Wow. Sometimes it feels like the more things change, the more they stay the same. Looking over this amazing collection of vintage Louisiana photographs, it’s hard not to be transported back into a more simple time. But what really stands out to me about these photographs is that they capture the spirit of Louisiana that truly has not changed from back then to now. Take a peek into the past:

1. Transylvania, Louisiana, 1941
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Mother teaching children numbers and alphabet in home of sharecropper.
2. Melrose, Natchitoches, Parish, Louisiana. "African" house,
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This piece of historic architecture is still standing today, acquired by the John Henry cotton plantation in 1833.
3. Crowley, Louisiana, October 1938
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Celebration and spectacle were alive and well during Louisiana’s past—here, a big inflated balloon animal passing through the streets during the National Rice Festival.
4. Delacroix Island, Saint Bernard Parish, January 1941
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The notes on this photo read "Spanish muskrat trapper's wife with gallon of red wine which is drunk in great quantities."—I guess things haven’t changed that much!
5. New Roads, Louisiana December 1939
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An ice plant…can you believe it? I bet people would have been shocked to hear that one day people would have an ice machine in their home.
6. Decatur Street, New Orleans, September 1938
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Two men in white meet at the bar. One thing we can know for sure, as you’re reading this, a scene just like this is playing out at some French Quarter bar.

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7. Crowley, Louisiana, October 1938
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Another moment captured from the National Rice Festival, capturing the tense moment right before the various princesses discover who will be their queen.
8. Melrose, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. June 1940
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Son of a worker on the John Henry plantation
9. Rayne, Louisiana, September 1938
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The tradition of frogs and Rayne started many years ago. Here is a sign proclaiming that Rayne is the largest shippers of frogs in the world.
10. New Orleans, January 1936
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An old Sandwich shop somewhere in the city—any history buffs have an idea of where?
11. West Carroll Parish, Louisiana, June 1940
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Cow belonging to Pleas Rodden's family, FSA (Farm Security Administration) rehabilitation borrowers
12. Jarreau, Louisiana, October 1938
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Owner of general store slicing baloney.
13. Natchitoches, LA, June 1940
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College boys trying to "thumb" a ride home over the weekend, near Natchitoches, Louisiana

What did you think of these photos? Do you recognize any of these places? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear your feedback.

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