New Iberia natives, newcomers and visitors will have the chance to learn more about the city beginning early November when nine historical buildings in New Iberia are marked by nine solid bronze markers that detail their history in English, French and Spanish.
Those attempting to preserve New Iberia’s history also will be making history themselves in an interesting series of parallels.
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Now, Voorhies’ daughter Cathy Indest is president of the ICRA and will present the markers to Mayor Hilda Curry, Daigre’s daughter.
The old markers were made of wood and a history by New Iberia historian Glenn Conrad was written in French and English. Now, there is only one original marker remaining.
Seven bronze versions of the originals — plus Spanish — and two new markers have been sponsored by a family in memory of a loved one.
John Albert “Al” Landry has been a member of the ICRA since it began, and designed the original markers.
Over the years, Landry said new building owners either got rid of the markers when they were doing renovation, or the markers deteriorated. He said he only knows of one or two still around.
Landry says it is “only right” to write the history in Spanish, too, given the Spanish founded New Iberia. Other than that, the design and wording has not changed much.
“These plaques are beautiful,” Landry said. “We’ll probably get other people that want to do their buildings, also. There will probably be quite a few of them marked by the end of the century.”
Indest also has mentioned the possibility of more in the future.
The dedication ceremony for the markers will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at The Gouguenheim and will be followed by a reception at the Sliman.
Both those who are and are not members of the ICRA and are interested in attending should call Indest at 364-1603 or Claire Mire at 364-8298 to reserve a seat.
Comments
Farrow wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:28 AM: