The Courier
It looked like Noah's Ark, at least like the drawings we see of the Ark, with a pointed prow on both ends.
Dr. Chris Cenac was among the high school gang who occasionally visited the barroom known as Troxie's Floating Palace when it was moored near the old green monster Bayou Dularge bridge over the Intracoastal Canal.
The attraction that lured Cenac and his comrades across the long wooden gangplank was the room with pool tables and the no-age-questions-asked beers available aboard.
Cenac, author of a series of illustrated histories of Terrebonne Parish, is working on still another volume, covering the history of water transportation across Terrebonne, the Intracoastal Waterway.
In that connection he has located pictures and original documents detailing major steps in the evolution of the waterway from linked bayous, canals and lakes stretching from New Orleans westward to the Atchafalaya, to the broad, deep canal it has become. Because it was moored for years so close to the canal, the Palace will have a small place in Cenac's coming book.
Cenac agrees with Godfrey Buquet that the Floating Palace ended its days beside Bayou Lafourche, awkwardly grounded on the bank within view of travelers driving between Houma and Grand Isle. Neither is certain whether it ever operated as a floating bar in its new location. Further recollections are welcome. Call or write.
Storm aid? Members of American Legion Lenox Hotard Post 31 in Houma, in cooperation with Post 513 and the Regional Military Museum, are sponsoring a drive to assist Veterans impacted by Hurricane Laura in western Louisiana.
According to the Legion's Lee ShafferIII, the drive continues until Sept. 25. All supplies can be brought to the Regional Military Museum, 1154 Barrow Street, Houma, from10 a.m. 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call Dexter Babin, 873-8200 for further information.
Visit lalegion31.orgor the post's Facebook pagefor lists of the items needed. Organizers ask that donations do not include clothing. Monetary donations should be made out to Department of Louisiana American Legion (Memo: Louisiana Disaster Relief), P.O. Box 3749, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.
American Legion Post 31 is a not-for-profit organization under the IRS section 501(c)19 (Tax ID #72-0367160).Check with your tax professional about the benefits your donation might have for your business.
Organizers are also working to assemble a team of volunteers to help storm-affected veterans with projects not covered by insurance. For further information, contact Lee Shaffer, 804-2265 or Lshaffers@aol.com.
Library hours: Beginning Monday, the Terrebonne Library System will follow Phase 3 hours.
For Main, East Houma, and North branches, Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. 8 p.m.; Friday Saturday: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
The Bayou Branches open Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. 6 p.m.
All libraries will remain open at limited capacity, based on the square footage of the library. Masks are required. All returned library items will be sanitized.
Library WiFi: Computers remain available, first come, first serve. WiFi available 24/7 in all library parking lots. Curbside services will continue. Information: 876-5861.
Quarantine fatigue: When we are shut away from normality too long, we are apt to ponder the great confusions of all time:
- At a movie theater, on a plane, which arm rest is yours?
- Why is there a 'D' in fridge, but not in refrigerator?
- Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made?
- Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO and those sent by truck SHIPMENT?
- Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the cupboard?
- If suitcases are for suits, what are briefcases for?
- What are you vacating when you go on a vacation?
And the cardiologist's diet: if it tastes good spit it out.
Responding? Contact Bill Ellzey at 381-6256, at ellzey@viscom.net, billellzey312@gmail.com, or c/o The Courier, P.O. Box 2717, Houma, LA 70361.
More here:
More memories of the long-lost bayou beer boat - Houma Courier
