WE LOVE IT
HERE !!! WHAT’S COMING UP IN ST. FRANCISVILLE
MUSIC AT THE MAG
Friday February 12th
– Smokehouse
Saturday-February 13th – Valentine Givewawy at 7pm Come early get your lucky seat
Friday-February
19th – Trainwreck
Saturday-February 20th – Ted Hefko and the Thousandaries
Friday- February 26th
– The Delta Drifters
Saturday- February 27th – Late Evening
FARMER’S MARKET EVERY THURSDAY ON
WILCOX ST.
9am-1pm Support our local farmers
ROSEDOWN PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC
SITE
Black History Month Display for the whole month of
February, Rosedown will mount a display in the gift shop conference room
honoring the lives and accomplishments of African-Americans. The
exhibit will feature pictures, brief biographies and music of
African-Americans
who had an influence on history.
Garden Tour Fridays will take place the first Friday of each month at 10am, starting on February
5th. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings.
THE BLUFFS ON THOMPSON CREEK GOLF AND
CONFERENCE RESORT
Breakfast on the Greens: Sunday Buffet Brunch coming on January 24th from 10:30am-1:30pm
Reservations Recommended 225 634-6419.
ST FRANCISVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
Friday – February
12th at 7pm at Grace Church the St. Francisville Symphony
Association along with the BRSO Willis Delony: Intersections. Mr.
Delony
offers a fascinating glimpse into the connections between the worlds of
Classical and Jazz in his original production. Tickets can be purchased
at The Bank of St. Francisville.
VALENTINE’S SPECIALS
Birdman Coffee is hosting nationally recognized musician
Pierce Pettit at 7pm on Sunday February 14th.
Bohemianville Antiques has gorgeous jewelry for that special Valentine.
Valentine’s Dinner at The Bluffs on Saturday February 13th from 5:30pm-9pm $89.95 per couple
A special five
course dinner Choice of Appetizer, Soup, Choice of Salad, Choice of
Entrée, 6oz Filet, Chicken Oscar or Blackened Catch of the Day and
Choice
of Dessert, will be served with a Complimentary Glass of Champagne.
Reservations are Required 225 634-6419
PARKS AND REC
A Pickleball Clinic will be held Saturday, February 20th, 9
am until 11:30 am, at the West Feliciana Sports Park. The clinic is
FREE,
with instruction from experienced players from Baton Rouge and Zachary,
and all must pre-register by Thursday, February 18th. This clinic is for
3
different playing levels - Beginner; Advanced Beginner; Intermediate.
All equipment needed will be provided. Persons should wear athletic
shoes and
comfortable clothing to allow movement. Interested persons may
pre-register by emailing Pat Heurtin at patheurtin@aol.com or by calling
the Park
Office at 225-784-8447. When registering, all need to indicate their
playing level and the best contact number in case they need to be
reached to
indicate a change in venue due to bad weather.
Bonfire Bash (for adults) with music by Vida Duet
WF Community
Park Saturday, February
20th
6-10 PM
Hotdogs + s’mores provided
BYOB- beer and wine only
Suggestion- bring chairs as
well
A CELEBRATION OF LITERATURE & ART
Writers & Readers Symposium on Saturday February
20th from 8:30am-3pm.
The event will be held at Hemingbough. The Authors presenting will
be Margaret McMullan, Michael Rubin, Mona Lisa Saloy, Philip Gould and Robert Dafford.
Writers Workshop on Sunday February
21st from 9am-4pm
The event will be held at the West Feliciana Parish Library. Margaret McMullan will help experienced
and aspiring writers hone their writing skills. For more information, www.literatureandart.org
We now have an
instragram account, please share your pictures with us.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Thursday, February 4, 2016
WE LOVE IT HERE !!! WHAT’S COMING UP IN ST. FRANCISVILLE
WE LOVE IT
HERE !!! WHAT’S COMING UP IN ST. FRANCISVILLE
MUSIC AT THE MAG
Friday- February 5th – Dale Sellars & Backroads
Saturday- February 6th – Drew Landry
Friday February 12th – Smokehouse
Saturday-February 13th – Valentine Givewawy at 7pm Come early get your lucky seat
Friday-February 19th – Trainwreck
Saturday-February 20th – Ted Hefko and the Thousandaries
Friday- February 26th – The Delta Drifters
Saturday- February 27th – Late Evening
FARMER’S MARKET EVERY THURSDAY ON WILCOX ST.
9am-1pm Support our local farmers
ROSEDOWN PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE
Black History Month Display for the whole month of February, Rosedown will mount a display in the gift shop conference room honoring the lives and accomplishments of African-Americans. The exhibit will feature pictures, brief biographies and music of African-Americans who had an influence on history.
Garden Tour Fridays will take place the first Friday of each month at 10am, starting on February 5th. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings.
THE BLUFFS ON THOMPSON CREEK GOLF AND CONFERENCE RESORT
Breakfast on the Greens: Sunday Buffet Brunch coming on January 24th from 10:30am-1:30pm Reservations Recommended 225 634-6419.
MARDI GRAS IN ST. FRANCISVILLE
Arts for All presents ‘LIFE IS A MASQUERADE” one day only Sunday February 7th from 12-4pm. The 4th annual Mardi Gras Pop Up Art Show and Walking Parade. Dress in costume for a walking parade from the Arts for All Studio on Commerce Street (5877) to walk to the Birdman Coffee for a Potluck Dinner and Music after the show. Artists wishing to participate in the show need to bring original artwork related to the theme of a masquerade to the Arts for All Studio on Sunday February 7th.
The Bluffs on Thompson Creek Golf and Conference Resort invites you to a Mardi Gras Family Buffet
On Tuesday February 9th from 5pm-8pm. Menu to include: all the warm comforting Louisiana dishes, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Etoufee and King Cake. Price is $11.00 for Adults and $7.00 for children.
ST FRANCISVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
Friday – February 12th at 7pm at Grace Church the St. Francisville Symphony Association along with the BRSO Willis Delony: Intersections. Mr. Delony offers a fascinating glimpse into the connections between the worlds of Classical and Jazz in his original production. Tickets can be purchased at The Bank of St. Francisville.
VALENTINE’S SPECIALS
Birdman Coffee is hosting nationally recognized musician Pierce Pettit at 7pm on Sunday February 14th.
Bohemianville Antiques has gorgeous jewelry for that special Valentine.
Valentine’s Dinner at The Bluffs on Saturday February 13th from 5:30pm-9pm $89.95 per couple
A special five course dinner Choice of Appetizer, Soup, Choice of Salad, Choice of Entrée, 6oz Filet, Chicken Oscar or Blackened Catch of the Day and Choice of Dessert, will be served with a Complimentary Glass of Champagne. Reservations are Required 225 634-6419
PARKS AND REC
A Pickleball Clinic will be held Saturday, February 20th, 9 am until 11:30 am, at the West Feliciana Sports Park. The clinic is FREE, with instruction from experienced players from Baton Rouge and Zachary, and all must pre-register by Thursday, February 18th. This clinic is for 3 different playing levels - Beginner; Advanced Beginner; Intermediate. All equipment needed will be provided. Persons should wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing to allow movement. Interested persons may pre-register by emailing Pat Heurtin at patheurtin@aol.com or by calling the Park Office at 225-784-8447. When registering, all need to indicate their playing level and the best contact number in case they need to be reached to indicate a change in venue due to bad weather.
Bonfire Bash (for adults) with music by Vida Duet
WF Community Park Saturday, February 20th
6-10 PM
Hotdogs + s’mores provided
BYOB- beer and wine only
Suggestion- bring chairs as well
A CELEBRATION OF LITERATURE & ART
Writers & Readers Symposium on Saturday February 20th from 8:30am-3pm.
The event will be held at Hemingbough. The Authors presenting will be Margaret McMullan, Michael Rubin, Mona Lisa Saloy, Philip Gould and Robert Dafford.
Writers Workshop on Sunday February 21st from 9am-4pm
The event will be held at the West Feliciana Parish Library. Margaret McMullan will help experienced and aspiring writers hone their writing skills. For more information, www.literatureandart.org
We now have an instragram account, please share your pictures with us.
MUSIC AT THE MAG
Friday- February 5th – Dale Sellars & Backroads
Saturday- February 6th – Drew Landry
Friday February 12th – Smokehouse
Saturday-February 13th – Valentine Givewawy at 7pm Come early get your lucky seat
Friday-February 19th – Trainwreck
Saturday-February 20th – Ted Hefko and the Thousandaries
Friday- February 26th – The Delta Drifters
Saturday- February 27th – Late Evening
FARMER’S MARKET EVERY THURSDAY ON WILCOX ST.
9am-1pm Support our local farmers
ROSEDOWN PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE
Black History Month Display for the whole month of February, Rosedown will mount a display in the gift shop conference room honoring the lives and accomplishments of African-Americans. The exhibit will feature pictures, brief biographies and music of African-Americans who had an influence on history.
Garden Tour Fridays will take place the first Friday of each month at 10am, starting on February 5th. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings.
THE BLUFFS ON THOMPSON CREEK GOLF AND CONFERENCE RESORT
Breakfast on the Greens: Sunday Buffet Brunch coming on January 24th from 10:30am-1:30pm Reservations Recommended 225 634-6419.
MARDI GRAS IN ST. FRANCISVILLE
Arts for All presents ‘LIFE IS A MASQUERADE” one day only Sunday February 7th from 12-4pm. The 4th annual Mardi Gras Pop Up Art Show and Walking Parade. Dress in costume for a walking parade from the Arts for All Studio on Commerce Street (5877) to walk to the Birdman Coffee for a Potluck Dinner and Music after the show. Artists wishing to participate in the show need to bring original artwork related to the theme of a masquerade to the Arts for All Studio on Sunday February 7th.
The Bluffs on Thompson Creek Golf and Conference Resort invites you to a Mardi Gras Family Buffet
On Tuesday February 9th from 5pm-8pm. Menu to include: all the warm comforting Louisiana dishes, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Etoufee and King Cake. Price is $11.00 for Adults and $7.00 for children.
ST FRANCISVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
Friday – February 12th at 7pm at Grace Church the St. Francisville Symphony Association along with the BRSO Willis Delony: Intersections. Mr. Delony offers a fascinating glimpse into the connections between the worlds of Classical and Jazz in his original production. Tickets can be purchased at The Bank of St. Francisville.
VALENTINE’S SPECIALS
Birdman Coffee is hosting nationally recognized musician Pierce Pettit at 7pm on Sunday February 14th.
Bohemianville Antiques has gorgeous jewelry for that special Valentine.
Valentine’s Dinner at The Bluffs on Saturday February 13th from 5:30pm-9pm $89.95 per couple
A special five course dinner Choice of Appetizer, Soup, Choice of Salad, Choice of Entrée, 6oz Filet, Chicken Oscar or Blackened Catch of the Day and Choice of Dessert, will be served with a Complimentary Glass of Champagne. Reservations are Required 225 634-6419
PARKS AND REC
A Pickleball Clinic will be held Saturday, February 20th, 9 am until 11:30 am, at the West Feliciana Sports Park. The clinic is FREE, with instruction from experienced players from Baton Rouge and Zachary, and all must pre-register by Thursday, February 18th. This clinic is for 3 different playing levels - Beginner; Advanced Beginner; Intermediate. All equipment needed will be provided. Persons should wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing to allow movement. Interested persons may pre-register by emailing Pat Heurtin at patheurtin@aol.com or by calling the Park Office at 225-784-8447. When registering, all need to indicate their playing level and the best contact number in case they need to be reached to indicate a change in venue due to bad weather.
Bonfire Bash (for adults) with music by Vida Duet
WF Community Park Saturday, February 20th
6-10 PM
Hotdogs + s’mores provided
BYOB- beer and wine only
Suggestion- bring chairs as well
A CELEBRATION OF LITERATURE & ART
Writers & Readers Symposium on Saturday February 20th from 8:30am-3pm.
The event will be held at Hemingbough. The Authors presenting will be Margaret McMullan, Michael Rubin, Mona Lisa Saloy, Philip Gould and Robert Dafford.
Writers Workshop on Sunday February 21st from 9am-4pm
The event will be held at the West Feliciana Parish Library. Margaret McMullan will help experienced and aspiring writers hone their writing skills. For more information, www.literatureandart.org
We now have an instragram account, please share your pictures with us.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Feb-March in St. Francisville, La.
PRESS St. Francisville, LA Events February - March 2016
Black History Month Display: Month of February, 10 am-4 pm. In celebration of Black History Month, Rosedown Plantation will mount a display in the gift shop conference room honoring the lives and accomplishments of African-Americans. The exhibit will feature pictures, brief biographies and music of African-Americans who had an influence on history. . For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
Garden Tour Fridays: February 5, 2016, 10 am. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings. Program occurs every first Friday of each month.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
St. Francisville’s Writers and Readers Symposium: A Celebration of Literature and Art
February 20, 2016
Recognized as the cultural center of the Felicianas for the large number of artists, authors and other creative souls who reside in its historic homes and pastoral settings, St. Francisville, LA, has also become popular with fans of good literature who come together from a wide area each February to enjoy the annual Writers and Readers Symposium.
Once again the sponsoring arts and humanities group called A Celebration of Literature and Art, Inc. has put together an amazing group of authors and artists who will speak about their creative processes and mingle with enthusiastic fans at Hemingbough Conference Center on Saturday, February 20. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with presentations by featured authors starting at 9, lunch served at noon, a 1 p.m. author’s panel Q&A, followed by an hour-long autograph session beginning at 2 p.m. An added visual treat will be A Novel Image, a competitive exhibit of photographs, paintings and sculpture matched with literary works. The Saturday symposium will be followed on Sunday by a Writers Workshop led by Margaret McMullan for both experienced and aspiring authors at the West Feliciana Parish Library from 9 to 4.
Featured presenters this year will be award-winning novelist Margaret McMullan, who released her moving seventh novel Aftermath Lounge on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; Renaissance man Michael Rubin, jazz pianist, national speaker/humorist, and practicing attorney whose murder mystery The Cottoncrest Curse was published by LSU Press; New Orleans poet Mona Lisa Saloy returning to share a new book of poetry called Second Line Home; and noted Louisiana photographer Philip Gould and renowned public muralist Robert Dafford. The Public Art of Robert Dafford, one of Gould’s dozen books, features his superb images in both words and photographs of some of Dafford’s most memorable murals, painted in this country, Canada, France, Belgium and Great Britain, and both artists will be present for the symposium at Hemingbough.
A Celebration of Literature and Art is a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring together people who delight in the creative process—the writers, visual artists, actors and musicians, as well as those who enjoy and value what others have crafted. To submit an entry for A Novel Image, send digital image to coordinator Darlene Reaves at dayreaves@bellsouth.net by December 15. For tickets, register online with credit card at www.brownpapertickets.com (OLLI members www.outreach.lsu.edu/olli). Fees for the symposium are $40 for 2015 registrants; $50 for 2016 registrants; $60 at door. Writers Workshop fee is $150; limited scholarships are available. Online information is available at www.literatureandart.org.
Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
March 2016
Garden Tour Fridays: March 4, 2016, 10 am. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings. Program occurs every first Friday of each month.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
Easter Egg Hunt: March 12, 2016, 1 pm. Easter was an important holiday at Rosedown in the 1800s. On this day children can participate in an old-fashioned Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the plantation. After the hunt, children can enjoy playing 19th century games. Prizes will be awarded to the children who find the special “Rosedown” eggs.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
2016 Audubon Pilgrimage
General Press Release
By Anne Butler
The forty-fifth annual Audubon Pilgrimage March 18, 19 and 20, 2016, celebrates a southern spring in St. Francisville, the glorious garden spot of Louisiana’s English Plantation Country. For over four decades the sponsoring West Feliciana Historical Society has thrown open the doors of significant historic structures to commemorate artist-naturalist John James Audubon’s stay as he painted a number of his famous bird studies and tutored the daughter of Oakley Plantation’s Pirrie family, beautiful young Eliza. A year’s worth of planning and preparation precedes each pilgrimage, and with 45 years of experience under their belt, society members put on one of the South’s most professional and enjoyable pilgrimage presentations.
This year’s tour features several townhouses in St. Francisville’s National Register Historic District and two early plantations in the surrounding countryside, each illustrative of the interconnections of early homes and family histories.
The Cabildo, thought to have been built on Royal Street in St. Francisville as early as 1809 with handhewn joists and brick walls 22 inches thick, is a Spanish colonial structure used over the years as monastery, tavern frequented by Audubon, bank/counting house, West Feliciana’s first parish courthouse beginning in 1824, barbershop, grocery, hotel, drugstore, library, and now beautifully restored present residence of Peggy and Joey Gammill, preservation/conservation experts.
Vinci Cottage at Virginia, all of 1000 feet, was built in the forties of materials salvaged from the detached kitchen and servants’ quarters behind the 1817 historic townhouse on Royal Street called Virginia, perfect for owner Nancy Vinci’s “downsizing with dog.” Supplementing the postage-stamp lawn of this cottage is Woodleigh Garden, just across Royal, a beautifully landscaped hillside setting filled by owners Leigh Anne and Butch Jones with heirloom pass-along plantings and a pleasant brick courtyard with fountain.
The Myrtles, a raised English cottage begun in the late 1790s by Judge David Bradford, leader of the Whiskey Rebellion, was enlarged by subsequent owners throughout the 19th century. The long front gallery is graced with grape-cluster wrought iron, and inside rooms are formalized with elaborate plaster friezework and marble mantels in the twin parlors. John E. and Teeta Moss are the current owners.
Rosale Plantation, north of St. Francisville at Wakefield, was part of early settler Alexander Stirling’s enormous 1790s landholdings; when the elaborate brick house his daughter Ann Skillman built in 1836 burned in the 1880s, the family moved into the two-story schoolhouse, built the same time. Today the simple farmhouse with sweeping vistas of manicured oak-shaded lawns and multiple ponds is owned by Peter and Lynda Truitt.
Other popular features of the 2016 Audubon Pilgrimage include Afton Villa Gardens, Audubon (Oakley) and Rosedown State Historic Sites, three 19th-century churches in town and beautiful St. Mary’s in the country, as well as the Rural Homestead with lively demonstrations of the rustic skills of daily pioneer life. An Audubon Play will be performed several times daily on Saturday and Sunday in recently restored Temple Sinai. Daytime features are open 9:30 to 5, Sunday 11 to 4 for tour homes; Friday evening activities are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday soiree begins at 7 p.m.
The Historic District around Royal Street is filled during the day with the happy sounds of costumed children singing and dancing the Maypole; in the evening as candles flicker and fireflies flit among the ancient moss-draped live oaks, there is no place more inviting for a leisurely stroll. Friday evening features old-time Hymn Singing at the United Methodist Church, Audubon Play in Temple Sinai, Graveyard Tours at Grace Episcopal cemetery (last tour begins at 8:15 p.m.), and a wine and cheese reception at Bishop Jackson Hall (7 to 9 p.m.) featuring Vintage Dancers and young ladies modeling the pilgrimage’s exquisitely detailed 1820’s evening costumes, nationally recognized for their authenticity. Light Up The Night, the Saturday evening soiree, features live music and dancing, dinner and drinks beginning at 7 p.m.
For tickets and tour information, contact West Feliciana Historical Society, Box 338, St. Francisville, LA 70775; phone 225-635-6330 or 225-635-4224; online www.westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org, email wfhistsociety@gmail.com.
A package including daytime tours and all evening entertainment Friday and Saturday is available. Tickets can be purchased at the Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street. For information on St. Francisville overnight accommodations, shops, restaurants, and recreation in the Tunica Hills, see www.stfrancisville.us, www.stfrancisville.net, or www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com
Black History Month Display: Month of February, 10 am-4 pm. In celebration of Black History Month, Rosedown Plantation will mount a display in the gift shop conference room honoring the lives and accomplishments of African-Americans. The exhibit will feature pictures, brief biographies and music of African-Americans who had an influence on history. . For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
Garden Tour Fridays: February 5, 2016, 10 am. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings. Program occurs every first Friday of each month.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
St. Francisville’s Writers and Readers Symposium: A Celebration of Literature and Art
February 20, 2016
Recognized as the cultural center of the Felicianas for the large number of artists, authors and other creative souls who reside in its historic homes and pastoral settings, St. Francisville, LA, has also become popular with fans of good literature who come together from a wide area each February to enjoy the annual Writers and Readers Symposium.
Once again the sponsoring arts and humanities group called A Celebration of Literature and Art, Inc. has put together an amazing group of authors and artists who will speak about their creative processes and mingle with enthusiastic fans at Hemingbough Conference Center on Saturday, February 20. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with presentations by featured authors starting at 9, lunch served at noon, a 1 p.m. author’s panel Q&A, followed by an hour-long autograph session beginning at 2 p.m. An added visual treat will be A Novel Image, a competitive exhibit of photographs, paintings and sculpture matched with literary works. The Saturday symposium will be followed on Sunday by a Writers Workshop led by Margaret McMullan for both experienced and aspiring authors at the West Feliciana Parish Library from 9 to 4.
Featured presenters this year will be award-winning novelist Margaret McMullan, who released her moving seventh novel Aftermath Lounge on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; Renaissance man Michael Rubin, jazz pianist, national speaker/humorist, and practicing attorney whose murder mystery The Cottoncrest Curse was published by LSU Press; New Orleans poet Mona Lisa Saloy returning to share a new book of poetry called Second Line Home; and noted Louisiana photographer Philip Gould and renowned public muralist Robert Dafford. The Public Art of Robert Dafford, one of Gould’s dozen books, features his superb images in both words and photographs of some of Dafford’s most memorable murals, painted in this country, Canada, France, Belgium and Great Britain, and both artists will be present for the symposium at Hemingbough.
A Celebration of Literature and Art is a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring together people who delight in the creative process—the writers, visual artists, actors and musicians, as well as those who enjoy and value what others have crafted. To submit an entry for A Novel Image, send digital image to coordinator Darlene Reaves at dayreaves@bellsouth.net by December 15. For tickets, register online with credit card at www.brownpapertickets.com (OLLI members www.outreach.lsu.edu/olli). Fees for the symposium are $40 for 2015 registrants; $50 for 2016 registrants; $60 at door. Writers Workshop fee is $150; limited scholarships are available. Online information is available at www.literatureandart.org.
Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
March 2016
Garden Tour Fridays: March 4, 2016, 10 am. A guided walking tour of the historic Rosedown Gardens and Outbuildings. Program occurs every first Friday of each month.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
Easter Egg Hunt: March 12, 2016, 1 pm. Easter was an important holiday at Rosedown in the 1800s. On this day children can participate in an old-fashioned Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the plantation. After the hunt, children can enjoy playing 19th century games. Prizes will be awarded to the children who find the special “Rosedown” eggs.
For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.
2016 Audubon Pilgrimage
General Press Release
By Anne Butler
The forty-fifth annual Audubon Pilgrimage March 18, 19 and 20, 2016, celebrates a southern spring in St. Francisville, the glorious garden spot of Louisiana’s English Plantation Country. For over four decades the sponsoring West Feliciana Historical Society has thrown open the doors of significant historic structures to commemorate artist-naturalist John James Audubon’s stay as he painted a number of his famous bird studies and tutored the daughter of Oakley Plantation’s Pirrie family, beautiful young Eliza. A year’s worth of planning and preparation precedes each pilgrimage, and with 45 years of experience under their belt, society members put on one of the South’s most professional and enjoyable pilgrimage presentations.
This year’s tour features several townhouses in St. Francisville’s National Register Historic District and two early plantations in the surrounding countryside, each illustrative of the interconnections of early homes and family histories.
The Cabildo, thought to have been built on Royal Street in St. Francisville as early as 1809 with handhewn joists and brick walls 22 inches thick, is a Spanish colonial structure used over the years as monastery, tavern frequented by Audubon, bank/counting house, West Feliciana’s first parish courthouse beginning in 1824, barbershop, grocery, hotel, drugstore, library, and now beautifully restored present residence of Peggy and Joey Gammill, preservation/conservation experts.
Vinci Cottage at Virginia, all of 1000 feet, was built in the forties of materials salvaged from the detached kitchen and servants’ quarters behind the 1817 historic townhouse on Royal Street called Virginia, perfect for owner Nancy Vinci’s “downsizing with dog.” Supplementing the postage-stamp lawn of this cottage is Woodleigh Garden, just across Royal, a beautifully landscaped hillside setting filled by owners Leigh Anne and Butch Jones with heirloom pass-along plantings and a pleasant brick courtyard with fountain.
The Myrtles, a raised English cottage begun in the late 1790s by Judge David Bradford, leader of the Whiskey Rebellion, was enlarged by subsequent owners throughout the 19th century. The long front gallery is graced with grape-cluster wrought iron, and inside rooms are formalized with elaborate plaster friezework and marble mantels in the twin parlors. John E. and Teeta Moss are the current owners.
Rosale Plantation, north of St. Francisville at Wakefield, was part of early settler Alexander Stirling’s enormous 1790s landholdings; when the elaborate brick house his daughter Ann Skillman built in 1836 burned in the 1880s, the family moved into the two-story schoolhouse, built the same time. Today the simple farmhouse with sweeping vistas of manicured oak-shaded lawns and multiple ponds is owned by Peter and Lynda Truitt.
Other popular features of the 2016 Audubon Pilgrimage include Afton Villa Gardens, Audubon (Oakley) and Rosedown State Historic Sites, three 19th-century churches in town and beautiful St. Mary’s in the country, as well as the Rural Homestead with lively demonstrations of the rustic skills of daily pioneer life. An Audubon Play will be performed several times daily on Saturday and Sunday in recently restored Temple Sinai. Daytime features are open 9:30 to 5, Sunday 11 to 4 for tour homes; Friday evening activities are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday soiree begins at 7 p.m.
The Historic District around Royal Street is filled during the day with the happy sounds of costumed children singing and dancing the Maypole; in the evening as candles flicker and fireflies flit among the ancient moss-draped live oaks, there is no place more inviting for a leisurely stroll. Friday evening features old-time Hymn Singing at the United Methodist Church, Audubon Play in Temple Sinai, Graveyard Tours at Grace Episcopal cemetery (last tour begins at 8:15 p.m.), and a wine and cheese reception at Bishop Jackson Hall (7 to 9 p.m.) featuring Vintage Dancers and young ladies modeling the pilgrimage’s exquisitely detailed 1820’s evening costumes, nationally recognized for their authenticity. Light Up The Night, the Saturday evening soiree, features live music and dancing, dinner and drinks beginning at 7 p.m.
For tickets and tour information, contact West Feliciana Historical Society, Box 338, St. Francisville, LA 70775; phone 225-635-6330 or 225-635-4224; online www.westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org, email wfhistsociety@gmail.com.
A package including daytime tours and all evening entertainment Friday and Saturday is available. Tickets can be purchased at the Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street. For information on St. Francisville overnight accommodations, shops, restaurants, and recreation in the Tunica Hills, see www.stfrancisville.us, www.stfrancisville.net, or www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com
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