Louisiana State University - Gumbo Yearbook (Baton Rouge, LA)

Page 11 text:

LOUISIANA Louisiana. A semi-tropical land, hot and humid, while at the same time beautiful and somewhat mysterious. Romantically dark bayous and swamps lined with trees draped with Spanish moss appeal to the imagi- nation. One can almost feel the past and experience the history of such settings working on the soul. Thoughts can turn quickly to pirates and other such legends. These same waterways invite pirogueing and canoeing. Louisianians benefit from wildlife resources by hunting, fishing and trapping in the bayous, swamps and spillways. For many, these activities are their livelihood, while for others Loui- siana is a sportsman ' s paradise. At this time, the existence of one of these precious resource areas, the Atchafalaya Basin, is in jeopardy. Debate con- cerning the future of the basin rages on between landowners, environmentalists, sportsmen, and those living on or by the swamp. One thing is cer- tain. Something must be done about the Atchafa- laya Basin, or it will simply die. Louisiana is different from every other state in the Union. Due to the large Catholic population, the state is divided into parishes rather than coun- ties. Until recently, Louisiana was the only state where a pay-phone call could be made for only a nickel. But now that too has changed. Differences go f urther, applying even to the peo- ple. Louisiana is the home of the Cajuns, some of the liveliest and most fun loving folks anywhere. Then to top it all off, no other state can match the food down south. Creole food is a specialty, and Louisiana seafood is absolutely the best. Louisiana has a colorful history, and New Orle- ans stands as a unique modern day reminder of the past. The French Quarter, along with the world ' s largest parry, Mardi Gras, attracts tourists from throughout the country. Alas, carnival in New Orleans was quiet this year due to the policeman ' s strike. Surviving the rage of the Civil War, antebellum plantation homes still stand in tribute to the past. Even today, for better or for worse, Louisiana remains part of the Old South in tradition and in action. Although still somewhat lagging behind the rest of the Union, she is slow and easy, carefree and gracious.