PILOT TOWN, PLAQUEMINES PARISH, LA
Submitted by Gladys Stovall-Armstrong



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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.