Bernice Civic Clubhouse
LA 2, Bernice, LAThe Bernice Civic Clubhouse is locally significant in the area of social history because it was the small town's social center. It served in this capacity from its construction in 1938 up to and past the fifty-year cutoff.
The building was constructed by the Bernice Civic Club, a ladies' organization, to replace a gazebo-like pavilion built by the club in 1907. In addition to being used for Civic Club activities, the building was the scene of most of Bernice's social events, there being no other available facilities in town other than private homes.
The first gala function held at the clubhouse was a Christmas Dance, on December 26, 1938, with admission by invitation. The prices, as noted on a surviving invitation, were couples $1.25, stags $1.00, and spectators 50 cents. It is remembered as quite a grand affair, with an orchestra, formal attire, and a roaring fire in the stone fireplace.
The Civic Clubhouse was very popular to rent for dances, especially with the youth of the community. During the historic period dances were forbidden at the high school on conservative religious grounds, the principal being a staunch Southern Baptist. The ladies of the Bernice Civic Club, however, were more liberal. Hence their clubhouse was the only place for teenagers to have dances, including proms and more impromptu affairs. In reference to the latter, people fondly recall spur-of-the-moment scrambles to scrape together enough money to rent the building. The rental secured, and they then borrowed a jukebox from a downtown restaurant. Some also recall hearing a sermon the next morning on the evils of dancing, and while the preacher never mentioned the clubhouse by name, the inference was clear. A less controversial high school function held at the clubhouse was an annual baccalaureate dinner for seniors and their families hosted by the Civic Club.
The clubhouse was rented for a wide variety of social functions besides dances, including birthday parties, bridal showers, family reunions, etc. -- in short, any function too large to be held at home. A particularly popular activity was the boxed supper -- a fundraiser where individuals would bring decorated boxes with a complete supper inside to be auctioned off.
Local significance of the building:
The building was constructed by the Bernice Civic Club, a ladies' organization, to replace a gazebo-like pavilion built by the club in 1907. In addition to being used for Civic Club activities, the building was the scene of most of Bernice's social events, there being no other available facilities in town other than private homes.
The first gala function held at the clubhouse was a Christmas Dance, on December 26, 1938, with admission by invitation. The prices, as noted on a surviving invitation, were couples $1.25, stags $1.00, and spectators 50 cents. It is remembered as quite a grand affair, with an orchestra, formal attire, and a roaring fire in the stone fireplace.
The Civic Clubhouse was very popular to rent for dances, especially with the youth of the community. During the historic period dances were forbidden at the high school on conservative religious grounds, the principal being a staunch Southern Baptist. The ladies of the Bernice Civic Club, however, were more liberal. Hence their clubhouse was the only place for teenagers to have dances, including proms and more impromptu affairs. In reference to the latter, people fondly recall spur-of-the-moment scrambles to scrape together enough money to rent the building. The rental secured, and they then borrowed a jukebox from a downtown restaurant. Some also recall hearing a sermon the next morning on the evils of dancing, and while the preacher never mentioned the clubhouse by name, the inference was clear. A less controversial high school function held at the clubhouse was an annual baccalaureate dinner for seniors and their families hosted by the Civic Club.
The clubhouse was rented for a wide variety of social functions besides dances, including birthday parties, bridal showers, family reunions, etc. -- in short, any function too large to be held at home. A particularly popular activity was the boxed supper -- a fundraiser where individuals would bring decorated boxes with a complete supper inside to be auctioned off.
Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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.
Louisiana was a slave state before the American Civil War, and the state played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Port Hudson, which took place in Louisiana in 1863, was the longest siege in American history.
About Union Parish
Union Parish Timeline
Union Parish, located in the northeastern part of Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. It was officially established in 1839, carved out of neighboring Ouachita Parish, and named after the hope for a unified nation following the Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Ouachita, Tensas, and Choctaw tribes, before European settlers arrived.
One of the earliest notable settlements in Union Parish was Shiloh, established around 1813. The town became an important trading post for the surrounding region and played a significant role during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Shiloh, where Confederate forces clashed with Union troops in 1864, resulting in a Confederate victory.
In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural resources, particularly timber and oil, played a pivotal role in the development of Union Parish. The timber industry thrived, attracting numerous logging companies and sawmills to the area. Large tracts of virgin pine forests were harvested, and lumber became a major economic driver for the parish.
Oil was also discovered in Union Parish in the early 20th century, leading to an oil boom that fueled the local economy. Companies like Lou-ann Oil and Cypress Valley Oil played a significant role in the parish's oil production. The growth of the timber and oil industries brought an influx of settlers and immigrants to Union Parish, including workers from various regions of the United States and Europe.
Today, Union Parish is a thriving community that cherishes its natural beauty and historical roots. It is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and boating on Lake D'Arbonne. The parish also celebrates its history through cultural events and museums, such as the Union Museum of History and Art, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that reflect the diverse heritage of the area.
One of the earliest notable settlements in Union Parish was Shiloh, established around 1813. The town became an important trading post for the surrounding region and played a significant role during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Shiloh, where Confederate forces clashed with Union troops in 1864, resulting in a Confederate victory.
In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural resources, particularly timber and oil, played a pivotal role in the development of Union Parish. The timber industry thrived, attracting numerous logging companies and sawmills to the area. Large tracts of virgin pine forests were harvested, and lumber became a major economic driver for the parish.
Oil was also discovered in Union Parish in the early 20th century, leading to an oil boom that fueled the local economy. Companies like Lou-ann Oil and Cypress Valley Oil played a significant role in the parish's oil production. The growth of the timber and oil industries brought an influx of settlers and immigrants to Union Parish, including workers from various regions of the United States and Europe.
Today, Union Parish is a thriving community that cherishes its natural beauty and historical roots. It is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and boating on Lake D'Arbonne. The parish also celebrates its history through cultural events and museums, such as the Union Museum of History and Art, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that reflect the diverse heritage of the area.
Union Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Union Parish, Louisiana.
- Prehistoric times: Native American tribes inhabited the area that is now Union Parish.
- 1803: The Louisiana Purchase brings the territory under U.S. control.
- 1839: Union Parish is established as a separate entity from Ouachita Parish.
- Late 1830s-1840s: Settlers begin to migrate to the area, primarily from the Southern states.
- 1852: The first courthouse is built in Farmerville, the parish seat.
- 1861-1865: Union Parish, like much of the South, is affected by the American Civil War.
- Early 20th century: Agriculture, primarily cotton and timber industries, drives the economy.
- 1920s-1930s: The Great Depression and boll weevil infestation hit the area hard.
- 1962: Lake D'Arbonne State Park is established, providing recreational opportunities.
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates Union Parish, causing widespread damage.