GARYVILLE – For the first time ever, several private plantation homes will open to benefit The Timbermill Museum, an art and cultural center, located in Garyville. The Timbermill was the world’s largest cypress lumber mills in the early 1900s and it was located right here in south Louisiana. On April 22, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. the Spring Pilgrimage will take place along the Great Mississippi River Road (Louisiana Highway 44) between the communities of Garyville and Reserve. The venues include The Timbermill Museum built in 1903 which formed the heart of the town of Garyville. The attractions will include St. Hubert Rosary Walk, Hope Plantation built in 1856 by John Adams; Emily Plantation built in 1882 for Leonce Chauff by builder Adelard Millet; and San Francisco Plantation, a historic plantation house museum and gardens (ground floor only opened for the pilgrimage). San Francisco was built in 1856 by Edmond Marmillion, and the site now includes an 1830s slave cabin and the 1840s-era first public school house for St. John the Baptist Parish, complete ly restored in 1977 at a $2 million cost. The Leon Graugnard House (under restoration) located in Lions, and the Godchaux Guest House built in 1911 and located in Reserve, are also attractions for this event. Tickets go on sale April 1 and may be purchased at the following locations: the Museum Shop at San Francisco Plantation in Garyville (985) 535-2341, Michael’s Fine Jeweler’s, LaPlace (985) 652-4615, Weber’s Supermarket in Reserve (985) 536-2765, Just Two Quick Stop in Edgard (985) 497-3300, Stan Orillion (985) 535-3619, or by mail at P.O. Box 867, Garyville, LA 70051. The cost for all seven sites is only $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event. However, tickets will be limited, so organizers urge purchasing tickets early. For more information, email Timbermill@hotmail.com and on the day of the event tickets may be purchased at the Timbermill Museum, 148 Museum Street, Garyville or call on the day of the event only at (225)445-1793.