HAROLD KELLER

“Big Joe” big hit If you haven’t read the book, “Big Joe,” by Gerald J. Keller, PhD., you are really missing reminiscing about the exciting story of River Parishes football from 1924-1999. After reading it, I can see why the publication has been the talk of the three parishes. The author did an excellent job of preserving the history of some of the most exciting sports events in our area. More than 1,500 names of former athletes are mentioned, with some interesting stories about many of the area’s past sports celebrities. I couldn’t put the book down after I started reading it. Nemour “Steve” Delaneuville, Ed.D., a former teacher, coach and athlete at Leon Godchaux High School, shared with me that any community in America would like to experience a history of sports as we have during the past 75 years and have it preserved in such a way as Gerald did in his book. Is the book of interest to only people who lived her all their lives? No, not really. Chris Eichhorn, who is not originally from this area, purchased the book and told me he enjoyed reading about the fathers of some of his friends. “It was great reading!” he said. What interested me, as much as anything, was reading about the many local sports heroes who went on to be all-American heroes while serving in the past wars, especially World War II. Yes, the book is well done, interesting, and brings to life the glory days of years ago, up to the year 1999. I’m amazed at the interest women shared in the book. Joycelyn Perret of Reserve purchased one for her brother, Malcolm Jacob, now living in California. “He called me all excited,” she said. “It was great to relive good times,” she continued. “My mother-in-law, Bernadette Perret, 87, enjoyed it as much as me.” Mrs. Ray Hymel of Reserve remarked, “A wonderful book! I can see why it took so long to write – so much information over such a long period of time. It will truly be a family treasure.” Mrs Gerald Clement of LaPlace said, “It brought back the great memories of our high school life in the 1950s. The book is great!” If you would like to purchase a book, Dr. Keller will be at a book signing June 15 at the Hibernia National Bank in LaPlace on Airline Highway, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Big Joe” can also be purchased at Winn-Dixie in LaPlace, Don’s Country Store, Weber’s Supermarket and Randy’s Bar in Reserve, and Garyville General Store in Garyville. This Sunday is Father’s Day. The book would make an ideal gift which will last a lifetime. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.