Funeral parade to be added to NHF Haunted History Tour
August 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Date: Saturday, October 16
Time: 5:00 pm
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation will once again present its Haunted History Tour. You’ll still see vignettes with local actors portraying historic figures interred in the American Cemetery, but we’re adding something special this year. We will have a funeral parade led by horse-drawn “funeral coach” followed by jazz ensemble playing New Orleans funeral marches
The parade will be held in downtown Natchitoches and will be accompanies by an ensemble followed by “mourners” with throws.
There will also be a coach tour thru Northwestern Campus and perhaps sightings of the campus ghost “Isabella.”
Make plans to come see us!
2010 Christmas by Candlelight Tour of Homes Schedule
August 4, 2010 | 2 Comments
Wednesday 12/8 & 12/15 from 5:00-8:00 pm
Chamard Dunahoe House – 120 rue Amulet
Historic French Colonial home, circa 1788 listed on the National Register of Historic Places with a unique collection of hand crafted cypress knee Santa’s on display
Prudhome-Rouquier House – 446 rue Jefferson
This Save Americas Treasure property was built circa 1790s of bousillage construction. It is the site of numerous holiday parties and weddings throughout the year.
Samuel Guy House (12/8) — 309 rue Pine
Built in 1850 it was the centerpiece of a working plantation located in Mansfield, La., and remained in the Guy family for 150 years. Moved to its present location and restored in 2002 and operates as a bed and breakfast.
Rusca House (12/15) — 124 rue Poete
California style bungalow built circa 1920 serves as a bed and breakfast. Royal Duncan Santa Clauses will be on display during the holidays.
Friday 12/10 & 12/17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Cunningham-Key House – 900 Williams Avenue
Built in 1961 by the famous Louisiana architect A Hays Town overlooking scenic Cane River Lake and the downtown historic district with one of the most panoramic views of the holiday lights.
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception – 613 Second Street
Circa 1857, many of the fixtures inside the church were imported from Europe, France and Germany evident in the hand-painted Stations of the Cross and the magnificent stained glass.
Murchison Townhouse – Corner of Church and Front Street
Constructed as an opera house and movie theatre in 1914, this significant property was converted into townhouses overlooking historic Front Street and the scenic Cane River Lake.
Westrop Cottage – 122 rue Horne
Recently constructed French Cottage located in the center of the downtown historic district well appointed with historic details and architecture.
Saturday 12/11 & 12/18 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Keegan House – 225 Williams Avenue
Colonial Revival, circa 1850’s with renovations in 1925 and 2010, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Levy East House – 358 rue Jefferson
Circa 1838, one of the most luxurious B&Bs in the South with beautiful holiday lights and decorations throughout the house.
Soldini House – 240 rue Jefferson
Built in 1847, the 17 rooms are decorated in Christmas traditions spanning the centuries and feature museum-quality antiques, flow blue china, antique Bibles and nativities. Purchased in 1916 by J. H. Williams, Sr., it has remained in his family for five generations. This is their 94th Christmas in the home.
2009 Christmas Tour of Homes
December 1, 2009 | 3 Comments
If the Christmas spirit hasn’t visited your home yet, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to an event where holiday joy inhabits every dwelling.
It is the annual Christmas by Candlelight, a holiday tour of uniquely decorated homes in the Natchitoches, La., area held this year on Dec. 9-19, 2009. Proceeds from the tour benefit the preservation of cultural resources in Natchitoches, La.
The event, consisting of three separate tours, will feature beautifully decorated homes. What makes Christmas by Candlelight so special and unique is that it consists of homes built last year as well as nearly 300 years ago.
Tickets:
$15 per package
$25 for a two-tour package
Three-tour packages are $35
Group rates are also available
Advance tickets can be purchased
at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist
Commission Office, located at
781 Front Street,
Natchitoches, La., 71457
or call 1-800-259-1714.
Tickets will also be available at each tour site the day of the event.
2009 NHF CHRISTMAS TOUR SCHEDULE*
Wednesday, December 9 and 16, 2009 (5-8PM)
The Prudhomme-Roquier House – 446 Jefferson Street- Service League of Natchitoches
This Save Americas Treasures property was built in 1790 of bousillage construction. An extensive restoration has occurred by members of the Service League of Natchitoches, who take pride in its elaborate décor as they ring in the Christmas season.
The Judge Porter House - 321 Second Street
The Judge Porter House is an impressive home in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches, Louisiana. A Queen Anne influence in the wraparound two-story gallery blends with Greek Revival architecture reflected in the colossal columns on massive brick pillars. High ceilings, heart pine floors and five fireplaces showcase exquisite mid 19th century antiques and European cut crystal chandlers.
Rusca House – 124 Poete Street (Dec. 17 only)
A California Bungalow style house, it was built in circa 1920 by J.D. and Pearl Rusca. The house contains its original moldings, heart pine floors and butlers pantry, which displays more than forty Royal Duncan Santa Clauses. The house operates as a bed and breakfast and contains an elaborate garden.
Samuel Guy House – 309 Pine Street (Dec. 10 only)
This house of Greek Revival architecture was built in 1850 by Samuel Eldridge Guy. The house was the centerpiece of a working plantation in Mansfield, LA. Due to disrepair, the house was moved to Natchitoches in 2002 and completely restored. The house contains more than 5,600 square feet and is operated as a bed and breakfast.
Friday, December 11 and 18, 2009 (5-8PM)
The Scott Corner House - 104 Poete Street
Poete Street Condos – 215 Poete Street
Horse drawn carriages, stringed popcorn and cranberries, wassail, and caroling will take you to the Christmas of the 1930’s. The handcrafted and fully restored work of art that is 215 Rue Poete will enchant you with Christmas cheer and warm tidings.
Nakatosh Hotel and Don Theatre Condos
On the site of the Nakatosh Condominiums stood the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished in circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.
The Murchison Town House is located at 584 Front Street. This exclusive private home of Tom and Vickie Murchison affords a spectaular view,from the front gallery, of Cane River and the thousands of Christmas lights. It is located on the second floor of a former movie theatre. The building was constructed in 1914 as a opera house and movie theater. Its first name was the “Amusu” and later in the 1960’s was changed to the “Don”. The building now has been converted into six beautiful town houses.
Saturday, December 12 and 19, 2009 (1-4PM)
Secret Garden –330 Williams Avenue
As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 sq. ft., it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes.
Cypress Place – 146 Cypress Street
Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story, Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings, and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques.
Bungalow House – 405 Williams Avenue
*Homes subject to change
2009 Haunted History Tour to be held on Halloween
July 24, 2009 | 8 Comments
What’s so scary about Natchitoches history? You’ll have an opportunity to find out on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 when the Natchitoches Historic Foundation presents its second Haunted History Tour in American Cemetery on Second St.
The tour will occur from 5-9 p.m. and transportation will be provided to tour sites. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children and can be purchased from the Natchitoches Tourist Commission at 781 Front St. or by calling (800) 259-1714. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Cemetery and the house tour sites.
The tour will focus on some of the more dramatic events in Natchitoches history. Local actors will portray the people that were central to these events at stations around American Cemetery. In many cases, these stations will be located near the graves of those being portrayed.
An interesting bonus for this year’s tour will be a station featuring members of a paranormal investigation team, who will report their findings from the Chez de Amis house on Washington St. A similar station last year was very popular.
More details are still to come. Check back at the NHF website (www.historicfoundation.org) or at the NHF group page at natchitochespreservation.com.
2008 Christmas By Candlelight Tour of Homes
November 9, 2008 | 1 Comment
If the Christmas spirit hasn’t visited your home yet, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to an event where holiday joy inhabits every dwelling. It is the annual Christmas by Candlelight, a holiday tour of uniquely decorated homes in the Natchitoches, La., area held this year on Dec. 10-20, 2008.
Proceeds from the Tour benefit the preservation of cultural resources in Natchitoches, La. The event, consisting of three separate tours will feature beautifully decorated homes. What makes Christmas by Candlelight so special and unique is that it consists of homes built last year as well as nearly 300 years ago.
Tickets are $15 per package or $25 for a two-tour package. Three-tour packages are $35. Group rates are also available. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission Office, located at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457, or call 1-800-259-1714.
Wednesday (Dec 10, 17) 5:00PM-8:00PM
Samuel Guy House – 309 Pine Street (Dec. 10 only)
Violet Hill – 917 Rue Washington
Built between 1880 and 1890 and owned by the Genoe heirs, Violet Hill, also known to locals as the Lawton/Poleman/Gibson home has served as home to the Natchitoches Ice Company, Ltd., and the Cottage Sanitarium. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was recently renovated and operates as a bed and breakfast.
Two Goose – 416 Rue Williams
Inspired by a house that was featured in the February 1949 issue of House and Garden Magazine, Too Goose was constructed for Alvin and Annette DeBlieux. Due to the length of time to construct this charming house on Cane River, local residents commented that it took so long for the house to be built, that the geese had flown over it twice, thus providing the house’s name. The DeBlieux family resided there until 1971 and the house was rented for a decade. Purchased by the present owners in 1981, the house was lovingly restored.
Friday (Dec 12, 19) 5:00PM-8:00PM
Nakatosh Condos- Rue Front
On the site of the Nakatosh Condominiums stood the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished in circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.
Cypress Place – 146 Rue Cypress
Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story, Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings, and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques.
Poete Street Condos – 215 Rue Poete
Horse drawn carriages, stringed popcorn and cranberries, wassail, and caroling will take you to the Christmas of the 1930’s. The handcrafted and fully restored work of art that is 215 Rue Poete will enchant you with Christmas cheer and warm tidings.
Saturday (Dec 13, 20) 1:00PM-4:00PM
Green Gables –201 Rue Pine
Built in the 1890’s by Estelle Ducourneaux Ploche as a wedding gift for her niece, Green Gables is a one-story Victorian house that includes turned and sawn woodwork, a wrap-around front gallery, ornate fireplaces and stained glass windows. The décor includes original art and eclectic antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. This house operates as a bed and breakfast.
Tante Huppe – 424 Rue Jefferson Street
Ms. Julie Prudhomme opened the doors of her home, later named Tante Huppe, to visitors participating in the first tour of homes held in 1955. This historic townhouse was built between 1827 and 1853. The old slave quarters at the rear of the house have an unusual winding staircase associated with European Creole families. The house operates as a bed and breakfast.
Secret Garden –330 Rue Williams
As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 sq. ft., it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes.
Haunted History Tour: Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m.
September 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
NHF HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR OF NATCHITOCHES
What’s so scary about Natchitoches history? You’ll have an opportunity to find out on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Natchitoches Historic Foundation presents its first Haunted History Tour in American Cemetery on Second St.
This event grows out of the Sacred Places Tour NHF has traditionally held in the spring, but focuses on some of the more dramatic events in Natchitoches history. Local actors will portray the people that were central to these events at stations around American Cemetery. In many cases, these stations will be located near the graves of those being portrayed.
One of the more famous events that to be re-enacted will be the assassination of Theodore Poleman, the former Natchitoches mayor who was killed by E.S. Cropper over the issue of well rights on Nov. 14, 1922.
Another interesting re-enactment will be that of the duel between General F. Gaiennie and Congressman Pierre Bossier in the 1800s. The duel was originally held at what is now called Cherokee plantation. According to local legend, the event caused such political tumult that eleven more citizens died in the fall out, including Bossier himself in 1844.
There will also be an appearance by what’s probably the most famous ghost in Natchitoches. According to legend, Isabella was a French maiden who committed suicide when her lover was killed in a duel. Today she is known as the Ghost of Normal Hill and traditionally inhabits the oldest building on the Northwestern State University campus. Over the course of the last century, she’s had to move a number of times due to building fires. She now resides at Lee H. Nelson Hall (formerly the women’s gym) where the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is headquartered. Nelson Hall caught fire when it was being renovated to house NCPTT–and Isabella.
An interesting bonus for this year’s tour will be a station featuring members of Spirit Hunters Paranormal Investigators, which is a non-profit group based here in Louisiana. According to their website, Spirit Hunters is “a serious group of individuals dedicated to the study of paranormal activity, and the education of others through our findings.” Prior to the tour, a team from the organization will investigate paranormal activity at the American Cemetery and then present their findings during the tour. Perhaps they can find out if Isabella had a history of pyromania!
A few years ago, I went with some of the NHF board members to see the famous Natchez City Cemetery tour. While Natchez is bigger, the tour at American Cemetery goes toe-to-toe with it in terms of quality. It’s worth your time, especially if our nice fall weather holds up. It’s a very different and entertaining way to connect to Natchitoches heritage. And how many opportunities do we have to witness outdoor theater?
The tour will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased from the Natchitoches Tourist Commission at 781 Front St. or by calling them at (800) 259-1714. Tickets will also be available for purchase at American Cemetery during the tour.
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
NHF Sacred Places Tour: Steel Magnolias Re-enactment
