Husser Happenings of Long ago, Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Carol Nelson, Dec., 2001 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ HUSSER HAPPENINGS OF LONG AGO By Ella B. Hughes; Husser, Louisiana copyright applied for November, 1990 Permission granted by Mrs. Ella Hughes. Copyrights retained by Mrs. Ella Hughes. SUBMITTERS NOTE: I have not tried to retain the same layout and/or page numbering as presented in Mrs. Hughes book as there are several pages of graphics interspersed in the book which cannot be incorporated here. Most of the graphics have been re-typed by her and are included in this text, but there are a number of family and historical photographs. Comments inserted by the submitter are enclosed in [ ] brackets. CAN ---------------------------------------------------------------- HUSSER HAPPENINGS OF LONG AGO by Ella B. Hughes Husser, Louisiana copyright applied for November, 1990 With pleasant memories I affectionately dedicate this book to Old Schoolmates, my Friends and Neighbors The Hussers and as a memorial to my School Days at Husser ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My appreciation and thanks to all those who contributed and gave assistance to compiling and writing of this book; From suggestions, information, photos, memories, and encouragement. I began this many years ago, first in articles in the newspaper, now included in rearangement within these chapters. Thanks to everything that was helpful; to Rose Husser, Maud R. Ward, Helen A. Bankston, Johnnie and wife Lillian Husser Casanova, Morris A. Husser, Mrs. Mae Overmire, Gladys Overmire Kelly, Ernest Bahm, Hester Petersen, Alma Le Blanc, Haidee Reeves, Laura Brunett Bahm, and the late Jack Bahm and others whom I might have omitted. My only regrets are the shortage of money and time (age-wise) that I could not research more and have more genealogy and photos. My best wishes to whoever wants to write another. I hope this book will be of interest to you all. PREFACE I was born and raised on the southern side of the area which is considered the Village of Husser, then called Osceola. I have enjoyed writing about Husser; it's about my life too. These were my schoolmates, my dance partners, my friends and relatives (some of them). I only had to research the earlier years of its beginning, because I've lived the later part of it. In olden days Big Chappapela Creek marked the most eastern boundary, and on the west Husser really did not extend further than Spring Creek, and those who lived just beside it. The increase of residents and changing schools have now broadened our lines to intake on the east all the way southeast to Kranky Korner near Tchefuncte river, and westerly as far over as Little Chappapela Creek. Husser Community Credit Union developed and expanded to those boundaries for the benefit of its members back about 1940. The North boundary is still considered to be the Bell Road. We cannot include all of the anecdotes we have learned through the years about the life and times of our early residents, however entertaining they may be; but we will include some of the most explicit in the proper places, when suitable, and to throw light on some situation. I have always had an open mind about other religions, other ways of life, and other races. Our youth during the Great Depression years confined us to loneliness and local entertainment. The local church was the Catholic only, so I attended with my older sister, and from then on I have been non- Catholic. During my married years my life took me away from Husser for many years. I was always in touch with the old home area and visited with pleasure part of each year until retirement brought us back to our home again. I feel well qualified to write about our Husser village; someday we will be a town incorporated. At various times I have written about Husser for the newspapers, the place, the people and the church. My earlier years of education began here as well as friendships. In recent years some friends, including Mrs. Maude Rogers Ward and DR. E.E. Puls encouraged me to write about Husser. So I did. I plan to publish this history as a memorial to my school days in Husser. The first HUSSER came to this area before we even became a parish, when Lorance, Sr. and wife, Barbara Schmidt Husser, settled here as blacksmith and wheelwright. I have found no record where Mr. Lorance used a middle initial, but since he named his first son Hypolite, I assume that to be his also. Mr. Lorance (French pronunciation of Lawrence) was born in "the old country he said, in 1814 on the German side of Alsace- Lorraine." He and wife Barbara were married before they came to America (possibly on board the ship). They arrived in Louisiana in 1839, and he was naturalized while he lived in Madisonville, Louisiana, in 1859. The marriage date was not recorded in Mr. Hypolite,III, Bible but notation of their being already married is. He died in 1875, and is buried beside Barbara in the cemetery at St. Dominic Church here in Husser, the church his family helped to establish. Their children were: Anna, Catherine, Hypolite, Antoine, Louis and Joseph L. INTRODUCTION The community once known as Chappapela was in general, the area that is known today as Husser. During my grandfather's time it was "Chappapela" that extended over about sixteen square miles. This was during the years from 1850 until about 1890. Each settler had a clearing of land for farming and depended on his stock (cattle, sheep and hogs) that were grazing on open range to provide his financial income up until and after the civil war. The cattle were driven to Madisonville where they were generally bargained for and later transported across Pontchartrain Lake by schooner into New Orleans. The schooner carrying passengers as well as live cargo. Some cotton was produced in this area, but mostly the farms were used to produce food supply for home maintenance. The nearest grist mill to these settlers in our area was erected by Elijah Ballard who lived on "Little Chappapela" some ten miles or so westward from big Chappapela. Elijah operated his grist mill from the years 1840 to 1860, twenty years or more, raising a large family there. A general merchandise store was opened in Husser about 1800 or before, by Louis Husser & Sons. Later on it was owned by Fendlason Bros., again by Hypolite Husser, and finally by John Chehardy and Johnson Ard. The first post office came in 1888, operated by Hypolite Husser, Jr. A few years later, south of here a post office was operated by Fletcher Bahm, a little to the east of Chappapela Creek. This post office was moved and became Viola for some time, and eventually Osceola; which then was operated by Isaac Bahm. This was about 1907 after the population had grown and progress had arrived. If you are to be introduced to Husser it is appropriate that we begin with the present day centers of interest. We will talk about the past or ghosts of the past later on. If you are coming up from Hammond by way of Robert you will be on Highway 445. Let's begin with Chappapella Creek which is the southernmost portion of Husser. About a mile north from the creek we see St. Dominic Catholic Church, which had its beginning way back when. Further along we soon pass "Old Husser School," now being used as our Community Center. Beside it is Husser Fire House. Both of these are supported by a very enterprising group of the younger generation of Hussers and some others. About one- quarter of a mile from these we see Husser's Store, now owned by Gerald Husser, a great-great-grandson of Lawrence Husser, the first Husser to settle here. Another quarter further on is the Husser Post Office also owned and operated by a Husser, and is now grown to be a third- class post office instead of fourth-class as it had been for so many years. North from the post office about two miles is the modest white building of the New Sharon Baptist Church, in existence for now over forty years. (An outgrowth of Old Sharon, of long ago.) In and around us but unseen is the Husser Community Credit Union, which was organized by the assistance of Rev. Father Odilo Alt; (he is a cherished memory now in this community where he spent so many years of his later life and work, he departed this life about 1970.) The Credit Union has been a distinct benefit to many of us, is totally non-profit; it has been and continues to be guided and directed by the honesty and integrity of some of our most solid citizens. The boundaries of Husser as established by the Credit Union are: east as far as the parish line almost, west as far as Little Chappapela Creek, south to Highway 40 by Zemurray Gardens, now called "Reimers Trust Estate," north as far as Highway 16, an area which is approximately nine miles in diameter. CHAPTER 1 Hypolite Lawrence Husser the first came to the United States when a young man. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France in 1814. He came to the United States in 1839, was naturalized in 1859 in Covington, Louisiana, while living in Madisonville. Hypolite was married to Barbara Schmidt before coming to our America. Barbara was born about 1818. It was said that he probably married aboard ship. They resided in Madisonville for a time; he followed the trade of blacksmith and wheelwright. The settlers of this vicinity of Chappapela Creek (which later became Husser) realized the need of a blacksmith in this area. Some of those settlers were the Wm. Brown family, (the first) Bells, Bahms, Baileys, Col. Joseph Chambers and a Mr. Lanier. Somehow with their encouragement Husser moved to this community. Whether by bargain or volunteer we do not know, but he came. And certainly a very good advantage to the folks in this area to have him nearby to repair wheels and sharpen plows. In the heart of what is now Tangipahoa Parish, Lawrence Husser, the first, established his home. A log house as were all the others of that time. Near the banks of Spring Creek, a tributary of Big Chappapela Creek, is where this home was located along with a mill. It was erected sometime before 1875, a water mill, and was know as the Husser Mill. Madisonville was a very busy trading post, across from New Orleans on the north shore of the Lake Pontchartrain. Mr. Lawrence had lived there for a time, and first operated a blacksmith shop there, or he might have been apprenticed to someone who was there, according to rumor. It was probably true. Mr. Husser first came into New Orleans as an immigrant, then to the north shore. His naturalization certificate was recorded in October of the year of 1870. It is numbered 6186. He states that he was born in 1814, in France. The U.S. Census records tell us that it was Alsace-Lorraine. Lawrence had four strong sons to assist him and they made their homes near their father. Louis, Sr. remained on the old home place after he married. Hypolite, Antoine, and Joseph were the other three sons, all married local ladies, except Hypolite, who married when he lived for awhile in New Orleans. As their families grew, their own sons were initiated into work in the mills; after Mr. Lawrence died, the mill continued to prosper for years, because of the family working together. Jack Bahm, our cousin, was a small boy when Mr. Lawrence was living; his written memories that he gave to me verifies my information of this Husser family. Jack first visited the Husser Mill when he was about seven years of age. He and brother Fletcher came with their father, Fletcher, to bring cotton to be ginned. And later to have corn made into meal in the grist mill, and also to have their rice threshed. Mr. Lorance and wife Barbara Schmidt Husser were fortunate to see all of their children grow to adulthood. We add here, just a few lines about each of them. Child #1- Anna Husser....b..c1847 m..Frank Brunetti in 1885 born in Barcelona, Spain (Mr. Frank..b..c1840; d..c1912) d..c1918 After Mr. Frank died, Mrs. Anna resided with niece near Madisonville, and is buried there. No marker. Child #2- Catherine Husser....b..February 20, 1948 m..George Peters d..February 26, 1901 Resided in area of Madisonville buried in Madisonville Cemetery. Child #3- Hypolite Lawrence, Jr. ....b...1848 m...Josephine St. Cyr d...1939 Resided in Husser. Children: #1-Antoine L. b...September 12, 1871 (Nickname Babe) named for uncle #2-Peter b...February 22, 1873 #3-John b...September 24, 1874 #4-Hypolite L.,III b...May 2, 1877 #5-Emile* b...January 17, 1880 #6-Joseph Victor b...November 27, 1885 #7-Francis Andrew b...February 27, 1888 *(Priest) b...January 17, 1880 ordained 1905 in Genoa, Italy d...June 11, 1919 Miss. Buried in St. Dominic Cemetery here in Husser. Child #4- Antoine L. Husser....b...1850 m...1885, Anna Englehart d...1926 Children: #1-Louis #2-Tony (Antoine) m...Leona Oliphant #3-Lena Husser m...R. Passman #4-Della Husser m...Sam Williams Second marriage to Rachael Baham Children: #1-Bernice m...Crockett #2-Mamie m...Faust #3-Rosa m...Crow #4-Edith m...Varnado #5-Florence m...J. Morgan #6-Myrtle m...Murry Seal #7-Clara m...Fletcher Varnado #8-Delous m...Dean Seal #9-Robert (resided near Hammond) Children of Tony(second child of Antoine Husser). I add these just because they were available to me. Antoine II (Tony) Husser maried Leona Oliphant, resided in Washington Parish. The children were: #1-Tempe m...Frank Johnston #2-Jonnie m...Ozzie #3-Ada m...Tommy Dykes #4-David m...Corkern #5-Iva m...unmarried #6-Aurellious m...Fussell #7-Lena #8-Jim m...Beard #9-Della m...Perkins #10-Rosalea m...Smith Several infants died Most of the children of the original Hussers remained in Tangipahoa Parish. Only Mr. Antoine and his children lived in Washington Parish. The Hussers are industrious, religious, and good citizens. I have been classmates with them, friends and neighbors. Lawrence's son, Louis remained nearest the old home, married, and continued to develop the business. When Louis Sr. died, his son, Louis, lived on the home place; he married late in life. When we attended high school in Lorranger during the 20's and 30's, we passed by this old place daily, and forded the creek when we were in the buggy, in almost the same spot where the old Husser Mill once had been. Child #5- Louis Husser....b...1852 m...1875 to Matilda Baham d...June 10, 1907 Children: #1-Adam m...Winnie Flynn #2-Simon m...Emily Galatas #3-Louis, Jr. m...Cora Bennett Husser #4-Leonard L. m...Zilla Brown (sister) #5-Salva m...Harry Coyne #6-Angeline m...William Brown (brother) #7-Laura m...Fred Bahm Child #6- Joseph Husser....b...January 9, 1854 m...January 15, 1887 to Philomanner Rohner, b...January 11, 1854; d... August 19, 1906 d...1938 Children: #1-Joseph F. b...May 7, 1877 d...September 13, 1906 #2-Catherine B. b...April 10, 1879 m...Willie Olin Pierre #3-Lawrence M. b...September 27, 1880 d...December 2, 1930 1st m...Mary Raney 2nd m...Casanova 3rd m...Vinnie Evans Tycer #4-Mary Anna b...May 5, 1882 d...19__ m...John Thornton (New Orleans) #5-George R. b...February 13, 1884 d...August 11, 1906 #6-Josephine b...January 18, 1886 d...June 9, 1906 m...Bankston #7-Mary C. b...October 16, 1888 d...August 7, 1906 #8-Philomena b...February 5, 1891 d...August 24,1971 m...George Chehardy #9-William T. b...March 3, 1895 d...May 15, 1977 m...Edith Bennett #10-Barbara b...March 6. 1893 d...April 1893 #11-Zeno Francis b...March 2, 1899 d...February 13, 1978 m...Teresa Shuman 1st Grandchild- Etta Husser b...July 16,1904 Second marriage to Maybelle Tycer, daughter of his sons wife: b...February 28, 1893 d...July 6, 1946 m...about 1909 Children: #1-Theodore Bernard b...September 1, 1910 d...May 31, 1981 m...Mae McDaniel (widow) 1929 #2-James Matthew b...October 6, 1912 d...September 1, 1972 m...Edna C. Caston Children--Lena and Michel died as infants. #3-Infant b...January 2, 1917 d...January 2, 1918 (waterhead) #4-Albert Joseph b...January 7, 1918 m...Lethfay Page, Res. N.O. #5-Horace Charles b...August 17, 1920 m...Dorothy Page #6-Doris Agnes b...August 17, 1920 m...Vincent Danna (Res. New Orleans) In the year of 1853, the following letter was received by Mr. Lawrence Husser. It tells of the anxious relatives in the old country who were hoping to come to America. They never arrived. The money was very likely sent, and probably never received. (This letter provided by Morris Husser, great-great-grandson of Lorentz (Lorance, Lawrence Husser), immigrant ancestor. Lugstein, March 10, 1853 Dear Brother, I cannot omit to write you some few lines and to let you know that we are still lively and (in good) health(y), talking about us. Your mother-in-law is always sickly and Katrina too. Dear brother, now (tell) me the truth how things are with you; How much a hired hand earns, what kind of work he has to do, and write whether the groceries are also expensive and whether you have had potatoes. We don't intend to come to ride in a carriage but to work. Write also .....(see note). Dear brother, for God's sake, if you want to be so good, then send us still four (4) hundred Francs because we cannot collect enough travel money. Dear brother, you wrote that you intend to buy for your wife a black woman, for so much money. You don't have to buy one. I am coming to you and will be your maid and my husband Anton (Anthony) the servant (farm hand). I have three girls. We want to work it off. Right now, dear brother, we are very hard up. All our things are burnt. We have only one Sunday-and one weekday dress and we are unable to buy any. Dear brother-in-law (maybe) that we want to come, but we would have come already for a long time, if we only would have gotten together the travel money. Dear friend, you should not write any more letters to Wi....heimer, they don't read them anymore. Sebastian is not allowed anymore because Katrina (end of first page) said; "he has not sent any money yet." Mother is always in bed. She cannot earn anything anymore since she is very old. Dear brother-in-law, indeed you write we should come. If you (really) want us to come, then you four brothers and sisters put together four or five hundred Francs. As soon as you have received this letter write immediately an answer, and write what we should bring along. I could write you much more but I hope to tell it to you personally. Anton (Anthony) Husser will not come to you because he is in Paris in a tannery and is also married. He has Iknatz for his wife. My greeting. Aunt Maria and uncle Lorentz, have mercy and send us that what we ask for (desire). Indeed, we don't want is for nothing (as a gift). We would like to earn it. As you have written that you work there for something, but here it is for nothing. Therefore, have mercy and send us the money, because the wheat germinated, and barley and potatoes rotted already for the last seven years. So, there is no other hope than to beg for bread, and that we are not used to. Finally, we greet you all many 1000 times, and especially the oldest daughter Maria sends a greeting to aunt Maria. We hope to see each other, dear brother, sister and brother-in-law. Note: Write also what a shoemaker earns over there. (This was written on the rim of the first page.) Outside of letter: Addressee: Mr. Lawrence Husser In America via (Le) Havre Canton (?) Senthemene Peimgro in New Orleans Stamp: 25 centime--Republic of France Cancellations: Paris, March 12, 1853 Le Havre, March 15,(?) 1983 New York, March 29, 1953 Saverne....... In the year of 1868-1870, Hypolite L. Husser registered as a voter in the Parish of St. Tammany, listed as a wheelwright by trade. Son, Antoine, listed as a voter also, registered as a blacksmith. This was before Tangipahoa became a parish. Husser was living in Husser at that time. Tangipahoa Parish was formed in 1869. Died At Husser, La., August 27th, 1902, Mrs. Barbara Husser, aged 84 years, she leaves four sons, one daughter and a host of grand and great grand children to mourn her death. The funeral took place on Thursday evening, 28th, being conducted by Rev. Father Felix, attended by many sorrowing relatives and friends. May these hands which have guided so many through her long life, still guide them by beckoning them to that world above. (This clipping given to recently by a friend this must be Lorance's Barbara, born about 1817 making her 85 years of age.) [Picture of Old Covington Court House built 1819] This is where Laurence Husser, among others, came to make his application for and later to receive the oath to become a Naturalized citizen. (It is now privately owned-not open to the public; however we are glad to see that it still exists and in such excellent condition.) The following pages is a copy of the Application, judgment and the certificate of Naturalization for Laurenz Husser. He spelled his name with a Z, in his signature. He arrived in New Orleans in the year of 1839; seems to have come over to Madisonville about 1847. His naturalization was affirmed in December the 9th 1859. Due to the turmoil of the Civil war, and the town being 'occupied' by Union troops for twelve years and more, many legal papers were delayed. He probably received his 'certificate of Naturalization' about 1870--according to the date on this copy which I obtained recently. His application reads: "To the Honable the Judge of the Eighth Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana in & for the parish of St. Tammany. The petition of Laurence Husser of the parish of St. Tammany & the State aforesaid- Respectfully represents That he arrived in the city of New Orleans State of Louisiana on or about the middle of November AD 1839, and at the time was twenty-four or twenty five years----That he has continued to reside in the United States of America since & in the state and in the parish for the last ten years----And that it was and is his bona fide intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, or potentate State or Soverignty whatever & particularly His Majesty the Empror of France, (Louis Napoleon) whereof petitioner prays to be permitted to make this his Declaration of intention to become a Naturalized Citizen on the United States of America, that this his application be filed in your Hon. Court to serve as proof of his intention----and petitioner willingly pays etc etc-five words erased and one inserted. Laurenz Husser Sworn & subscribed to in Open court this 1st day of June AD 1857 Wm. B. Hosmer, clk. To The Judge of the 8th Judicial Court of the State of Louisiana holding session in and for the Parish of St. Tammany. Laurence Husser of Said State and parish, requests that he has heretofore, viz on the 1st day of June AD 1857 made legal application to this court to become a citizen of this United States, and has complied with the laws of this United States upon this subject of naturalization. He therefore prays that he may be permitted to adduce the necessary evidence, and take the oath required by law, and become a citizen. August Bomic Ptr Atty. ************ 8th Judicial Dist. Court State of Louisiana Parish of st. Tammany Came and appeared in open court, L.L. Morgan, A.F. Cooper, citizens of the United state, who being duly sworn, declare, that they have known the above named applicant, Laurence Husser, that he has constantly resided in this United States, for more than five years, and within this jurisdiction, of this court. That during that period he has behoved himself as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order & happiness of the same. Sworn to and subscribed before) me this 9th of December A.D. 1859) A F Cooper A. D. Barlow ) L L Morgan Dy clk ) ************ The State of Louisiana Parish of St. Tammany 8th Judicial Court I Laurence Husser do solomnly sware that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and that I do absolutely and entirely renounce and objure, all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, State or Sovereignity, whatever, and particularly Napoleon 3rd, Empror of the French, the prince, potentate State or Sovereignity whereof I was before a citizen or subject. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th December AD 1859 Laurenz Husser I. H. Ruddick clerk ************ page 3 Previous notice of intention to become a citizen having been legally given, and as it appears from the evidence that the applicant Laurence Husser has resided in the United State over five years and over two years within the jurisdiction of this court as required by Congress. The law and this evidence being in favor of the applicant: It is adjudged ordered and decreed that the said Laurence Husser be and he is hereby declared to be legally naturalized and admitted to be a citizen of the United States and shall be entitled to all rights and priviledges as such. December 10th AD 1859 Julius E. Wilson Judge of the 8th Jud. Dist. Court of Louisiana [Next two pages are copies of the application and certification of voter registration of L. Husser on 22 day of October 1870 in Tangipahoa parish. Original No. 1186] CHAPTER 2 Hypolite Husser had become the first Husser Postmaster; Joseph became a rather successful cotton farmer, until he later became "the mail carrier." Antoine, the fourth son, moved to Washington Parish where he raised a large family. Louis remained by the mill. According to Cousin Jack Bahm, the original mill was of water power. Power obtained by damning the creek (Spring Creek) and running the water through a "flume" and over a wooded wheel, providing a limited power which was used to grind corn and to gin cotton. About 1895, the power was changed to steam. However, a few years later they damned Spring Creek again and put in a turbine water wheel that used less water and produced more power; this was used for the cotton gin and press. It was about this time that the whole operation provided a sawmill and planer, cotton gin, grist mill, rice mill, syrup mill (ground the cane, and cooked the syrup), a spoke-and-handle-turning lathe, a blacksmith shop, a wheelwright shop. (that repaired buggy and wagon wheels), a small brickyard, that molded brick and burned them in the kiln. Mr. Lorance was getting quite old at this time. They later put in a small general store where the settlers could buy staple groceries, green apples, coffee, candles, kerosene, tobacco, calico, denim, and birdseye (for making diapers). These all came in bolts, and was sold by the yard. There were also needles, thread and pins. This whole set-up was about the most complete that ever served a community. When yet a young child, Jack Bahm and his brother Fletcher helped to haul cotton to the gin, and Jack later rode a horse from his father's home about three miles away with a sack of corn tied on to the back of the saddle. After it was ground into corn meal and the miller had taken his toll for grinding (no money involved) they returned it to the back of the saddle and rode home with sufficient corn meal to keep cornbread on the table for the entire week. This was a weekly chore and was usually done on Saturday. However, sometimes they put in a special grinding day and so had grinding two days a week. They blew the whistle which could be heard by most of the community to let them know the mill was running. After Mr. Lorance (the 1st) died, the mill continued to be operated by Mr. Louis, and his own sons, Adam, Leonard, Simon and Louis, Jr. Adam was the engineer and tended the boiler and engine; Leonard operated the saw mill and planer (with additional help); Simon operated the cotton gin and press (with additional help); and Louis Jr. the grist mill and rice mill. The other help was filled in by some folks who lived not too far away. They were the Fredrick Robinson family, who were black. The father helped with the blacksmith and wheelwright shop and also looked after the brick kiln. Festus, the older son, drove the ox team that hauled the big yellow pine logs to be sawed and planed into lumber. These logs were hauled by the "carry log," which consisted of two large wheels about 8 feet high with a long tongue to which the oxen were hitched. A pair on tongs to hook into the log was suspended by a chain to w wooden roller on top of the axle which had a lever about 10 feet long fastened to it so that when pulled down by rope and pulleys raised on end of the log off the ground. The lever was tied firmly to the tongue so the "log" could be dragged to the mill. There were several of the Robinson boys who provided the balance of the help: there was Fredrick the father, Festus, Grover, Jim (James), Hillary, Booker, Milton and Fredrick Jr. Louis Husser died in the year of 1907 and the operation ended a few years after. It had been a wonderful service for the community while it lasted. He had married Matilda Baham of the same community and they became the parents of a large family. As each one married, Louis had given them forty acres of land with a nice home he built as a gift. This was a custom in those days. Louis had lots of land and could well afford to do this as the mill had prospered. His many descendants live in the area today; I do not try to list them, as I did not set out to write a genealogy. I only intend to record a little history before it is all forgotten. [Next page contains pictures of Uncle Polite and the Husser Post Office] Lawrence M. Husser, the merchant, was the next Husser that I became acquainted with (after Mr. Joe.). Lawrence was a grandson of the original immigrant, the son of Joseph Husser. Mr. Lawrence had opened a small general merchandise store, with some groceries, in the lane beside his home. During the 1920's, as children, Wallace and I walked to this store about a mile and a half each way, to purchase sugar, coffee, or other staple items, and sometimes kerosene for the lamps. I loved the smell of this store, especially in the fall when they would usually have apples or other fruit stored in it. this was quite a long walk in the summer time, and if we carried kerosene it made us very weary. We took turns with this unpleasant item, as it soon became very heavy, and if the potato came off of the spout it splashed as we walked. If the potato fit on it very tightly, then it was snug all the way home. Mr. Lawrence, the merchant, had married Mary Rainey, the first time. She died during childbirth of their first child. He next married Mary Casanova. They had Etta Missouri Husser who married Ward Bahm, one of my older step-brothers. Mary died with typhoid fever, when this child was very young, about 1906. Lorance's third wife was Mrs. Vinnie Tycer, widow of Jacob Tycer and mother of Joseph, Archie, James and Myrtie. She and Lorance had Bamber, Otto, Alice, Marvin and Idee. Mrs. Vinnie survived Lorance and in her later years married Sam Simpson of Loranger. (She is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, south of Zemurry Park.) Lawrence Husser owned and used a bow-frame wagon and canvas cover like the covered wagons of long ago, to bring the groceries and other supplies from the railroad to his store. I remember seeing this bow-frame wagon in his shed at his barn. Mrs. Helen Bankston remembered seeing him use the wagon as late as 1923, 1924 and 1925, when boarding at his home and a teacher at Husser. [Pictures of Robert Ward Bahm. b--June 14, 1900 d--April 11, 1968 Husband of Etta M. Husser, daughter of Lawrence M. Husser, oldest granddaughter of Mr. Joe Husser. Mary Casanova wife of Lawrence M. Husser -Mother of Etta Missouri Husser. b--July 16, 1904 Wife of ward Bahm, mother of 13 children. Lawrence Marvin Husser. Grandson of immigrant, Lawrence Husser (the French pronounced his name Lorance, b--1880] CHAPTER 3 Hypolite L. Husser, Jr. (we suppose) founded the Husser Post Office. He raised a large family and served as Postmaster for fifty years. Having moved, along with the Post Office, at least two times since its establishment. When 89 years of age he was interviewed by someone from one of the local newspapers, which gives us a good picture of his entire lifestyle. The interview follows: HUSSER THE POST OFFICE (according to interview with "Uncle Polite" in 1939) In the year of 1939 the "oldest Postmaster" in the United States was probably at Husser. Eighty-nine years of age, Hypolite L. Husser said that he usually dusts out the post office daily. But he doesn't see any use of it this year. For Saturday marked the end of his 50th year of service and he padlocked the office with the firm intention of retiring. The Husser Post Office started with "Uncle Polite" and it has been synonymous with him so long that it will hardly seem legal without him. When he moved, the Post Office moved with him. When the Post Office moved, the village came into being. He built the present office building with his own hands thirty years ago, and he is rather concerned with its present state of disrepair. Being interviewed late in life he had this to say: (1939) "You can't put aside much out of $30.00 a quarter to build the government a new post office," he explained, a little defensively. Some forty persons get their mail and buy their stamps in Husser, and send their money orders off from there. Most of them are his kinfolk. He isn't renouncing his loyalty to them and to their sires and grandsires, for whom he obtained the establishment of the office almost singlehandedly, a half century ago. He hasn't resigned yet, and he doesn't have to quit; his granddaughter's husband Johnny Casanova has been sworn in as his clerk, and Johnny will do the work while Uncle Polite, "supervises." "I may stay in another quarter until they can get someone else," he said. Johnny is thinking about applying for the appointment. And Uncle Polite is thinking about applying for a pension. There is no retirement plan for fourth-class postmasters. But a man has to have tobacco money, and Congress may see fit, he hopes, to reward fifty years of service, faithful service, with a small honorarium. Anyhow, he is going to ask Postmaster General James A. Farley about it. "I never had any trouble with the government in all this time," recalled Uncle Polite. He sat on the front porch of John's house, in his bare feet, "taking it easy," before returning to put in the rest of his seven hours at the unpainted little frame shack a quarter mile away on the gravel pike. "Sometimes there's been a little mistake in my favor, and sometimes a little mistake in the government's favor, but it always balanced up." Uncle Polite isn't the longest serving postmaster in the United States. Miss Mary W. Stewart has served continuously for 61 years as postmistress at Oxford, Md. However she's very young, only 80. Uncle Polite may be the oldest postmaster in the country. The Post Office Department doesn't know; it never has thought to look through all its records. Age hasn't dulled his spirit or his memory. He loves a joke. He's a good story-teller. He knows what it's all about. But in the last year or so his body hasn't kept pace. His eyes are failing. His hand is twisted by rheumatism. He has had irrelevant to his years "the measles" and the "dipitary," which is good Husser-ese for diphtheria. And recently he put his foot down on a step that wasn't there at the post office, fell two feet to the ground and strained his side. Until his succession of maladies befell him, Uncle Polite was able to do a day's turn in the fields, or repair a fence, or work on the road that leads to the office, in his spare time. He is the last surviving child of the founder of Husser, Lawrence Husser, of Alsace-Lorraine. Perhaps more than any other of the sons and daughters, Uncle Polite roamed abroad. He went to school in St. Tammany Parish in a log house with white oak door hinges that could be heard squeaking for half a mile in dry weather. Later he attended private schools in Covington and Mandeville, the idea being that he should return home and tutor his brothers and sisters. He learned the wheelwright and blacksmith trades from his father who operated a blacksmith shop in Madisonville and then Husser after the war between the States. He apprenticed himself to a blacksmith in New Orleans, where he was married. Returning to Tangipahoa Parish, he put up a shop on the Little Chappapela Creek and taught school for a while at $40 a month. He was Justice of the Peace in Husser for 14 years. He added seven boys to the Husser brigade, which has furnished most of the population east of Independence. He is a widower now, but is blessed by a flock of descendants which includes two great-great-grandchildren. "I never rubbed my back against a college education," he admitted, "but when the folks around here started talking about a post office, I set out to get them one. The nearest then was at Peace Grove, ten miles away. I got up a petition and then found we had to send a map showing the points and exact distances. They told me a surveyor would have to make the map. The surveyor wanted five dollars, and I didn't have but two. I sat up all nite and made a map of my own and sent it in, and we got the Post Office." Uncle Polite was the natural choice for postmaster, and he was commissioned July 17, 1888, by A. Leon Knox, acting Postmaster General. The office was first known as Husser Mill, because it was operated in a gin and sawmill building owned by his brother Louis, for whom Hypolite kept books. Later on Uncle Polite moved a few miles away and established Husser. During the years, he helped the folks get post offices also at Osceola, Folsom, and Bahan; but these were mostly short lived. Saturday's routine was much like that of any other day at Husser Post Office. The star route carrier brings by his pouch for the outgoing mail at 7 a.m., he returns out of Amite, (at that time) 12 miles away, with the Husser mail about 11 a.m. A good sized crowd is usually there waiting for it. Uncle Polite distributes the papers, circulars and letters in boxes marked by the alphabet and hands them out again almost as quickly. He sells a few stamps, maybe writes a money order, and then goes home. In the afternoon he returns, though there's not much to do; and each night he writes out his report on cancellations and receipts, so that he won't have so much to do when the quarterly report is due. That's the way its always been, except that the star route carrier used to ride horseback on dirt roads, graduating successively to buggy and automobile; and deliveries have increased from one to six times a week. For 20 years the carrier was Uncle Polite's younger brother, Joseph, but the later died early in June of 1938. After today Uncle Polite will be postmaster in name only-if he can stay away from the shop he tended for so long. But postal matters will always be on his mind-quarterly receipts and such things. "It's surprising how much money goes out of here," he mused, "it was over four hundred dollars the last quarter." CHAPTER 4 Mr. Joe Husser was the first Husser of my memory, as he was the one who "carried the mail." He was the son of Hypolite L. Husser, the Postmaster. So it was altogether fitting that he be recommended when the job opening came for a carrier to go to Wilmer to bring the mail to our area. (At one time they brought it directly from Amite.) Our mail box, like all others was placed beside what was then our only road, little more than a wagon trail. It was a portion of the road that led southward to Osceola Post Office; onward it led to Hammond or into Covington and Madisonville. Mr. Joe would bring our mail, and pick up our letters taking them to the office to be stamped. He was a very dependable and accommodating mail carrier. Ours was called a Star Route. I do not know the regulations he worked under but his constancy was such that one could set a watch by his passing by. Rain or shine Mr. Joe was always on time. His regularity was admirable. In early Spring when Louisiana usually has so much rain and floods, Mr. Joe continued to make his route. Crossing the branches or the creek that had flooded across the road didn't deter him unless the water was waist deep, then it may get the mail wet if the water reached the mail sack. If this was the case he would go back home and try again the next day. Mr. Joe rode his little pony or mule most of the time; it was only during Christmas time, or the weeks preceding Christmas, that he sometimes had to use his little buggy, so as to bring all of the packages. On horseback Mr. Joe had the "long grey bags" well balanced across the back of the saddle. Sometimes we would wait at our mail box, get a cheerful "hello," and exchange a few comments. We seldom ever heard Mr. Joe complain about the bad weather; and there was lots of it. They had a yellow fever epidemic in this area of the country in 1887, as terrible as it had been in New Orleans. Many families lost both children and adults. Typhoid struck in 1906, and many people suffered from this; Mr. Joe Husser's family was almost wiped out. Several children, his wife, and his young married daughter all died within a few months. Apparently Josephine, the young newly married daughter had returned home to nurse the family, she too became ill and died. She had married a Bankston. HUSSER RECORDS This record exactly as copied by Victoria Chehardy Howze from wall hanging in the home of Zeno Husser, Victoria's uncle. (By Ella Hughes, March 15, 1989). Births Joseph Husser, b...January 9, 1854 Philomena Rohner, b...January 11, 1854 Joseph Husser, m (1st)...January 15, 1876 (Children) Joseph F. Husser, b...May 7, 1877 Catherine B. Husser, b...April 10, 1879 Lawrence M. Husser, b... September 27, 1880 Mary Anna Husser, b...May 5, 1882 George R. Husser, b...February 13, 1884 Josephine Husser, b...January 18, 1886 Mary C. Husser, b...October 16, 1888 Philomena Husser, b...February 5, 1891 Barbara Husser, b...March 6, 1893 William T. Husser, b...March 3, 1895 Zeno F. Husser, b...March 2, 1899 Etta (M) Husser, b...July 16, 1904 (Mr. Joe's first grandchild) Parenthesis around information added by me (E.H.). Deaths Barbara Husser, d...April, 1906 Josephine Husser Bankston, d...June 29, 1906 Mary E. Husser, d...August 7, 1906 George R. Husser, d...August 11, 1906 Philomena (Rohner) Husser, d...August 19, 1906 (Mother) Joseph F. Husser, d...September 13, 1906 Philomena Husser Chehardy, d...August 24, 1971 Anna Husser Thornton, d...September 1972 William T. Husser, d...(May 5) 1977 Zeno T. Husser, d...(February 13) 197- (Maybelle's infant, b...January 2, 1917, d...January 2, 1918 waterhead-1 year old) CHAPTER 5 THE EARLY HUSSER SETTLEMENT Morris Husser has shared information with me which I appreciate very much, also several old photographs. These old pictures give us a good view of the first 75 years of life of the Lawrence Husser family after being in America. As his children grew they helped with his interests and endeavors. By the time Louis Sr. had a family, Lawrence Sr. was enfeebled with age. Louis Sr. continued with his father's, Lawrence, businesses and enlarged upon them. Picture No. 1-shows several residences all within a block of each other, with barns and buildings related to the mills and shops that they operated. These pictures were taken about 1886-after we had good photography. One can distinguish four residences that are clearly visible. A horse and buggy are parked (hitched) in front of one house, which has a tall picket fence around the yard. A large heavy set man and woman, with little child (grandchild) between, standing beside road by the second house on right. A black man stands tall beside a log wagon with a single pony behind him, evidently not attached to the wagon. That tall white man in the scene must surely be Bill Brown. (William the third actually). He was the husband of Angeline, daughter of Louis Sr. I see a man on a bicycle near the log wagon. Two residences in the back at right angles to each other, also have the tall picket fences. Another buggy top is seem above the log wagon and beside the house in back. The 4th house facing the front land (open space) might have been the home of Adam Husser who lived near the mills. The buildings on the left could have been a cane grinding shed with a store building or commissary next to it. The last or nearest building on the left seems to be a crib or just storage-with the ladder reaching up to the loft. It might have contained hay, seed, or fertilizer. I was told that this was the Old Husser village by the mill or that vicinity. Jim Robinson our black friend helped me to identify these scenes. Jim's father and brothers had worked at the mills. That day Jim was quite well for his age, and vision very good. I was glad that he could remember so much. (1988 before Jim's stroke) Picture No. 2-is the sawmill. With workers and logs all across the front of the yard. Some of the front people are Hypolite's sons, John, Hypolite Jr., Antoine and Peter. A couple of people sitting at noon hour resting on second floor, where the planer mill was. In back yard scene, very visible is the three yokes of oxen, no wagon seen. They were probably used to snake logs up, without wagon. Jim* identified in this picture Festus Robinson with the ox teams, with probably another brother on left, about second row. There were camps and small houses all about in the area of flat on west side of creek, these living quarters were filled with workers; some came from as far away as Abita Springs. This commissary gave them all a source of food and supplies. *Jim Robinson Picture No. 3- is a view of the lumber yard, showing many tall stacks of lumber in back, with the cars being loaded in front on railroad spur which came out from Natalbany through Loranger to the mill. The Husser's shipped some lumber away, probably weekly. Several of these workers are in white shirts. Others in daily labor clothing--pants and shirts. Most of these were members of the Husser families, with some of the Robinson boys. Jim said that his father, Frederick, paid $12 per thousand for tongue and grooved ceiling to use in his home. Picture No. 4--is the Cotton Gin. This scene shows ox-teams and driver with whip over his shoulder. The whip was seldom used; the oxen were trained to obey "voice" for direction from driver and by slashing the ground nearby. The man with wheelbarrow load of sawdust is difinitely one of the Husser men--the man on far left with paper in hand was said to be Louis Husser Jr. Is he too young to be Sr.? In window, second floor, is a youngster, evidently learning about baleing cotton. He is said to be Antoine, the younger, better know as "Babe". The cotton seed were spun off into a nearby corner to be sacked up and taken home by owner. What were not saved for 'seed' for planting next year were used for cow feed during the winter. Commercial dairying had not entered our area at that time. Jim remembers that people came from all over the parish and others too, to work at the mill for Mr. Louis Sr. and to purchase that tongue and grooved ceiling. Mr. Gill from Chesbrough, and Mr. Parker, and probably many others. Mr. Louis timber came from solid yellow virgin pine. When I was a chid I remember having seen two different areas of such timber, where the tall pines stood overshadowing the whole hill side, the area underneath perfectly clean of any shrub or brier. They are all gone now from Louisiana, not a spot left of any virgin timber. [Next picture not numbered is of old timers with ox teams identified as follows: 1--unknown; 2--Simon Husser; 3--Billy Ard: 4--unknown; 5--Tycer Simpson. Note the jug..it's water.] The picture on next page is the family of Mr. Louis Husser, Sr. From left to right, they are: Front row: Leonard Husser, Salva Husser, Louis Husser (father), Matilda B. Husser (mother), Laura Husser. Back row: Angeline Husser, Adam Husser, Louis Husser, Jr. and Simon Husser. Photo loaned to me by one of the great-great-grandchildren (adult) of Lawrence Husser, Mrs. Elma Bahm Williams. Lawrence Marvin Husser....b...September 27,1880 d...December 2, 1930 1st m...Mary Rainey, about 1897 (Mary died in childbirth of first baby.) 2nd m...Mary Casanova, about 1900 (Her first baby died; she then had Etta Missouri Husser, b...1904; nine months later she died. Etta m. Robert ward Bahm, b...1900, d...1968) 3rd m...Vinnie Alice Evans Tycer 1906 (widow of Daniel Tycer) Tycer Children: #1--Nannie V. b...June 7, 1880 d...1961 #2--Joseph M. b...November 8, 1890 d...1965 #3--Maybelle b...February 28, 1893 d.. July 6, 1894 #4--Fannie J. b...December 6, 1894 d...1979 #5--Archie Daniel b...1897 d...198- #6--Myrtle Prudence b...May 26, 1898 d...1984-5? #7--James Oliver b...May 21, 1901 d...December 10, 1986 Children of Lorance and Vinnie: #1--Bamber b...1907 #2--Otto b...1908 #3--Alice b...1911 #4--Marvin b...1913 d...1961 #5--Idee b...1916 Mrs. Vinnie Alice Evans Tycer Husser married a third time to Samuel Lewis Simpson (age 70) (Vol.18 page 162). Since I'm concerned with history and not with genealogy, I will not take the time to trace all descendants further. These have come to me with personal knowledge of my schoolmates, friends and relatives. You probably took note that Joseph (Joe) Husser, born in 1853, had a son by his first wife, Philomaner, named Lorance Marvin Husser, born in 1880, who married at seventeen to Mary Rainey. Mary died at childbirth of her first child a year later. His second marriage was to Mary Casanova about 1901. She lost her first child, stillborn. Second child was Etta Missouri Husser, born 1904, married R. Ward Bahm (the writer's step- brother). The third marriage of Lorance Husser was about 1906 to a widow, Vinnie Alice Evans Tycer, who had seven children in first marriage to Jacob Daniel Tycer (Jake), and among the oldest was daughter Maybelle, born 1893. Mr. Lorance's father, Joseph (Joe), lost his first wife Philoman in 1906, so he married the thirteen-year-old step- daughter of his son, Lawrence. She was probably large in stature; I remember her as a large woman. This made him a step- son to Lorance, his own son, and Maybelle his step-daughter, Lorance's step-mother, and the step-mother to her own mother, as well as her mother-in-law. An unusual situation, but it also happened in the Bahm family when my grandfather's eldest son by his first wife, Alexander, married the younger sister of Hypolite's second wife, making Alex's son, Alex Hypolite, my father Buzzy's nephew and his nephew was also his uncle. CHAPTER 7 Mrs. Lillian Husser Casanova was one of he great-great- granddaughters of the immigrant ancestor, Lawrence Husser. Lillian and I had attended school together though she was several grades ahead of me. Mr. Hypolte was her father. I was aware that Mr. Hypolite had corresponded with relatives in France when we were going to school, as I had heard him talking to one of the teachers about it. That was in 1921 or 1922. Now after our retirement Lillian has shared some of that correspondence with me, as well as other material about ancestry. In a letter received from France about 1948 is a complete description of Alsace-Lorraine, the mother country of the Hussers. It is most interesting. In the old country the Hussers lived near Colmar, in the upper or northern part of Alsace. The name was spelled Hausser at that time. A translation of the letter follows. (I made every effort to contact Mrs. Koessler after receiving this letter from Lillian in the 1960's; but there had been too many years gone by, she could not be located nor any of the family; although I spoke with folks of the town who remembered them.) THE LETTER TRANSLATION Thank you very much for your friendly letter of January 1, 1949. Please excuse my delayed answer on account of the illness of my wife. I am sorry I cannot read the name of the home town of your descendant (he means ancestor) on the slip of paper you sent me. The writing resembles the name of the village of Lingolsheim which is only a few miles away from Straussburg (lower Alsace). Probably the reason for your descendants being located in lower Alsace was through moving or marriage; because it is certain that the Hussers originated from Upper Alsace. As you will probably recall "from my drawing of your family tree,"the first Husser" originated in the vicinity of Colmar, Upper Alsace, but I was unable to trace where this man had come from. He lived between the years of 1540 and 1670 in the village of Weir (Weir aug dam Land). His third generation descendant, Claus Hausser, lived in Munsenheim from the year 1645, where I myself was born. The name "Hausser" was changed to "Husser" after the great Revolution, because the name Hausser had a German sound to it. The village of Munseheim has a population of about 400, and at the present time 18 families bear the name of Husser, not counting the various womenfolk who married into different family names, as for example Schmidt-Husser, etc. The Husser families are scattered far and wide in Alsace. In Colmar with its 40,000 inhabitants, there are 38 families with the name Husser, yet none are directly related to me. In order to clarify the situation, which on account of the many wars has changed its government so often, I have sent you previously a sketch of Alsace-Lorraine. Before the birth of Christ, the tribes "Skelton" and "Gallier" inhabited the fertile valley between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest, through which the river Rhine flows. Both ridges of mountains attain the height of 1450 meters at the highest point, and at the time were dense virgin forests. The inhabitants of the valley were primitive people, clothed in animal hides. Then the Romans conquered the land, built castles and forts and a road through the land from Basel (?) to Straussbrg. (Basel was at that time called "Basilla," and Straussbrg was called Argentovaria".) Later they continued the road further down along the Rhine River. In 400 A.D. the ancestors of the present day Germans called "Allemanen" crossed the Rhine and settled in that valley, especially in upper Alsace. These Germans were called strangers by the "Kelten" and "Galliers" who were living there. The name strangers was "Eliasza," from which the name Alsace later was developed. In 925 A.D. there was already established a dukedom (duchy) called "Allamannion" under "Ludwig the German." In 1365 the French and English soldiers, under the rule of Count de Sessions came from the French side of the Rhine into Alsace, and conquered the Germans' also robbers and the tribe of Armagnaken then came and robbed and burned the settlements of the Germans, wherever they could. They remained there until 1445. In 1469 the Austrians took the land. The farmers' war, which began in Schwabesland and other regions, made especially much damage in Alsace in 1525. Most of the castles and forts along the hills of the Vosges mountains were destroyed. Later the armies of the Bishop of Basel and the Bishop of Straussburg fought against each other. In 1621 the Sweedes conquered the land. Under the terms of the peace treaty of Westfahlen, the District of Alsace-Lorraine was assigned to the French under the jurisdiction on King Louis XIV. Nevertheless, it was not until sixty years later that Straussburg actually opened its doors to the king; and finally in 1798 the city of Mulhausen, which the Swiss had taken over and called "Sundgen" was given to the French. During this time the Great French Revolution was raging, which also caused much damage in Alsace. Besides all the wars, etc., natural hazards overtook the land, terrible floods, famine and epidemics diminished the inhabitants greatly in the Middle Ages. Especially plague and cholera, which killed entire villages. The first recordings of these terrible diseases began in the 9th century, and were continued from then on through all the centuries. The mortality rate was the worst in 1349, where in Straussburg alone 16,000 people died. Curiously the Jews survived the best, maybe because they ate much garlic. Because they survived, the Jews were accused of starting the plagues to eliminate the Christians. Everywhere the Christians tortured the Jews, tying them to wagon wheels, and burning them bodily. According to the chronicle in Straussburg alone, 1,800 Jews burned. In all the cities of Alsace-Lorraine, including Basel, the Jews were persecuted. After the Great French Revolution, the Alsace-Lorraine people recovered slowly until the French-German war of 1870-71, where the Germans conquered the District of Alsace-Lorraine. Several Alsace-Lorraine families went to France, but the majority remained, and became accustomed to the government. Then things became orderly, and business boomed. There was peace in the land for 40 years, until he first World War in 1914. After the war, in 1918, when the French took over Alsace-Lorraine again, the Germans were evicted. Only the woman who married Frenchmen were allowed to remain. One can imagine what hatred this caused between the two countries. Germany claimed her right to the land because of the "Kelton," from which they said the French people had originated. Oddly enough, in all Alsace-Lorraine the German language had been predominant, except on the border, which is deep in the mountains where the farmers spoke a French dialect. All names of towns, cities, villages, mountains, rivers and castles, as well as nearly all family names, are German. French and other names were added through immigration in bygone years, in that the French could pronounce certain German names of places, these names were changed. But there were many names which were impossible to translate into French. Then came W.W.II, during which time Alsace-Lorraine was taken over by Germans for four years. The hatred between the two countries was even worse after the Germans lost the war. This is a chapter of Alsace-Lorraine history which cannot be put into words. Whoever is unable to speak French is considered a"second- class" person; However, there are nonetheless some people who (blotted out....) who were not Alsace-Lorraine French speaking people. Now that there is only French taught in the schools, there is a possibility that in the future the people will have to learn either Russian or English--history tells us that the French will not be able to keep the land very long. To be honest it doesn't matter who rules the land as far as the people are concerned, as they had never been given a choice from either side as to what they might like to be; the conquest was always centered on the country itself, with its rich soil, coal, iron ore, petroleum and mineral wells, and especially for its very valuable potash and potassium, which only Alsace- Lorraine produces in all France. The rich soil of Alsace- Lorraine produces world-famous wine, also the very best hops and all manner of fruits, vegetables and rich pasture land. When Alsace-Lorraine belonged to Germany, it had been the most southern location of Germany and its fruits and vegetables, which ripened earlier than in Germany proper, found an ample market in that country. Therefore, under German rule, the farmers of Alsace-Lorraine fared very well. Many years ago the King of France, during his first visit to Alsace-Lorraine after conquering the land, remarked "this is a garden of God." At present, under French rule the market for early fruits and vegetables to be sold in France by the farmers is nil because Frances owns land still further south, which produces its fruits and vegetables a month earlier. Because of this, the farmers of Alsace-Lorraine had been better off under the German rule. The spoken language of Alsace-Lorraine is the so-called "Alsace-German," a dialect which is spoken in Switzerland, also Baden, Whurtenburg, Pfals, and Bavaria have a similar dialect, and they all can understand each other. After reading this, you will understand the reason for all the wars which had come upon Alsace-Lorraine. They were caused by the envy and covetousness of the people of both France and Germany, just like it is all over the world, wherever there is something to be had. CHAPTER 8 SOME INSTRUCTIONS AND COMMENTS (To trace back the ancestors of a certain person, go by the numbers. For instance Richard Husser No. 148, we see his father is No. 65 Bede Husser, who is the son of No. 11. Look up 11 we find Hypolite Husser who is Bede's father, who is the son of No. 4, which is the son of No. 1 Loraine Husser.) The above comments are from Mr. Hypolite's notes (Hypolite III). The Husser Tree of Alsace is from his collection also, He seems to have made a Husser Tree (American) himself; but I did not get a copy, it probably burned. We could have made one, but there is so little time. I need to go on and complete this book. On the following pages is a true outline of the Family Tree of Husser. As you see it's written in German, as it came from France. As you also see the explanation of which one was the first to come to America is not clear. Several of them did come. It seems to me that Lawrence was probably the first or one of the first to come to Louisiana. I was told that he probably married on the ship. There is Schmidt in this list, perhaps a friend or neighbor of his old home. Mr. Hypolite Husser, III was the only one to correspond with the cousins in the old country back about 1925, with the aid and encouragement of our school teachers at that time. He probably had letters that would have told us something more of interest, but his home burned about 1950 and his immediate relatives have only the records he wrote from memory after that. CHAPTER 9 Four grandsons of immigrant Lawrence Husser. Left to right: John Husser, age about 43; Hypolite Husser, III, age about 44; Antoine Husser, age about 46; Peter Husser, age about 54. Three other brothers not pictured here were Frankie, Emile and Victor. Picture taken in front of the home of Hypolite Husser, Sr. after Post Office of "Husser" had been moved from original place. It had opened about 1888, and was then called "Husser Mill" where it was located in one corner of the kitchen of the first Husser home. "Uncle Polite," as he was know, operated a small grocery store along with the Post Office. When he moved the second time he tended only the Post office; and it was about that time that Mr. Lorance Husser, son of Joseph (Uncle Joe) opened his general merchandise store. When he grew old and his widow no longer could tend store, she gave up; and at that time Mr. Zeno (son of Lorance the second) and wife Teresa Husser opened a grocery and it has continued to this day. (1986) The Post Office of Husser is still located within a mile or two of any of the previous sites; all others were wooden buildings. [Picture of Post office and four grandchildren of Mr. Lawrence Husser.] Husser Lifestyle [Commentary regarding picture] Springtime about 1900 some Husser descendants are pictured here showing a happy afternoon of relatives visiting together, in the home of Hypolite Husser, Sr., father of the Husser Post Office. Note now it occupies a house of its own. Pictured in photo from left to right: 1-Adam Husser 2-Winnier Husser (his wife) 3-Zilla Husser, wife of 4-Leonard Husser 5-and 6 are unknown 7-Billy Ard 8-Hypolite Husser,Jr. 9-Antoine Husser (Babe) his wife- 10-Corene Husser 11-Baby (Lizzie Hogans) 12-Hypolite Sr. 13-Joe Tycer 14-Peter Husser 15-Simon Husser 16-Frankie Husser 17-Victor Husser 18-unknown [Pages 35a through 35i are photo exhibits of a hand written genealogy labeled "Copies from The Tree of Husser of Alsace."] [35j taken from a list of Confederate soldiers and Commands by Booth] George Husser---Pvt. Co. H-25th La Infantry En. Mar. 25-1862, New Orleans, La. USA; Roll for Mar. to June 30-1862 (absent or present not stated) Rolls from Nov. 1862 to Feb-1863 absent in hospital at Chattanoga, Tenn. Rolls from July to Oct. 1863 absent left sick in Kentucky (State) Oct. 1, 1862 order of Dr. Bateman Rolls from Jan to April, 1864, absent left sick in Kentucky Aug. 1-1862 order of Dr. Bateman (sp Baitman) This information was taken from the list of Confederate Soldiers and Commands by Booth; this person might have been one of the first persons (Hussers) to come to America. I haven't the time to research and find what happened to him. CHAPTER 10 HUSSER--THE CHURCH Husser, first called Chappapela (which, according to Father Odilo, in Indian means Laughing Girl), was the first Catholic settlement in Tangipahoa Parish to have a church of its own. The first mission here goes back to 1855 when the Rev. C. G. Du Puy came out occasionally from Covington to say Mass in the home of Norris (Norbear) Baham, Lorance Husser and Francis Burnett. The scattered residents took turns going to Covington on horseback, leading an extra horse and bringing the priest back with them. The priest would spend a night or two and say Mass in the several homes. This went on for years. The first little mission church was built on what was said to be a donation of one or two acres of land that had belonged to the Baptiste Bayham place. (We assume he donated it, c.1865, but no record has been found to substantiate this or a sale.) The church was built on logs and above the front door it flourished a large (15 x 19) iron cross, beaten out and carved by hand by Mr. Lorance Husser in his blacksmith shop. The priest that served in this first church was the Rev. J. A. Manoritta. The pioneer families who contributed to the building of this church were Norris Baham, Tony Rohner, Baptiste Baham, Lawrence Husser, Luis (sp) Husser, Jerry Chrischier, Hypolite Husser, and Joe Husser. The first person baptized in the log church as Mary Anna Bannas. Father Scollard, after 1869, served the mission, then Fr. Kennedy in 1877. Mr. Frank Brunett lived on the west side of Chappapela Creek on what had been the old Baptiste Bayham place. He was located about half-way between Norris Bayham and Lorance Husser. Mr. Frank Brunett, as he came to be known, came to America from Barcelona, Spain. He was proud to tell of his naturalization and of his having come over in a ship as a stowaway inside a large sugar barrel. Arriving first in New Orleans, after a number of years he came over to Madisonville, as did many settlers in the 1850's. Mr. Frank (Francisco Brunitti) continued to recognize the original "donation" of this one or two acres that was considered church and cemetery area. (All of the older church folks assume that Mr. Baptiste Bayham had probably called it a donation, and the records might have been lost.) The little mission church was replaced about 1880 by a small box-style building, and by now was under the administration of another priest, the Rev. L.J. Kennedy, who came to them from the town of Ponchatoula. I remember this little plain building with its wide planks in an upright position, the handmade iron cross again placed above the door. I was one of a dozen or more children who walked to school at Husser and went past this church daily, as well as the vacant home where Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brunett had lived. The Hussers; the Bahams, Lawrence and Baptiste and probably Norris; and J. Casanova took part in the construction work. The Benedictine Fathers took charge in 1890. Among those ministering at Chappapela were Fr. Felix, Fr. Columbar, Fr. Ansel, Fr. Placid Dobyns, and Fr. Emilian. One of the boys of St. Dominic's mission became a priest. This was Fr. Emile Husser, the son of Hypolite Husser, Sr. He joined the Natchez diocese and died in 1919 as pastor of a church in Canton, Mississippi. He is buried in St. Dominic's Cemetery at Chappapela, now called Husser. The cemetery grew fast. In 1887 an epidemic of yellow fever swept through New Orleans and on throughout the settlements in all of Louisiana. Many families lost loved ones. Mr. Joseph Husser, Sr. (2nd generation) lost several members of his family, four or more from typhoid fever in 1906. It was said the "Uncle Joe" had a weakness for drinking... probably this is what started him off. By the time someone got back from Madisonville with material for one casket, he had to send right back for another. In 1931 another frame building for the church was erected. Mr. Hypolite Husser, Jr. (3rd generation) was one of the chief carpenters at that time. This church was now being served by the Rev. Pelegrin de la Fuente, O P, who is Spanish. Bennie Husser was one of the persons who went to town and brought the priest out for the day. After church he would have dinner in Bennie's mother's home (Mrs. Dora Husser), rest by playing "Mumble Peg" awhile with Bennie and then would be taken back to town. Bennie has many vivid memories of this. For ten years or more this church was sufficient, but the community was growing. In 1943, the Rev. Father Odilo Alt was placed in charge of this area. As the needs of the community made this church inadequate it was decided to erect a substantial building. This new church was designed by Leo Rielly, Jr. and J. Muller. Frank Cuchiara H.S G. was the general contractor. Members and citizens of the area contributed some labor to complete the building. Preparations were made for construction. Mr. Samuel Zemurray, owner of Zemurray Park, donated timber for the framework, which was hauled by church member Fred H. Bahm, with a team of horses. They were a well matched pair of grey horses named Dick and Dolly. He brought the logs to the sawmill owned by Althes Husser, son of Mr. William and Edith Husser. Althes and Johnnie Casanova sawed the logs into the proper pieces for the framework and scaffolding for the new brick construction. Rev. Father Odilo Alt was in charge of the church at this time, 1942-43. Mr. Charlie Burnett, grandson of the first Frank Brunett, went to look up the records and he with Father Odilo began to search. They found that Mr. Baptiste Baham had probably been the donor of the first acreage, and that Mr. Frank Brunett was the owner of the surrounding land according to those records of February, 20th, in 1886: Sec. 29, T4S R9E. Some time after 1943, it came to their attention that they needed more acreage and looking into the records noted that they owned no deed or copy as to how much land was really theirs for the church to use. Mr. McAuliff was a land owner of a large amount of land west of the church, and he was a member who cared about progress. World War II was in process and Mr. McAuliff had lost one of his sons, whose service was on a Merchant Marine ship that was torpedoed in the Gulf of Mexico, and most all aboard were lost. Mr. McAuliff told the church committee that he would give them 13 acres of land lying east and right next to the church yard, and they could build a new church on it and have ample room left to make a park in memory of his son (name not available) who had been killed. "The Congregation of St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Husser, Louisiana, a Louisiana Corporation, organized and existing under the laws of The State of Louisiana, and domiciled in the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, herein represented by Rev. Odilo Alt, Sec-Tres. of the Corporation, by virtue of authority in him vested per resolution of this dated the 29th day of November, 1957, a certified copy of which resolution is attached hereto, and forms par hereof. "The Congregation of St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, A Certain Piece or Parcel of Land, lying and being in Sec. 29 T 4 South Range 9 East, Greensburg District of Louisiana more particularly described as being on the South line of said Sec. 29 at a point 3.34 chains, North 89 degrees 50' East of the S.W. corner of the S.E. one-quarter of S W one-quarter; thence North 3.34 chains thence South 3.34 chains to the South line of said Sec. 29; thence S 89 degrees 50', W along same 7.59 chains to the beginning comprising an acre of 2.50 acres. All in Tangipahoa Parish, State of Louisiana. (Acquired from Edward W. Vinyard. Recorded in COB 160, page 173). "A Certain Piece or Parcel of Land lying and being in the NE one-quarter of the N E one-half of Sec. 32-T4 S R 9 E, Greensburg District, Louisiana more particularly described as being at the quarter corner on the N line of Sec. 32 thence S 89 degrees 50'. West along the N line of said section 620 feet to the East line of the Catholic Church property; thence South 630 feet to the N line of the right of way of State Route 407; thence in a southerly direction along same 880 feet to the quarter line; thence North 1 degree 15 minutes, West along same 1200 feet to the beginning comprising an area of 13.50 acres." (Acquired from Edward W. Vinyard. Recorded in COB 182, page 11). This deed found in Amite Court House of Tangipahoa Parish gives records of the property of St. Dominic Catholic Church, from as early as can be found. Some of this property is in Sec. 29 and some in Sec. 32. It is well known that Mr. Frank (Francisco Brunitti) was the first person to obtain some of this land. Mr. Brunett obtained this particular piece from the heirs of one Mr. Baptiste Baham, who settled here and obtained this land from the Spanish government. The original deed of the headright cannot be located at this time. Whether it disappeared from the records or whether it has been misplaced in the files we do not know. The record of the heirs selling this land to Mr. Brunett tells us they were the two earliest settlers there. This was also verified by personal memory of those in the area who are known as the local historians (of whom I am one). From personal discussion with older members of this church, I have learned that until the 1950's there were very probably no records of any deed showing just where the church property was located. Knowing the respect given to anyone's word in those days, when Mr. Baptiste said he would donate a couple of acres to the church for the establishment of a building, it was acknowledged and donated in word, spirit and general knowledge. Going into town then to have it recorded might have been delayed or considered unnecessary. However, those older people were no slouch in knowledge of legalities. In discussion with my friend and neighbor Bennie Husser, a devout Catholic, his memories date back further than mine, and he had his mother Dora's knowledge to back him up. Mrs. Dora lived to be 101 years of age. Bennie verified these records. Bennie remembered that his cousin, Charlie Brunett went to the courthouse for Father Odilo to look up the deed to this church property. From all he found there was no deed and no record of the donation. Since the first building was erected about 1861, we know this was the beginning of turbulent times for the south and for this area of the state. Could be that the small matter of a record being made was forgotten during the course of such times as recruiting soldiers to defend the great cause. So we find that in 1957, Father Odilo Alt, the pastor of Saint Dominic's at that time, went to New Orleans as this deed shows and obtained records from the Diocese, and had recorded the three separate records of this land, which was publicly known as being about two and a half acres in the original plot of church property. Additional land was acquired from Mr. E.W. Vinyard at that time, and so it sounds as if it all came through Mr. Vinyard. But local folks know that originally the two and a half acres did not come from him. Furthermore, I checked the records in Amite for a donation from Mr. McAuliff, as Bennie told us about, but no record, and no mention of this in any of the McAuliff deeds. I am sure though the offer was made and the gift accepted. It is recorded as if it was a purchase, for safety sake (I suppose). The Church does own that area. The timber was cut from it, but the thirteen acres in the area referred to is not a park, in memory of anyone. The other person in the discussion with Bennie was his Uncle Ivy Brunett, who died a few years ago, and cannot verify this discussion. Others may remember it, but they were opposed to the proposal of a park, so their word has not been sought. We leave the matter like the records have it. [41a is a picture entitled "A Summer Picnic in Husser, about 1907 or 1908 and is of a large group. Only two horsemen are identified--Fred Bahm and Robert E. Bahm (Buzzy).] [41b is a picture of "Uncle Fred on wagon pulled by Dick and Dolly] We had good reason to know Fred's horse team, they were good. My father, Robert E. Bahm, requested that they draw his casket in a wagon to the cemetery when he died. He was buried in the family plot in February, 1941. CHAPTER 11 [Contains copies of the following:] Naturalization Certificate of Francisco Brunetti. Land deed from Baham heirs to Francisco Brunetti. Land deeds and records of church and cemetery. Land deed from Vinyard to the St. Dominic Catholic Church. [Photo of Mrs. Anna Cassanova Brunett, wife of Frank Brunett with her daughter, Laura Brunett taken about 1920's.] Mrs. Anna's husband, Frank, was the son of Francis Brunetti of Barcelona, Spain Photo of Parish Priest and church cemetery about 1950's. [Map of Husser drawn about 1949 by Hypolite Husser III.] The new church was nearing completion when the committee ran out of funds. Bennie Husser and Erwin Husser went into the bank and signed a loan to furnish enough money to finish the work. After completion of the building Fr. Odilo devoted his time, talent, effort, thoughts and physical strength to development of the community, care of the cemetery, church grounds and the general welfare of the church. In a few years other buildings were erected, regular entertainment for youth, adults and friends was supplied. For more than twenty years the happy community was directed and cultured by the soulful advice and personal energy of the "good Father Odilo." In time Father Odilo was replaced by orders from the Diocese of New Orleans and Father gracefully took his leave by transfer to a neighboring area under the diocese of St. Benedict near Covington. Leaving St. Dominic folks in tears and regret they were turned over to the diocese of Independence, Louisiana, about 1965. Father Odilo served faithfully at his new parish until he expired in November, 1969. Since that time St. Dominic has been served by several pastors, and at present (1985) is in the care of Rev. Tambarello and is still growing. Obituary of Father Odilo Alt Father Odilo Joseph Alt, OSB, at St. Joseph's Abbey, St. Benedict, La., on Monday, November 24, 1969, son of the late John Alt and Elizabeth Grewnig of Germany, age 78 years, a native of Germany and a resident of St. Joseph's Abby for the past 62 years. Members of the clergy and friends are invited to attend the Requiem Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, Folsom, La., on Thursday, November 27, 1969, at 7 o'clock p.m. Funeral services on Friday, November 28, 1969 from St. Joseph's Abby, St. Benedict, La., at 10:30 o'clock a.m. Interment St. Joseph's Abby Cemetery. Friends may call after 3 p.m. on Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church. The alter was of evergreen fern with pink flowers. The priest officiating wore a white robe for funeral ceremony. Father Odilo was buried in his black robe with black rosary. He was seventy-eight years of age and had served the churches actively for over fifty years. PART TWO SCHOOLS OF THE AREA AND THE EARLY 1980's CHAPTER 12 A tiny one room school called the Brunett School existed before the Osceola School. Located about one-quarter mile south of where the Brunett Road joins Highway 445 at the Husser Quick Stop, this little road goes down to the Old Brunett place, where Frank Brunett, Jr. and his wife, Anna Brunett lived; and on further to the Wallace Bahm home. A view of the Brunett School about 1908. Left to right: Back row: Ward Bahm, Bert Galatas, Ray Bahm (in window), Glenn Tycer, Herbert Tycer, Andrew Brunett, Ivy Brunett and bob Tycer. Middle row: Alice Bahm, Maude Galatas, Teacher, Edna Brown, Emma Brown, (Teca) Barbetta Brunett, and Eura Bahm. Front row: Agnes Brunett, Teresa Brown, and Ola Joiner. The teacher is probably Ms. Ada Birch. OSCEOLA SCHOOL about 1918 One room Osceola School started out as the Brunett School before it was moved about a quarter of a mile, to what is now the corner of Hwy. 445 and the intersection of Brunett Road, in the southern section of Husser. The teachers, not in the order of service, were Miss Mae McKneeley, Ada Birch, Mr. Jesse McClendon, Charles Thompson, Edward Vining, Miss Mamie Rogers, and Junia Sylvest. All of these were of only three months duration, except the last one which was six months. Salaries were small, and the school months were mostly the winter months, chosen so as to be the time when children were the least needed to work on the farms. Pupils, as they were called then, were the Brunetts, Galatas, Bahms, Joiners and Hussers. About 1921, this little school building was torn down and moved to Husser. Teachers at Chambers School were Mr. Bill Chambers, the organizer, and the first instructor...then his son, probably Biran, at one time...much later, Miss Ada Birch, Ruby Spears, Lillie Hyde and Alba Sylvest. Those attending the school were the Calvin Hughes children, the children of Mark Chambers, some Vernons, the Eckles, Bolingers, the Adam Husser children, Dora Husser children, and the Hypolite Husser children. In 1921, Husser school came into being by the consolidation of the two schools just mentioned, Osceola and Chambers. Later the Bell School was sent to Husser also. The first two years we were taught by Miss Maude Rogers and Epha Force. About 1923, the third room was added and Miss Marie Holton came on as Principal. Husser was discontinued sometime in the 30's, when bus service took all the children to Loranger. Sometime in the 40's it became Husser Community Center. CHAPTER 13 OSCEOLA SCHOOL Not the little red school house but the little brown school house. When Osceola School was being built (rebuilt), the neighborhood men gathered for a work week. The Brunett School was torn down and moved up beside the road, which was still only a trail. I remember being allowed to go with my father, Buzzy, and watch them work. Some carried the shingles to the school house, some carried them up the ladder to the workers who were nailing them down. I can remember seeing one man who was dressed in the typical Uncle Sam garb of tall hat with white stars, red shirt, and blue and wide white striped pants. I remember it vividly as it was outstanding in brightness. I guess I admired it. I was still too young to attend school, in fact I only went through one year there, before it was consolidated with the other schools. My aunt was the last teacher there, and I had been visiting much of the year before I really attended. The next year I sat with the first grade row, who were mostly boys. They teased my pony tail and we often giggled, and sometimes had to stand in the corner. Of course, that was very embarrassing when it happened to me. This school stood in the corner of the curve of what is now Highway 445, just below the Catholic church. It flourished for several years. In recess the kids played baseball, jump rope and cat ball. The school was heated by a iron wood-burning stove; usually a small pot of water was sitting on the top to keep humidity in the room. I don't know why we thought it necessary, as the cracks beneath the windows and doors did that. One day the fire didn't burn well, and in stirring the wood, they shook the pipes that went up through the attic and roof. The pipes came uncoupled, fell apart and onto the floor. Out came the soot smoke and bits of rust, filling the room with smoke and sparks. Class was dismissed so we could go out to recess away from the choking smoke. The older boys assisted the teacher to put things back in place. Miss Sylvest, the teacher and my aunt, sent me on a quick trip home to get her "other" blouse and undershirt. Of course I was delighted to go, and ran all the way. When smoke cleared and we calmed down, we went back in (freezing) to classes. Teacher changed her blouse in the outdoor toilet and we resumed the routine of the day. The older girls were allowed to help sweep floors and wash the blackboard. They wouldn't let me help; I could only dust the erasers. Teacher used brush brooms to sweep the many leaves from the front and around the school house. This broom was a bundle of shrubs cut from the swamp, tied into a handsized bundle, to make a fluffy end. Sometimes the teacher stayed after school to sweep and allowed me to stay with her. A half dozen tall oak trees in the yard shaded the building in summer, but shed many leaves in winter. I didn't have to study hard to learn, so I listened to all of the older classes recite. Herbert Tycer was the oldest boy in school, and we all loved to hear him recite the "Wreck of the Hesperus" which he had memorized. His smooth deep voice recited solemnly, "The Skipper had taken his little daughter to bear him company." I can't remember the lines, but it was a sad story. Hubert was scolded one day for sassing the teacher; she told him he would have to stay in from recess for punishment, but when we filed out to recess he went to the door too; teacher reached for his collar to hold him. Hubert, red faced with anger and embarrassment, slipped his arms out and went through the door, leaving his coat hanging in teacher's hands, and left. It was his last day of school. He never came back. The children that I attended this school with were Delaney Allen, Agnes Brunett, Ola Joiner, Laura and Barbetta Brunett, Ted (Theodore) Recy, Otto and Bamber Husser, Matie and Irma Husser; Otis, Teara, Teresa, Edna and Emma Brown, brother Wallace who was always telling me what to do, Gertrude Vernon, and possibly Maude and Eula Galatas. One day about noon recess, someone in a new shiny buggy and a nice-looking, fast-stepping horse drove up to the school yard, picked up his girlfriend and off they went. Next day we were told that they had eloped and got married. CHAPTER 14 The new two-room school was built near Husser store about 1920-21 after consolidating Osceola and the Chambers Schools. Mr. Hypolite Husser had the building contract, Cousin Leonard Husser was assistant. As we had gone past it to the store during the summer we had been anxiously watching its gradual completion. School opened late in September, and we were so excited to have a new building, stained green with white painted trim and halls painted also. We walked about a mile and a half to go to school, taking our lunch in a small bucket. I don't remember anything much about that first year there. I was a second grader and my teacher was Miss Epha Force. Teachers had a warm relationship with students then, and often walked home with one to spend the night in their home, thus getting closely acquainted with the parents. When I moved up to third grade, I was in the "other" room and a third room had been added. Miss Maude Rogers was my teacher and after I stopped being afraid, I liked her. Other teachers that came were Marie Holton, Christine Hart, Helen Alford, Meta Angele, Norma Stringfield, Epha Force Brunett (she had now married Charlie), Earlma Morrison and perhaps others. School was quite an experience in those years. With several grades in one room, someone was always having a class, and others were always listening to them. Everyone always developed a lot of affection for teacher. We gained lots of new friends here: The Babe Husser family, who were Lela, Laurine, Glynn and little Cora; the Hypolite Husser children, who were Mabel, Amos, Lillian, Bede and Freddie; the Willie Husser family, who were Loretta and Ervin and later Hilda and Alcasce. From four miles away came the Chambers girls, Valeria, Susie, Florence and Edna, and their brothers Mark and Stanley. Also from the same distance came the Calvin Hughes family, Louise, Margie, Mearl, Evelyn and Madelyn. From further away came Robert, Clarence, Eugene (Ruby) and Elvin Hughes, who were from Mr. Henry Hughes' family. Robert was the first to come from that family, riding a little brown donkey. the next year Clarence and the others came. Robert was a typical "Huckleberry Finn," making friends with everyone and doing a lot of teasing, but bringing pecans and satsuma oranges in the fall so no one minded his teasing very long. In those days he hardly noticed me as there were many older girls who had classes with him. Parents and friends came to the program at the ending of school; and the eighth grade pupils graduated from grammar school. There must have been ten or twelve of us; but I've forgotten most of them. There were Matie, Ted, Alice, Florence and Susie. I've forgotten the rest. Guests sat on chairs and benches out front and we stood on the porch to recite and sing. I had the highest average, but do not now remember the talk I gave; it was something about leaving school and fond memories..."but in the truest sense we are not leaving it, its spirit shall go with us wherever our path may lie." The class song was something like this: Happy schooldays now are ending Joys and pleasures now are o're Toil and cares will soon be blending Life in reality has begun. Sail your ship out on the river Steering for some far off shore Praying while our hearts all quiver Joys of childhood now are ore. Goodbye friends and patient teachers Store each memory in our hearts To our guides and faithful teachers Grateful thanks before we part. There might have been another verse or two but I do not remember. I also received a certificate for perfect attendance. Before Husser was disbanded, but after my group had transferred to Loranger, Husser received more pupils from on Highway 16; they were Helen, Shelby, and Joe Sharp, the Rhoners, and perhaps others. Later these were transferred to Amite. If I have omitted anyone they will have to write it in, like I do in my books; it's too late in my life to delay everything by going out doing research. This is what I remember. [Picture included of Husser school and obit of Hypolite Husser ] HUSSER-At his home in Husser, La., on Tuesday, February 12, 1957, at 4 o'clock a.m., HYPOLITE HUSSER, father of Mrs. Lillian Cassanova of Husser, La., Mrs Mabel Cutrer of Amite, La., Mrs. Lois Dowling of Hammond, La., Bede and Amos Husser of Husser, La., Freddie Husser of Hammond, La., and Norman Husser of Westfir, Ore., brother of Peter and Victor Husser of Amite, La., John Husser of Husser, La., aged 79 years, a native and lifelong resident of Husser, La. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral, which will take place Wednesday, February 13, 1957, at 10:30 o'clock a.m., from St. Dominic's Catholic Church, Husser, La. Interment in Church cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home in charge. CHAPTER 15 SCHOOL DAYS Memories of school at Husser involves teachers mostly. They were certainly the focal point of my attention. I must have behaved well as I remember no episodes of punishment or special mischief. In the first and second grades at Osceola School I had often stood in the corner from giggles. Boys sat in front of me, behind me, and across the aisle from me, and they often teased. My aunt was teacher and she showed no mercy on me. My dark brown hair was very long and almost always dressed with a ribbon at the end of the pony tail. I always thought they teased me because my hair was braided. I was shy and timid, as most all little girls are when at school. I was very attentive in class and made good grades, which meant getting "100" in those days. At Husser I was fascinated with the bored well that supplied our water. The long slim bucket was drawn up with a windlass, and we thought the water so cool when fresh. The "water cooler" sat on a shelf beside the well for a time, and we got our drinks from the cooler until it became too warm in summertime. Noon recess would see us girls all seated under the largest oat tree we could find in summer. In winter we all grouped near the sunnyside of the school building...we brought our lunches in pails. We walked to school happily in early morning; it was only one and a half miles for us. Other children bragged about their roads being much further, most of them. Our road led past the Catholic Church, there was only one church then, and the oak trees were in such a large group that we had a shady space for a long way, especially in the afternoon. Just past the church was another break when we passed by the Old Kiko Place. Several large magnolia trees spread their limbs almost across the road and the pecan trees helped out on the other side of the road. This place never ceased to be interesting with the old and vacant house, flowers still blooming in the yard, and not far from the road was an old, old "dug well," which I was frightened of. The old house was said to have ghosts, but we never saw any, the flowers always won out as there were always some of them to admire. MISS MAUDE ROGERS' very first school was at Husser when Husser School was first built. She said I was in the third grade at that time. She had large blue eyes sparkling out beneath red hair and that pretty, fair complexion that almost all redheads seem to have. The most exciting thing I remember about her school year was the Christmas tree that caught fire. There was a program, and for years afterward Wallace and I could recite everyone's poem that they had presented. Bamber was funny anyway as he was taller than any other pupil in our room, and he must have been at the age of his changing voice. His poem was about popcorn, and when he recited we all laughed to imagine Bamber as a popcorn ball. He said: I'm a popcorn ball I'm warm you see I've just been made for the Christmas tree. Oh how my kernels jumped and frolicked about Hardly could they wait to be taken out. That's all I can remember now of his lines. When the program was over and gifts handed out, all stood around, happy or disappointed as the case may be. Suddenly the branches of the tree blazed up and began burning briskly. The tree decorations were only strings of popcorn and real candles that had been fastened to the tips of the branches by little metal clips. Teacher and the taller boys got the flames out and immediately took the tree outside while the rest of us wiped our eyes from the smoke. It surely gave an exciting close to the Christmas events. In springtime, Easter was another pleasant occasion. Teacher had invited all the parents and children to the home where she was boarding for an egg hunt. This was the home of Fred H. Bahm and his wife, Laura. I think I enjoyed seeing the pretty dresses of the big girls and teacher as much as I enjoyed the egg hunt. It was exciting to try to find the prize egg. I found only a few, and they didn't seem to be extra pretty to me, but I was hoping. The prize egg turned out to be a small, pale green egg, and was found by Lela Husser, I believe. She received a box of chocolate candy as the prize. Lela was one of the "grown" girls. As I write this I am still in touch with Miss Maude, who lives in retirement in Phoenix, Arizona. She will have her own memories for us to add, and I am so glad to have them from her own pen. (From Miss Maude in September, 1990) What made my time at Husser school and community so special and still does? In retrospect there were many firsts for me and I believe for the community at large. It was my first time away from home. My first chance to earn real money. My first time to have responsibility for others. At age seventeen I was not sure how well I fulfilled those responsibilities but I am sure my enthusiasm made up at least in part for my lack of training. In those days all that was required to teach was a summer term at Louisiana state Normal at Natchitoches or a like educational facility plus passing a state examination in order to secure a teacher's license. Of course, one had to continue education at a college in order to claim teaching as a profession. The two-room new school building was a first for Husser and no doubt was the beginning of the process of consolidation from a one room school to a larger one with bus transportation for several miles. I do not recall that I had any doubts when the time arrived to begin my duties. I was listed as Principal and assigned the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. The first, second and third grades were under the care of Miss Epha Force from Roseland, Louisiana, and who I met for the first time when we arrived at the home of Fred and Laura Baham the Sunday before school was to start. Since I came from a large family I was immediately attracted to the youngest--about two years of age--but I enjoyed the two older ones also. We walked to the school--just how far I do not remember but I do remember that a number of times we waded through deep water and spent the day with wet feet. Somehow that did not matter then and apparently we were none the worse for the experience. Evidently the children had the same problems. The first afternoon that we arrived at the home of Fred Baham we were visited by the School Board. At that time, the school superintendent who was located at Amite, the seat of the parish, hired the teachers and this was probably the first time the local board knew who was coming or what their credentials were. I do not remember much about the interview except that the leader, Buzzy Bahm, wanted to know if I was really more than fourteen years of age. Also during the interview we were served small cups of black coffee which I refused because I had not had experience with coffee. I was assured by the school board that I would be insulting any host not to accept coffee and I certainly did not want to be in that position--so afternoon black coffee continues to be a part of my day. Teaching became a joy partly because my background included reading together as a family in the evenings and athletics. My first education included supervised play but I could manage very well because I had played baseball, basketball and volleyball during my high school days as well as the other games children enjoy. Discipline problems were few and I not suspect it was because no child could run as fast as I could. The new school was complete with desks, blackboard (chalkboard) and other teaching equipment but did not have janitorial service. The rooms were heated with a large stove in each room. Water was provided from an open well and outbuildings provided toilet facilities. The children were willing and anxious to help with necessary chores, bringing in wood to keep the fire going, drawing a pail of water from the well, washing the blackboards and keeping erasers free of dust. The floors were kept clean with brooms made from sedge grass. Spelling was always easy for me so I am sure I was anxious for the children to do well in this subject. Then as now ability to read and spell can make such a difference in how well a student does in his or her entire school experience. At that time, once a year the State Board of Education provided a list of 500 words for a spelling test and each child having a perfect score was given a certificate. I had some from my own high school (which was were I started to school in Louisiana) but I am sure they had lists for most grades. I do not recall that anyone in the class at Husser participated but they were encouraged to do so. Civics was another subject that I agonized over. Interest in how we were governed was so important to me but I never could generate much enthusiasm for the subject. After school had been in session for about a month, we were visited again by the school board. The only thing I remember about this visit is that I was asked about school discipline since I had not whipped any children. This was a surprise to me since my own background did not include corporal punishment. Brought up in the atmosphere of the Religious Society of Friends I was not accustomed to physical punishment for misdeeds--a sorrowful look from either of my parents--was enough to make one realize the error of his ways. I asked whether there had been any complaints and was assured there had not been but apparently it was unusual. I had been told by one of the pupils that another carried a switch-blade knife which had caused some concern. But when I asked for it no other problems followed. Of course there were mischievous students but attempts were made to keep them busy with chores. Also at that time one could write to companies like Colgate and secure samples of toothpaste, soaps and other useful articles which could be given as awards. In addition to studies, the children enjoyed preparing programs for special occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween and Easter. Their ingenuity in planning for programs not only for the school but for the community always amazed me since funds for these occasions was practically nil. Life in the community was also new and exciting to me. I believe most of the families enjoyed square dancing which I certainly did. Not sure whether these were spontaneous gathering, probably not since refreshments of cakes and pies were plentiful, but furniture would be set aside so there were a number of rooms available for dancing. Sometimes these would continue all night and we would either go home in the daylight or on to school for the day. so many good times which I was a part of thanks to the hospitality of the community. One home I remember in particular because the cooking was done totally on a fireplace. (The children had purchased a stove rejected by the mother.) No other food tasted s good as I have tried many times to prepare chicken as Mrs. Brunett did without success. There were sad times too when the entire community suffered from an influenza epidemic. I remember going to the homes to help in any way I could to tend to the sick and to console the family when death occurred. Singing was and is a major place in my life. Another community high point was the gathering of young adults at someone's home on a Sunday evening to sing hymns, No doubt there are many happening during my first year as a teacher at Husser which I have overlooked, and the effect the consolidation of two one room schools had on the community at large. Perhaps some of the students who were under my care will remember other factors or can enlarge on what I have recalled. Maude Rogers Ward MISS HELEN AFFORD was among the first teachers of Husser School. She came in 1922, young and pretty; just out of college and this was only her second school. Helen's experiences at teaching in Husser were very much like that of Christy's, in Katherine Marshall's book entitled "Christy." Our area was very, very country; the only road in or out was just a trail that buggies and wagons had made. All cooking was on a wood-burning stove and all lighting was with kerosene lamps, or the fireplace in winter. Helen boarded in the homes of some of the patrons who lived nearest the school, including Mr. and Mrs. Willie Husser, Mrs, Husser was Edith, the leader of the family due to Mr. Willie having very poor eyesight (legally blind). Helen had been a victim of polio when she was a small child, and had a walking handicap. Mr. Willie lived only about three-quarters of a mile from the school, and Helen had to allow at least that part of an hour to get to school on time. Three teachers boarded there, in the attic, or upstairs of the old Acadian style house. It sat at the end of a long lane and after walking down the lane they walked past a large corn or cotton field, then down a steep hillside across a sometimes dry branch, up another long hill and they were at the school house. The branch had a plank foot- bridge for use in rainy weather, the bridge was some thirty or forty feet wide; the planks were supposed to be above the water. This branch could easily become swollen with a heavy rain, and the swift water was dark with a muddy look. There was a time when Mrs. Helen had to remove her shoes and hose and wade a few feet to reach the plank bridge, then wade a bit more at the other end, as the amount of rain made the water wider than the bridge. Bringing her shoes and hose in her arms with her books and papers, she came on to school to dry her feet and replace her hose and shoes (it was early in the morning and few pupils knew that she had to do this). MARIE HOLTON, one of the other teachers, had trouble in the branch too. They had not walked together as Marie could move much faster so she got to sleep a little longer. It might have been the same day, it was surely the same branch, and Marie found it necessary to remove her shoes also. Walking the planks was no fun; they were only about 8 to 10 inches wide with no hand rail to guide one. Somehow Marie lost her balance and in she went, falling into the chilly water, and as she climbed out she lost a shoe, the swift muddy water making it impossible to see it. Marie went back home wet, redressed, and wore another pair of shoes. The kids didn't know about this until Marie told the parents; it was an amusing incident to other adults. When visiting in our home she told my father about losing her shoe. We were related to Marie and Papa teased her about her shoe floating and her looking into the drifts, etc. Marie most likely didn't do this, but papa teased and said, "Marie do you suppose your shoe floated into Chappapela Creek? (It was a mile away at least.) Marie was a good sport and laughed with us, even though she fussed lightly about the loss of a "good" shoe. MISS HELEN HOLTON, was a sister to Marie and taught at Husser for one year. She remembered Robert and Wallace, though they were not in her room. She had the third, fourth, fifth and part of the sixth grade classes; all were seated in her room. One day she received a letter from a boy friend, and this friend was discussing some incident saying, "her eyes spit forth Paris Green." Robert had ridden his little brown donkey up to the window where her desk was located. He read only this much over her shoulder and laughed. Miss Helen was a bit upset with him for snooping. He always thought that was funny, and I guess he never did find out why someone's eyes should spit forth Paris Green! Wallace Bahm, my brother, and Robert Hughes, my future husband, were classmates and almost the same age. Both were smart and both were bad with mischievous pranks. Helen Alford (now Bankston) still laughs about their mischief. Wallace was tall, thin and lanky, having grown up so fast. When amused he could become almost limp with laughter, and could barely stand. He was blond with fair skin and light brown hair. Robert was almost stocky...not heavy, muscular Not tall, auburn hair, blue eyes, and many freckles, as he was always out in the sun. Teacher likened them to Huckleberry Finn and "Laddie," as those were the gifts she gave them for Christmas the last year she taught them. Helen and Marie both taught Robert and Wallace. They were the best of friends, partners, and competitors. They admired "all" of the big girls and usually fell for the same one. In history and geography they were as sharp as a tack. Teacher would ask a question and Wallace would give a complete answer correctly; next question went to Robert, and he would not only answer the question, but continue to recite the rest of the lesson, reciting from memory the whole chapter. I was in the next lower class so I was always listening. Robert was a bookworm; Wallace loved to read, too, but somehow Robert had more time. In no time at all he had read all of the books in our two-shelf library and reported on them. When riding home from school, Robert would turn the reins loose and naturally little donkey would taken him on home, Robert not taking his eyes off his book. Wallace and Robert each got punished sometimes, and with great humility they "stood in the corner." They were not really bad, just wouldn't shut up when told (to stop talking to Lillian or Elva or Mabel). Robert brought oranges to the teacher in the fall, and to the girls too. When those were gone, he brought pockets full of pecans. Those didn't go over so well though, as they were too hard to crack. Miss Helen had been dating one of the young men of Husser namely, Leonard, and got teased a great deal. Of course Wallace was fond of his pretty young lady teacher and so was Robert, and they didn't think "anyone" was quite good enough to be courting "their teacher." Arriving early one cool morning, (kids were allowed to go inside out of the weather in those days) Wallace went into his room and before school was "taken-in" he drew a large "foot" on the blackboard, labeling it "Leonard's Foot, one-half natural size.: Teacher found it before the pupils had all see it and erased it, but she appreciated the humor as it brought smiles to her face and still does. Robert did his share of pranks too. He came to Husser from five miles away riding his little brown "Mookey" (the donkey). Everyone else walked to school, from a half mile to two or three and almost four miles away. Our lunches were carried in tin buckets or lunch pails that were purchased from Sears Roebuck. At noon recess we all went outside to eat. Sitting on the grass if it was dry weather; under the oak tree if it was summer time. Our meat was usually bacon or ham (home cured) inside a large fat biscuit; our desserts were mostly preserves inside another biscuit. They were cold, but tasted good to hungry children. Some kids carried a small jar of milk; I did not as milk didn't agree with me very well. In the afternoons we all walked along together coming home, until first one then the others turned off on "their" road. In the morning, though, we just went on alone, or with our brother; mine was most always grumpy to me, and always" telling me what to do or not do. I must have been in the fourth or fifth grade when MISS NORMA STRINGFIELD taught at Husser. Her lovely grey-blue eyes, soft-spoken voice, tall and thin with strict discipline, yet we liked her. On Friday afternoons her boyfriend came to pick her up and take her home for the weekend. She boarded in Husser too. James came a few times and we knew he was special to her. One Friday he came extra early and we noticed her blushes when she saw him. James always had a clean shiny buggy and horse, and drove in a fast trot. We kids were always glad to see him come, it meant we would get out a little early. When her father came for her we did not get out early at all. As soon as vacation time came they were wed. Miss Norma did not teach the next year. Miss Norma and James lived out their lives in the Friendship Community near Highway 16. Miss Norma still remembers her year at Husser, at this interview. (She died in 1988). The only male teacher of more than one year was MR. DUNCAN HART. He also boarded near the school, and we girls were scared to death of him. He would bluster and frown and when he knew we were all frightened he would cheer up real fast. Alice Husser and I were in the same class, and at last we were now the older girls. Mabel and Lillian had married, Elva dropped out, Teara and Lela dropped out and soon married. Alice and I were the best of friends. We began to like Mr. Hart when he would leave the classroom for a few minutes every morning and again every afternoon. We finally assumed that he was out to smoke a cigarette. We must have been in the eighth grade. Alice knew how to dance and I wanted to learn. This was the year that the "Charleston" came out. One morning when Mr. Hart was out, and the boys of the lower class were absent, Alice was giving me lessons. We were doing pretty well when in walked Mr. Hart. We were both embarrassed and scared, we just knew he was going to zero our grades. I had never brought home a zero in my life and if I did I sure would have been in trouble. He told us to stay in after school, then in a few minutes he let us go home. We sure were relieved. He had often threatened a zero on all lessons. Mr. Hart taught at Husser for several years, and in other local schools for years. He became a good friend to everyone in Husser. His death, about 1977, was a shock; he is buried in the Loranger Community Cemetery. MISS CHRISTINA HART, a sister to Mr. Duncan, was a teacher at Husser for a couple of years or more. I cannot remember who came first , she or her brother. It was she, I'm sure, she was my teacher when I was in one of the lower grammar grades. I loved her. The fair skin with pretty freckles and lovely brown hair and eyes made her quite a popular young lady while here. We were distantly related, and have kept in touch off and on through the years. After marriage she resided in Baton Rouge. MISS EARLMA MORRISON was one of the last teachers of Husser. Before the year was up she had an almost fatal auto accident, and MRS. LELA BELL WEIGEL finished out her term. Mrs. Earlma is still remembering her year at Husser, including the branch she waded. It was a common occurrence for us children to have to wade the branches, but for our teacher that was awful. Mrs. Earlma Morrison Decoteau, of Hammond, taught at Husser from 1936 to 1938 and then from 1939 to 1941. At this time the lunch program was beginning. The children had soup for lunch, but some brought their food from home. At the end of the term of 1942 Husser School was consolidated with Loranger. The Tangipahoa Parish School Board put the two acres at Husser up for sale and in 1946 it became the property of the Husser Community Organization. My name may not be in the minutes, but I was living in Husser again, at that time, as Robert was in Europe during World War II. I assisted Bennie Husser in obtaining signatures of some citizens to show their agreement for us to purchase those two acres. Rose Husser, Althes Husser and Bennie Husser had been appointed the task. I can remember that I personally visited Mr. John Casanove, Sr. and others on his road and obtained their signatures, turning my collection over to Bennie. He was supposed to turn in my work. After the war Robert returned home and to his old job in the Corps of Engineers; so we had to leave again and go live in Delaware and Virginia where the work was located. I've been a lifelong resident of Husser, as we owned our cottage here all those years and returned yearly, like the swallows, for a visit back home. Several more teachers have been remembered, but we do not know the years or rotation of all their service. They were: (1) Victor Schuldt, substituted for Helen Alford in 1926. She went to summer school. He taught Algebra and requested an extension of school so as to bring the class up to standard in the work. Extension was granted. (2) Mrs. Glascock (early years); (3) Althea Holton, substitute; (4) Ernest Wall, substitute probably; (5) Nina Theoda Carrier, substitute, I think; (6) Mrs. Lela Bell Weigel, substitute and maybe another one or two. CHAPTER 16 PERSONAL MEMORIES OF HUSSER SCHOOL 1921-1922 by Ms. Maude Rogers Ward My memory of those days is dimmed after sixty-six years but fresh in many respects. I came to teaching after graduating from high school and one term of college. It was a new world in many ways- not just leaving home for the first time but to a different environment. Coming from the state of Indiana we were considered "invaders." Although the Civil War was over some fifty years the scars remained. However, on that first day that Epha Force and I came to live with Fred and Laura Baham we were warmly received and became members of their family. Early in the afternoon before start of school, we were visited by the school board. Buzzie Bahm was leader (Ella, sorry I do not remember the other two) and one of them asked how old I was since he said I looked to be fourteen! Actually I was 17 but confident with the brashness of youth. I was to be principal of the new school (consolidated from two one-room schools), teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grades and Epha first, second, and third grades. The custom of serving coffee (new to me) was observed and when I refused I was told that I had better start if I expected to be accepted in the community. So I did and have enjoyed that beverage to this day complete with chicory no matter where I may live. Having been an athlete always, supervised play, I am sure, was one of my strong points. I always felt that one of the reasons I did not have severe disciplinary problems was because no student could outrun me. Also I enjoyed singing and planning programs and one of my fondest memories was planning programs for the various holidays. In those days it was possible to write to companies and secure samples such as soap, toothpaste and decals. We were visited again by the school board after school had been in session about a month and I was told that according to record I had not whipped any children. I asked whether there were complaints about discipline and apparently there were none but the pattern of discipline was different. Coming from a background of the Religious Society of Friends, otherwise known as Quakers, I was not accustomed to that kind of discipline in my own upbringing so naturally I would not have used it. I found and still do that gentle persuasion is usually effective. I recall that I was told that one student carried a switchblade knife. I asked about it and he gave it to me. I also found that providing mischievous students with chores provided a distraction and there were plenty in that building. A stove required lots of wood and someone to start the fire so the building would be warm in time for school to begin. Also the chalkboards (blackboards then) required frequent cleaning and the erasers cleaned of dust. Water came from a draw well and the pail needed filling often. The floors swept with brush broom made from sedge plus other miscellaneous duties. The school was under supervision of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, but since the community was primarily Catholic, holidays corresponded to those celebrated by the local Catholic Church. Community activities consisted of gathering of young adults at different homes for singing. Especially remembered are meals at the Brunett home since they were cooked in a fireplace. Also dances were held frequently at several homes. The beds were dismantled and rooms cleared for square dancing with refreshments of cake and coffee during the night. Many of these lasted until daylight when everyone walked to and from the dance-sometimes directly to the schoolroom. There were also sad times when almost the entire community was stricken with the influenza, and sympathy was extended to families of those who did not survive. It has been my good fortune to maintain a relationship to this community although my own home is many miles away. I shall never forget the many kindnesses extended to me during my year in Husser. Personal Memories by Helen A. Bankston In 1923 I first saw the Husser School building which looked much like it does today. I had been teaching at Uneedis for a few days, but the work at Husser was considered a better job, and I was happy to make the change. Husser was an isolated community then. The roads were almost impassable for automobiles, but there was a spirit of good fellowship among the people. The Catholic Church was the only church in reach and dancing was not considered wrong. Being lame, I could not join in the square dance, but how I enjoyed attending the parties and watching! There were three of us teachers. Marie Holton was principal and an excellent teacher. I joined the children in admiring and adoring her. Meda Angela was my other co-worker. She, too, was likable and quite pretty. Marie was not considered pretty but I have never known a teacher whose pupils responded to her so well. Our method of travel about the community was on foot and the three of us walked together that first year. Often each girl was escorted by a young man of the neighborhood. Since I was lame, it was hard for me to keep up and walking with me was no great pleasure, but I remember with gratitude one friend who adjusted his steps to mine and walked with me. In those days teachers were often entertained in the homes of the patrons. We walked home with the children, were treated to sumptuous meals, and of course we spent the night. We thought nothing of walking two or three miles. One family that I visited claimed to live five miles from school. I did not have a pedometer, but it was quite a distance. The homes were so very clean that the physician who was called in case of serious illness, jokingly asked one family if they scrubbed the stove wood before bringing it into the kitchen. The pupils of Husser were well behaved and thoughtful, but of course there were jokes and pranks. I believe that if I could grow old enough the antics of Wallace Bahm and Robert Hughes would no longer amuse me, but even at eighty-three I smile as I remember. Another memory I have is of a group of little boys who would like to have a Boy Scout Troup and who formed a small group to play scouting. One day they captured a small snake which they intended to kill. I heard one of the say, "Now kill it kind." Our school, though small, had a good basketball team. Marie taught the girls the game and when she departed, I tried to keep them in practice by standing on the side lines-rule book in hand while Mabel Husser, a student, acted as referee. Teaching was done with the help of The Normal Instructor and Primary Plans, a magazine with plans, helps, suggestions, programs and plays for teachers to use. There was no supervision, since roads were so bad and the parish did not employ a supervisor, anyway. Perhaps we did as well as we would have done with a visitor dropping in on rare occasions. We boarded in the home of Mr. Lorance Husser who was living with this third wife, and whose father, a widower, had eloped with Lorance's step-daughter. There were children of both marriages. Lorance's half-brothers were his step-grandsons and his own sons were half-brothers to their step grandmother. It was a mixed up relationship, but no blood kin had married. In fact, Lorance could claim to be his own grandpa since he was his brother's step-grandpa. After a few months, we rented the second story of Mr. Willie Husser's house, supposedly haunted, since many people had died there. We had one ghost while we lived in our upstairs apartment which was of the old Louisiana style with the stair running up the wall on the outside. It was one night when Willie and his family were away that we heard steps on the lower floor and as we trembled in bed those sounds proceeded up the stairway toward our door. Imagine our relief when their fierce black dog shook himself and lay down on the landing to guard us through the night. Bringing up wood for the heater and water from the well kept us in trim, but I with other teachers lived at Willie Husser's home for two and a half years. Norma Stringfield and Helen Holton shared the apartment with me. My sister Mary was there in 1925-1926. Epha Brunett had her own home. My time at Husser, particularly the first year, stands out as such a happy, carefree period--a time when I first knew the author of this book, then a pretty little girl with thick brown hair. More Memories of Miss Helen One of the many memories that Miss Helen has shared with me was of Otto Husser telling her about his helping on the road work that he and his relatives did. This was a donation to the parish from each voter or taxpayer. The road they worked on was probably the one that passed near his home, which was the mail route, or part of it, that led from Holton to Husser to Osceola. Otto, his father Lorance, Jr., Uncle Zeno, and several others all worked the same day, with spades, shovels and other equipment, probably axes, filling holes and repairing small wooden bridges, and such. It was midsummer when they worked, and any midsummer in our Louisiana is very hot even at its best. Otto was thin, about five feet seven inches tall, with rather dark skin, and dark brown eyes and hair. He had a slow way of speaking, almost a drawl, and a constant smile, depicting his good nature. Like all the rest of us he probably admired his teacher very much. Otto said, "Miss Helen, we worked all day, and we worked so hard we really got tired; and we fixed up that road real fine where we were. It sure did look good." Miss Helen said, "Well Otto, did you get paid for it"? Oh, no, no Ma'am; We wouldn't have worked that hard for pay"! Helen smiled, she knew that Otto meant that they put their hearts and souls into an honest day's work; and for pay they would have just worked a normal amount. Another memory that Helen wanted me to include was concerning Mr. Lorance Husser, the father of Otto and the others in his family. When she stayed there, boarding, for a few months, she noted that in his shed, Mr. Lorance the second, had a bow-framed wagon, which was still being used to haul merchandise from the railroad to his little country store. Independence was about fifteen miles from his home and was the place most convenience for him. They could go over one day and spend the night with his sister Philomaner Chehardy, who lived there. Mr. George Chehardy had married Philomaner, about 1900, and at one time operated the store here in Husser. He then operated a large and booming business in general merchandizing there on the east side of Independence. The bow-frame was so convenient for hauling the merchandize, the frame was left on from time to time and formed not only a cover for the merchandise but a shelter for the driver of the team. In summer as well as winter that shelter helped as protection to man and merchandise. Mr. Husser used horses or mules, but in olden days ox teams were used by many. The well- trained team could be depended on to follow the trail and needed little or no directing from the driver. They knew when they were coming home and followed every turn in the road. It was been told how the driver would go to sleep and when waked hours later, they would be on the trail just right, still coming toward home. Hero Robert One time the Christmas program was over. Parents had attended and some were preparing to go home. We had holidays for the next two weeks, and my coat was locked up in the cloakroom. Mama and I had gone to the nearby store for a few items of groceries, not knowing the teachers would lock up so quickly. We returned to the school and everyone was gone. My coat was needed because it was the only one I had and surely it would be cold again before school opened two weeks later. I just had to have my coat. Mama tried to raise the window. I couldn't reach it to help her. There was always one window that was easier to raise than others and just a little looser. I knew which one, but Mama was just not getting anywhere with her efforts when around the corner of the room came Robert riding on the little brown donkey. He had been "saddling up" and was just leaving. With the height of the donkey. Robert was just tall enough to reach the window easily, after my plight had been explained. Within two minutes he had the window opened and my coat retrieved from the cloakroom. I was holding the bridle of the donkey. Robert soon remounted and we all left for respective homes; Robert's road to the north, Mama and I going south toward Osceola. Robert and I remembered this incident years later. Husser Happenings Some of the Husser folks celebrated the birthday of our Post Office. A goodly crowd was present, large, small, old and young, all were there. The sky was overcast with a breeze from the north which made the July heat bearable even though we became several shades darker with the sunburn. Plans were so quickly gotten up until the events were very few in regards to entertainment or excitement. Foremost in all our minds was our appreciation of "Grandpa Polite." He is grandfather to some, great-grandfather to others, and great-great to the very young. He is regarded with affection and respect from others who are not Hussers because of his age and faithful service. Displayed on a table for convenient viewing of all guests was a copy of the retirement, after Uncle Polite's fifty faithful years of service. At that time he was the oldest Postmaster in the United States. Another attraction was the presence of a wagon drawn by a team of lovely bay horses, owned by Herbert Casanova, great- nephew of Uncle Polite. Herbert was generous with his rides for all the children. Horseback riders portrayed the carrying of mail on horseback; even of pioneer days when we had the Pony Express across country in some states. Postmaster Mrs. Kathy Husser (Mrs. Ted Husser, Jr.), her assistant Mrs. Virginia Husser Bahm, along with other participants, were dressed in centennial dresses. Little Mandy Morel and her sister, Elizabeth, of course stealing the show in their cute costumes. Mandy is five or six, and Elizabeth not yet two years of age. They were adorable. Kathy welcomed the guests with a short speech, after which all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kathy reminded them that without their faithful patronage our Office could not survive. It is the sale of stamps and letter mail that is vital for our growth. Due to the recent growth of our community we have come from a fourth class office to a third. We have known some very lean years and times when we were threatened with "closing." We have worried with her, prayed with her and sometimes cried with her about it; and there was a day when we made how many? phone calls in one day to all over, because of this fear. Our Saturday event centered around and underneath the cool shade of a large oak tree beside the Post Office, where everyone enjoyed the very beautiful and delicious birthday cake, made and contributed by Myra Husser Morel, and other good food including sandwiches, cakes, cookies, lemonade and ice cream. Quite a number of us in the community remember Uncle Polite personally, as he lived until September 1939, when he died of pneumonia. He was born in 1848 which gives him a nice old age. Pictures of his little plank Post Office which he dusted and cleaned with his worn handmade broom, of broom sedge, will remain in our minds for life, as well as the personal memories of "Uncle Joe" Husser who was the "carrier" for the mail when it came from Holton to Husser during my lifetime; and finally to the Post Office of Osceola, which was opened by Isaac E. Bahm, 1907-. the writer's uncle. "Uncle Joe" was Joseph Husser, the younger brother of Hypolite, who job was to bring the mail from Holton Post Office to Husser. Holton Post Office was east of Amite by eight miles and is in the Friendship Church community. It was established June 10, 1892, just four years after Husser, and operated by Henry A. Holton, Sr., who died later the same year. In 1897, Mr. Link Morris took over the Post Office and in retirement stated that he remembered the mail arriving in saddlebags from Franklinton, via Richardson, Aurora and Peace Grove. We are not able to establish just how may years of service "Uncle Joe" gave, but it was a long time, from about mid-life until he was physically unable to ride. His death was in September 1938, his birth was 1853. Others assisting Kathy as hostess were Myra Morel, Hilda Husser Friewald, Loretta and Mrs. Tommy Smith, and Mary Rick. Monroe Rick rode the pretty sorrel pony depicting "Uncle Joe" with the long grey mailbags balanced across the saddle. Herbert was the driver of the wagon depicting those occasional times when the mail was brought in the wagon (or buggy). The Pony Express was depicted by Mr. Blalock of Loranger, with David Casanova and friend Brian Hyde. Their speed on horseback far exceeded that of "Uncle Joe," and his steady pace; his pony seldom even got into a trot, slow trot! (But they had fun.) Now it's over--Happy Birthday Husser. THE POST OFFICE [picture] Today is July of 1987, Husser Post Office is still open, in spite of numerous threats from the top level to discontinue this and others in our area. We community folk have written letters and made phone calls by the hour to get to the core of the matter and to persuade others to help in keeping our Post Office open. It is a real lifeline for the people of this rural area. If necessary we will do it all again. SOME FEW HUSSERS OF TODAY-1989 SOME HUSSER DESCENDANTS Mrs. Laura Brunette Bahm, wife of Elbert A Bahm and daughter of Frank and Anna Brunette, Jr. [picture] Mrs. Rose Husser, wife of Harvey Husser and daughter of Zeno Husser and wife, Terese Shuman Husser. [picture] HOLTON AND WILMER POST OFFICE At the time of Uncle Polite's "keeping" Husser Post Office, another link in the system of rural delivery was the Post Office at Holton. It was kept by Mr. Link Morse, who is a bit of history in his own right. Holton was located north of Husser and with the roads as they were back then it was about eight or nine miles away. Years later, Holton was closed and the mail came directly from the Post Office called Wilmer, which was some five miles further north from Holton. It was operated by Miss Pearl Stevens, who had been the postmistress for many years. She had first worked at Holton Post Office. When Wilmer closed, the Husser mail was routed from Independence, as it is today. The older system might have been slow and old timey, but it was more accurate than the route is today, with all the changes and advancement of automation there is more mail lost and unaccounted for than there was in the days when "Uncle Joe" brought the thin little sack of mail down to Osceola on his little mule; come icy weather or floods, Uncle Joe was seldom late and had lots less holidays or salary than they now have. [picture of "Uncle Link" Morse] "Uncle Link" Morse, Lord Mayor of the Fourth and Fifth Wards of Tangipahoa Parish in an honorary sense of the title celebrated his 90th birthday last Friday. A great-nephew of the internationally known Samuel Morse, inventor of the "Morse Code," "Uncle Link" is known by everyone for miles around and has lived among the people of Tangipahoa Parish over 60 years. Mr. Morse was born at Hyde Park, Vermont, March 31, 1871. His parents were Charles Clinton Morse and Ida Lucinda Barber. His father was an artist. His mother lived to the ripe old age of 94 and died in California. He had five brothers and one sister; George Leighton, Clinton Barber, Edward Hays, Fred Aaron, Robert Nyles and Belle Melissa Easton. His brother George Leighton Morse died in Woodville, N.H. at the age of 92. He was an active salesman and store keeper until the age of 91. Clinton Barber Morse was a printer. He died in California at the age of 45. Edward Hays Morse was a printer and artist and died in California at the age of 68. Fred Aaron Morse was a policeman at the Immigration Station in New Orleans. He died at the age of 38 in New Orleans. Robert Nyles Morse was also a printer and had a side line as an astronomer. He had a very fine telescope, a 15 inch duplicate of the Leck Telescope, which he donated to the University of California, before his death at the age of 72, in San Diego, California. His sister Belle was a house wife and died at the age of 68 in California. Mr. Morse moved to New Orleans, La., in 1892 and in 1896 moved to Holton, La. where he presently resides, in the original home. He was postmaster at Holton for 44 years and three months, retiring in 1941. He well remembers when the mail arrived at Holton in saddle bags from Franklinton, La. via Richardson, Auroria and Peace Grove. Mr. Morse's first acquaintance in this area was Mr. Harry D. Wilson, well remembered as Secretary of Agriculture in Louisiana for so many years. Other acquaintances were Mr. Millard Edwards, Warren Stevens and family, the Voight family, the Wood family, Alfred Stevens family, Calvin Clark family, Aderal Carrier family, and many others. The Morse family history was once traced by the Massachusetts Historical Society, back some 600 years to the time when the family was still in England. Another item of interest is the fact that Mr. Samuel F.B. Morse, who invented the telegram and the Morse Code and was also an artist of note, was a great-uncle of "Mr. Link's." [Last page appears to be from Amite, La. newspaper Volume 59, Number 38 Wednesday, July 13, 1988] HUSSER POST OFFICE CELEBRATES 100th BIRTHDAY THIS SATURDAY Members of the Husser community will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Husser Post Office Saturday morning, July 16. Refreshments will be served at the post office and a reception will be held. In its 100 years of service, the post office has moved from a corner in the kitchen of Hippolite Husser in 1888..Hippolite served as postmaster for 50 years and at one time was the oldest postmaster in the United States. He retired in 1938. He was the son of Lawrence Husser who came to this area from Alsace-Lorraine. Lawrence was a German but the Alsace-Lorraine area was then under the control of France. Hippolite built his own house in an area called Chapapella by the Indians. The commission was obtained in July 1888 and the original name of the community was "Husser's Mill". Originally, the office located in a corner of his kitchen. He later built an office off of the front of his house. Hippolite retired in 1938 and was followed by Elzy Husser who served from 1938 to 1941. In 1941, Mrs. Theodore Husser Sr. became postmaster. She was better know as "May" to the residents of the community. At her death in November of 1977, the present postmaster took over. This was Mrs. Kathryn Husser who is better known as "Kathy". She has served from 1977 to the present. Kathy served as officer-in-charge until she was sworn in 1979. Everyone in the area is invited to visit the post office this Saturday morning.