1985. I wish I had kept one.

Reply
Theresa Smith
8/2/2022 05:19:28 pm

I know exactly who you are talking about. His real name was Hubert Mccauley. He would sign his painting "Shorty the Sign Painter or Shorty". He was married to Amiee (Mae) Primeaux. His brother Albert Mccauley worked or owned the feed store in Mamou. Uncle Shorty & Aunt Mae lived accross the street from Fontenot's Lumber Yard. I used to spend Holiday's & summer vacations with them. His wife Amiee was from a small town down south next to the Gulf called Oak Grove, La.& that is where I met them. They were like 2nd parents to me. Hope this info helps you ! You are welcome to contact me by email if you would like more info

Reply
Callie Berzas
2/8/2023 10:12:29 am

Shorty was A McCauley. He painted the Window of My Gift Shop “Callie’s Cottage” in 1979.

Reply
Kimberly Dupre
1/30/2021 10:45:35 am

I remember Mr Shorty that painted. He lived by the old sisters home and hardware store. My grandfather was also nicknamed “Shorty” - Audrey Dupre’ Sr

Reply
Gail Peacock link
2/1/2021 01:43:04 pm

Where does Hotel Cazan fit in. The Hotel Cazan was built in 1911 also.

Reply
Greg Granger
2/1/2021 08:01:01 pm

Revon Reed also opened the Mamou Prairie newspaper in the late 1970s. I was a senior in high school and worked there in 1979. I have a photo of Revon and the staff if there's a way to post it.

Reply
Cammy Annie Dale Marcantel
2/4/2021 02:44:58 pm

I was born October 2,1947 my dad, Cammy Marcantel was working @ The Minneapolis Moline shop in pine point belonging to Mr. Emery Deshotels & Black Guillory! Somehow my dad was burnt on 95 percent of his body 3rd degree burns on October 3 1947 . I have been trying to find out if there was anything in any newspaper reporting this with no results! Would there be a local paper where this could have been printed?

Reply
Murphy Miller
2/4/2021 03:20:32 pm

I found nothing in Newspapers.com for this accident in 1947 searching the Louisiana newspapers for the company name nor his name, Cammy Marcantel. Sorry I cannot help.

Reply
Christopher Craig Dugas link
10/14/2021 09:27:35 pm

My Great Grandfather was Adophe Dugas.

Reply
MURPHY MILLER
10/18/2021 12:24:47 pm

Your comment: My Great Grandfather was Adophe Dugas.
Me: Can you proved a little more family history so I can use your input to expand on the article? Thanks. A photo also will be helpful. Thanks for you cooperation of work on the Mamou history.

Reply
Amy Gautreaux
10/29/2023 06:05:47 pm

I am trying to find out if any of my own family may have lived in this area at any time In the past. My family names are Gautreaux, Soileau, Boudreaux, Meadows, Carter, O'Neal, Neilly,

Reply



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