PILOT TOWN, PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LA Submitted by Gladys Stovall-Armstrong ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** PILOT TOWN 1879 EXTRACTED FROM "THE WEEKLY OBSERVER" BY : GLADYS STOVALL ARMSTRONG There are 52 main residences in addition to a large number of outhouses and improvements. The houses are built from 1/2 to three feet from the ground with strongly constructed plank walks from the house to the pier. The beautiful bayou which devides the little town almost equally is navigable for light draft crafts such as luggers and small size pilot boats. In the front of each residence is a neat wharf, which adorns its banks. THE RESIDENTS: Principally bar pilots, together with their families and a few boat keepers, comprise the inhabitants of this town. They are as a rule very industrious and very hospitable people, generous to a fault and above all very charitable. Messrs. Wm. SMITH and Wm. WILSON, each keep a boarding house together with a fine grocery and coffee house attached thereto. They always keep the best the market affords. Mr. James HOUSTON, has also a fine boarding house with a well selected bar, "You Bet" these three gents know how to treat their many friends. THE PILOT ASSOCIATION The Pilot Association, which has been in full force since the consolidation which dates back nearly one year is composed of excellent seamen, respectable and trustworthy gentlemen and above all, bold and fearless men in the discharge of their duties, as you can imagine are surrounded with great dangers on all sides; but have for their motto, We Must Save Life and Property at our own Peril The Officers of this institution are as follows: Captain Richard FRANCIS, President and General Agent, with headquarters in New Orleans. Pilot A.A. DOUGLASS, Captain Of the Asso. James WILLIAMS, Esq. Secretary FEW OF THE MEMBERS: Captain W. JARVIS George FALCONI Robert TILFORD Ben MORGAN Charles DENNIS W.F. LEVINE Joe PREBBLE Joe REDMOND A large number of others too numerous to mention, suffice it to say that they all are equally deserving od great praise for the noble manner in which they discharge their duties regardless of dangers. The residents have built a fine schoolhouse with a capacity for at least 75 scholars. This school is now opened and is under the supervision of Prof. A. SCHELESSINGER, former principal of the RONQUILLO School in Point Michel, Parish of Plaquemines. The children display great interest in learning and I have a no doubt, but what tepid progress will be their lot. In conclusion, I would state that my next shall be more interesting.