Burn ban in effect across south La.
July 1, 2009
Brenda Guidry Dantin
July 6, 2009
When many people think of cities in the Tri-parish area, they immediately think of Houma, Thibodaux and Morgan City – in that order. However, in 1930 a different city came to mind first – Patterson. The small city of 6,500 residents once had one of the most vibrant economies in the state, with a thriving sawmill industry and a blossoming aviation industry.
These two industries are featured in a one-of-a-kind museum in Patterson, where one local city’s history is begging to be told. The Louisiana State Museum at Patterson is the official state aviation and cypress sawmill industry museum and houses two very important collections documenting the community’s rich history.
“It tells the story of the booming cypress and lumber industry of the early 1900s in this area,” explains Katherine DeLee, district director for the Louisiana State Museum. “The aviation collection features the racing planes of the Wedell-Williams Company that was started in Patterson. It also features trophys, interactive children’s galleries and a four-dymensional film experience.”
In 1928 Jimmie Wedell, a plane designer and aviator, and Harry Williams, and oil and lumber millionaire, formed an air service in Patterson. The Wedell-Williams Air Service grew from an air-mail and -freight company to include a highly successful professional air-race team.
Among the planes on display in the exhibit are the famous Miss Patterson #44 and the Gilmore #121.
Museum visitors can feel as if they are in the heart of a 1930s air race thanks to the David J. Felterman Theater.
“It has three decending screens that come down from the ceiling. The audience is facing out toward the collection. As the film is taking place, planes fly across all three screens back and forth,” says DeLee. “The audience can even feel them fly by.”
The Patterson Cypress Sawmill Collection features a variety of artifacts, photographs and film that tells the story of this regional industry.
The town of Patterson was once home to the largest cypress sawmill in the world, owned by Frank B. Williams, and in 1997 the Louisiana State Legislature designated Patterson as the cypress capitol of Louisiana.
In addition to the two permanent exhibits, the museum also has a changing exhibit gallery that highlights other aspects of Louisiana’s culture and history. On display this month is “The Golden Age of Aviation – Louisiana Enters the Space Age,” featuring the 1939 Beechcraft Staggerwing, 1940 Stearman Crop Duster, President Eisenhower’s Aero Commander and a full-sized replica 44.
The museum is located at 118 Cotten Road in Patterson. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students, seniors and active military. Children under 12 are admitted free. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
School and group tours are also available, with special discounted group rates. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 985-399-1268.
For information on other St. Mary Parish attractions, call the Cajun Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at (985) 395-4905 or 800-256-2931, or visit cajuncoast.com.
