Looking Back at February 24, 1949
By: HEATHER
BOGARD
Lifestyles Editor
This week, we take a look back at February 24, 1949.
•The Evangeline Parish Red Cross was preparing for its campaign to be held March 1-31. The parish goal, according to chairmen Robert J. Reed and Jack C. Fruge, was $3,725, with Ville Platte’s goal $2,500 of that amount.
•It was announced that unremarried widows, children under the age of 16 and dependent parents of deceased World War II veterans could apply for a $1,000 state bonus, upon providing the necessary documentation.
•Pioneer Ville Platte resident Armand Vidrine died at the age of 71 earlier in the week. Along with his obituary, The Gazette said, “Mr. Vidrine was a pioneer in this section. In his lifetime, he commanded the love and respect of a multitude of friends and relatives.”
•Tate Cove Road was approved to be blacktopped in the summer.
•Honor graduates from Ville Platte High School’s Class of 1948-1949 were Gloria Marlene Robert, the daughter of Mrs. M. Guillory, valedictorian; and George Anna Dardeau, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clovis Dardeau, and Mary Wilda Fontenot, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Fontenot, co-salutatorians.
•Mayor Zannie J. Guidry and Harvey R. LeBas announced their candidacy for mayor in the upcoming election.
•Sale items at Harvey’s Dress Shop included crepe print dresses for $5.50 and $6.95, rayon faille dresses for $4.95 and “best beau bait” two-piece dress suits by Laura Lee for $11.95.
•Sale items at G. Ardoin’s included heavy cotton mop with steel hook for wall hanging for 39 cents, 25-pound bag of Blue Rose rice for $2.15, Jefferson Island free running salt for nine cents and lettuce for 15 cents per pound.
•Also at G. Ardoin’s, a modern Norge super gas range, along with a nine-piece set of Wearever aluminum pots, pans and skillet all for $189.95.
•The Jan Theatre held its grand opening on February 24. The new, modern air-conditioned facility featured “Beyond Glory” starring Alan Ladd and Donna Reed as its first presentation.
•Popular songs of February 1949 included “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” by Spike Jones, “Buttons and Bows” by Dinah Shore, “A Little Bird Told Me” by Evelyn Knight and “Cruising Down the River” by Blue Baron.