By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Attendees of Gone But Not Forgotten were transported into a time long gone as costumed re-enactors, music and a walking tour of St. Michael’s Church and Cemetery in Convent all merged to create a captivating living history lesson.

Crazy ‘Bout History, a St. James-parish based nonprofit, staged Gone But Not Forgotten on March 23 with assistance from a grant from the River Region Arts and Humanities Council.

Gone But Not Forgotten’s program included costumed volunteers who presented historic re-enactments in the church, grotto and cemetery. Visitors learned the history of the church and grotto and were also educated on some of St. James Parish’s residents from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Designed to educate and entertain the public about the rich history of St. James Parish, the tours highlighted the stories of past residents Helene Boucry, Mimi Zilia, Jean Philippe Boucry, Father Joseph Roman SM, Christophe Colomb, Beatrice Nicholas, Amelia Huguet Dicharry, Henriette DeLillle and Wilhelmine Schuett.   

Organizers said this year’s event was held in part to remember the many veterans who are buried at St. Michaels Cemetery.

Connie Donadieu of Crazy ‘Bout History said the organization’s members scour through newspapers and libraries to collect information about past residents. She said information is also gathered from family members when possible.  

Event sponsors included Motiva, Marathon, Paul Remondet, Winn Dixie, Home Hardware, Liz’s Flower Shop, Roselynn Funeral Home, Roussel’s Gifts, Steven LeMoine and Patrick Chabaud.

Crazy ‘Bout History is busy planning its next event, the group’s second annual Easter Bunny Hop. The event, to be held on April 6, will feature games, craft, story telling, concessions, face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny for $10.

The Easter Bunny Hop will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the St. James Parish Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 641 and Airline Highway in Gramercy.

Donadieu said that in 2014 the organization will strive to present more living history programs at any local school that is willing to participate.   

For more information on Crazy ‘Bout History, visit www.crazybouthistoryinc.org or search Crazy ‘Bout History on Facebook.