Louisiana is so special, it can be hard to see any building or institution be tore down or changed. Some of these buildings have been demolished while others are still standing, waiting for someone to take up their cause and restore them. Either way, these photos will take you on a walk down memory lane.
1) Pontchartrain Beach, New Orleans, LA
A popular amusement park on Lake Pontchartrain for many years, it was sold on September 23, 1983.
2) Rosalie Sugarhouse, Alexandria, LA
Built in the 1830’s, during the heyday of this sugar plantation, the sugar house produced close to 450,000 pounds of sugar a year. Efforts are being made to restore this historic building.
3) K&B, throughout Louisiana
Between here & there….there’s bound to be a K&B…except it ain’t dere no more.
4) Caddo Parish Courthouse, Shreveport, LA
This was the Caddo Parish courthouse before it was demolished in 1926 to build the current building. Hard to say which one was more beautiful.
5) Goudchaux’s/ Maison Blanche, headquarters in Baton Rouge ,LA & New Orleans, LA
Maison Blanche began in 1898 in New Orleans and was purchased by Goudchaux’s of Baton Rouge in 1984, becoming Goudchaux/Maison Blanche. Eventually it was shortened to just Maison Blanche. The company’s name was lost when it’s owner sold to Dillard’s in 1998.
6) The Majestic Hotel, Lake Charles, LA
A Lake Charles jewel for many years, it was said that every president from Teddy Roosevelt to John F. Kennedy had stayed at the hotel (though not necessarily while they were president.) It was eventually demolished to build an office tower that never came to pass.
7) The Southern Club, Opelousas, LA
Once a grand dancehall and stopping point for performers traveling between Houston, LA and New Orleans, LA, the building now lies vacant.
8) Twin Drive-In, Lafayette, LA
A favorite Lafayette destination in the 1950’s and 60’s, this location is now home to the Grand Theater complex.
9) Bellemont Motor Hotel, Baton Rouge, LA
A Baton Rouge gem that opened in 1945, the building was abandoned on Airline Highway until it was demolished in 2012.
10) E. A. Conway Memorial Hospital, Monroe, LA
This hospital opened in 1941 only to close in 1987 when a new more modern building was constructed.
11) Phillis Wheatley School, New Orleans, LA
An architectural wonder, this school building in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans served as a monument to innovative modern design, but was unfortunately demolished instead of restored after Katrina.
12) Beauregard Parish Jail, DeRidder, LA
This De Ridder, LA landmark was built in 1914 in the Gothic Revival style and is currently unused and on the Louisiana Preservation Alliance’s "Most Endangered List".
Do you remember when any of these buildings were up and running? Tell us your favorite stories or memories in the comments below!
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