Picture from the Past: Anniversary of Lock closure set this month

What’s is going on?

Dynamite is used to remove concrete from the Mississippi River end of the Plaquemine Lock when Bayou Plaquemine was closed off from the river in 1973. The last boat went through the lock July 14, 1961.

What event?

Friends of the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site is planning a special program to mark 50 years since the closing of the lock. The event is set for Sept. 29, according to Joyce Heber, president of the lock group.

What event will include:

The event will include a power point time line featuring many photos from the collection of the late Gary J. Hebert, former publisher of the POST SOUTH.

This photo is one of the photos. Others include the taking down of the huge lock gates, the failure of the temporary levee during extreme high water in 1973, and so forth.

The presentation is being put together by Joyce Hebert, John Dupont, and David Hebert. It will include a presentation by Joyce Ferguson on the closing of the lock in 1961 and a jazz funeral, under the direction of Michael Eby, will be held prior to the start of the program.

How to submit:

If you have a special interest item to submit to the newspaper, see the following instructions:

Mail: POST SOUTH News, P.O. Box 589, Plaquemine, La. 70764

E-Mail:news@postsouth.com

Fax: 225-687-1814