Grand Opening for the Election and Archives Center

The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Archives Department has an extensive collection of historical documents available to the public. Some of those documents date back to the 1700s and include marriage records, civil documents, and even conveyance records which paint a picture of the history of slavery in the area. On Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m., Charles Jagneaux, St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, will cut the ribbon on the new Election and Archives Center located at 306 West Landry Street in Opelousas which will house these important documents and help connect the stories found therein to the present.

The Election and Archives Center will be more than just a home for over 200 years of historical documents. Archivist and anthropologist, Larry J. Caillier II holds monthly workshops to assist the public with genealogical research and search for property deeds, wills, family successions, and more records, all stored both digitally and physically. In their new location, they’ll be able to host larger and more regular events and continue their efforts to digitize this large collection. Check the Charles Jagneaux Archives Facebook Page for upcoming workshop dates.

The new center will also display the Historic Imperial St. Landry Collection. This set of exhibits will showcase the culture and history of the parish. They are currently reaching out to local historians, genealogists, museums, and family history collectors that may have artifacts that they would like to contribute.

On October 25^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., look forward to “A Family Gathering of Pope Leo XIV” hosted at the center. Lemelle, Auzenne, Galo (Gallow), Baquie, Grandbois, Prevost, Provost, Lasassier, and Martinez families all have connections to the new pope’s family tree and are invited to attend. Zydeco musician, Morgan Lemelle, will perform.

For more information on the event or if you are interested in donating to the display, contact the parish archivist at 337-942-5606 ext. 151 or email larry.caillier@slpclerk.org.

Musician, songwriter brings moving style to monthly jam session

2023 Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express, Scene Mon Heritage, 49th Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, Girard Park, Lafayette, Oct 15

Accordionist Horace Trahan leads the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. A songwriter and singer with diverse accordion skills, Trahan plays zydeco, Cajun, blues, country and more.

Trahan is the featured performer on “Steppin’ Out with Horace,” a new EP from Diamond J and the Ruby Red Raindrops.

The release adds to Trahan’s long resume as a veteran musician who has traveled worldwide while maintaining a strong following in his native south Louisiana.

Trahan began singing Cajun songs at the age of 15. Three years later, he was traveling with Cajun legend D. L. Menard to gigs in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, France and beyond.

By the year 2000, Trahan had branched out into zydeco with his New Ossun Express Band. Besides covering classics from John Delafose, Boozoo Chavis and other legends, Trahan scored a regional hit with “That Butt Thang,” a party song inspired by his days in the Carencro High School band.

Trahan hit his songwriting stride with 15 originals on the 2010 CD, “Keep Walking,” which gave birth to “Same Knife Cut the Sheep Cut the Goat,” “Mr. Bernard” and other hits. Trahan has since completed the trilogy of CDs with “All the Way” in 2012 and “Until the End” in 2018.

When he’s not performing, Trahan runs two businesses, Cajun Creole Lawn Service and Horace Trahan Dream Home Realty.

For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.