Lemann Store
314 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville, LAThe Lemann Store is locally significant in the area of architecture for the following reasons: (1) It is typical of masonry and cast iron commercial structures throughout the East, South, and Midwest in the second half of the nineteenth century, including relatively small urban centers like Natchez or Madison, Indiana. Commercial rows in this style have been preserved in New Orleans. (2) The building was and remains conspicuous for its size in Donaldsonville (population of about 7,000 in 1970). Its scale and architectural treatment are unusual for small-town stores in the region, or indeed for the country at large. It is clearly the landmark of Donaldsonville's central business district, having by far the broadest facade frontage and a palatial system of bays, pilasters, and shallow arch fenestration along the Mississippi Street facade. (3) The dormer features are rare for Italianate commercial fronts. (4) The covered sidewalk is a typical regional element, now however a rare survival. In fact, there are only two remaining commercial cast iron galleries in Donaldsonville, of which the one at the Lemann Store is decidedly the finer.
Although the business actually began in 1836, the present building dates from 1878. A new notice in the Chief (Donaldsonville weekly newspaper) on February 10, 1877, records the purchase of the land by Bernard Lemann from Emile St. Martin, and the removal of debris from buildings recently destroyed by fire. The Chief reported on June 23 delivery of a "large quantity of bricks" and on October 6, 1877, that the building "has reached an altitude greater than any other in town, and workmen are constructing the roof." Finally, on February 2, 1878, the Chief reported that "the finishing touches are being put to the Lemann Block... The apparatus by which the building is supplied with gas was tested... The street lamps at either corner illuminated the entire neighborhood."
The ledger of 3. Lemann & Bro. for February March 1878 has an entry for payments to James Freret, the architect. In Donaldsonville, this could only be for architectural services. On the same and following, pages are noted payments to Arnold Romain, brick mason, for work on the Crescent Block. Freret (1839-1897), of a distinguished family of architects, was the first New Orleans architect to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the designer of numerous important buildings in New Orleans, most of which have since disappeared. A commercial facade by him on Tchoupitoulas Street (1884), to be incorporated into the Piazza d'Italia complex, is Italianate in style and has a kind of kinship with the Lemann Block. His other work in Donaldsonville was the present Ascension Parish Courthouse (1888).
The warehouse addition facing Crescent Place was constructed circa 1894-1895, according to an account in the Daily Times, Donaldsonville, 1898.
Local significance of the building:
Although the business actually began in 1836, the present building dates from 1878. A new notice in the Chief (Donaldsonville weekly newspaper) on February 10, 1877, records the purchase of the land by Bernard Lemann from Emile St. Martin, and the removal of debris from buildings recently destroyed by fire. The Chief reported on June 23 delivery of a "large quantity of bricks" and on October 6, 1877, that the building "has reached an altitude greater than any other in town, and workmen are constructing the roof." Finally, on February 2, 1878, the Chief reported that "the finishing touches are being put to the Lemann Block... The apparatus by which the building is supplied with gas was tested... The street lamps at either corner illuminated the entire neighborhood."
The ledger of 3. Lemann & Bro. for February March 1878 has an entry for payments to James Freret, the architect. In Donaldsonville, this could only be for architectural services. On the same and following, pages are noted payments to Arnold Romain, brick mason, for work on the Crescent Block. Freret (1839-1897), of a distinguished family of architects, was the first New Orleans architect to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the designer of numerous important buildings in New Orleans, most of which have since disappeared. A commercial facade by him on Tchoupitoulas Street (1884), to be incorporated into the Piazza d'Italia complex, is Italianate in style and has a kind of kinship with the Lemann Block. His other work in Donaldsonville was the present Ascension Parish Courthouse (1888).
The warehouse addition facing Crescent Place was constructed circa 1894-1895, according to an account in the Daily Times, Donaldsonville, 1898.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The Louisiana Superdome, which opened in 1975, was the largest domed stadium in the world until 2009. It has hosted several major sporting events, including seven Super Bowls and five NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments.
About Ascension Parish
Ascension Parish Timeline
Ascension Parish, located in Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement in the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Houma and Choctaw, who relied on the bountiful natural resources of the region for their sustenance. The arrival of European settlers, primarily French and Spanish, in the late 18th century saw the establishment of plantations and the introduction of sugarcane cultivation, which became a vital industry.
During the antebellum period, Ascension Parish witnessed a rapid growth in its plantation economy, leading to a significant increase in the number of enslaved individuals in the area. The parish became a prominent sugar-producing region, with large plantations dominating its landscape. The wealth generated by the sugar industry also attracted the construction of grand plantation houses and the development of small towns and communities.
The parish played a significant role during the American Civil War, experiencing occupation by Union forces in 1862. The Battle of Donaldsonville took place in Ascension Parish in 1863, resulting in the victory of Union troops and the further consolidation of federal control over the region. The end of the war brought about the emancipation of enslaved individuals and marked a period of social and economic reconstruction for Ascension Parish.
In the modern era, Ascension Parish has continued to witness growth and development. The expansion of industries such as petrochemicals and manufacturing has diversified its economy. The area also experienced population growth, with new residential areas and subdivisions being established. Ascension Parish remains an important part of Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, showcasing a mix of historical plantation architecture, vibrant communities, and a dedication to preserving its unique heritage.
During the antebellum period, Ascension Parish witnessed a rapid growth in its plantation economy, leading to a significant increase in the number of enslaved individuals in the area. The parish became a prominent sugar-producing region, with large plantations dominating its landscape. The wealth generated by the sugar industry also attracted the construction of grand plantation houses and the development of small towns and communities.
The parish played a significant role during the American Civil War, experiencing occupation by Union forces in 1862. The Battle of Donaldsonville took place in Ascension Parish in 1863, resulting in the victory of Union troops and the further consolidation of federal control over the region. The end of the war brought about the emancipation of enslaved individuals and marked a period of social and economic reconstruction for Ascension Parish.
In the modern era, Ascension Parish has continued to witness growth and development. The expansion of industries such as petrochemicals and manufacturing has diversified its economy. The area also experienced population growth, with new residential areas and subdivisions being established. Ascension Parish remains an important part of Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, showcasing a mix of historical plantation architecture, vibrant communities, and a dedication to preserving its unique heritage.
Ascension Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
- 1699: Ascension Parish is first explored by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his brother Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.
- 1722: Ascension Parish is officially established as a judicial district of the French colony of Louisiana.
- 1807: Ascension Parish becomes part of the newly formed Territory of Orleans, which is later admitted into the Union as the state of Louisiana.
- 1830s: Cotton becomes a major cash crop in Ascension Parish, leading to the growth of plantations and an increase in enslaved laborers.
- 1861-1865: Ascension Parish, like much of the South, is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1889: The Louisiana Legislature creates the current boundaries of Ascension Parish.
- 20th century: Ascension Parish experiences industrial growth with the discovery of oil and the establishment of chemical plants along the Mississippi River.
- 2010: Ascension Parish becomes one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana.