445. Stephen Winick, part 1

445. Part 1 of our conversation with Stephen Winick, of the Library of Contress. In 1902, on a prairie in southwest Louisiana, six members of a farming family are found murdered. Albert Edwin Batson, a white, itinerant farm worker, rapidly descends from likely suspect to likely lynching victim as people in the surrounding countryside lusted for vengeance. In a territory where the locals were coping with the opening of the prairies by the railroad and the disorienting, disruptive advances of the rice and oil industries into what was predominantly cattle country, Batson, an outsider, made an ideal scapegoat. Stephen has studied the events of the time, and the ballads that were written about the death of Batson.

1. This week in Louisiana history. November 27, 1813. Jean Lafitte offers $1,500 reward for the capture of Gov. W.C.C. Clairborne.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Ella Brennan, Born in New Orleans, November 27, 1925. Among the now famous graduates of her kitchen are Paul Prudhomme, who arrived in 1975, and Emeril Lagasse, who began his service in 1983. 
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Christmas in Alexandria - Pineville
   The holiday season in Alexandria/Pineville, right in the heart of Louisiana, is Still Lit this year and we’d love for you to come visit! The 2021 festivities will be complete with sparking lights (check out our spirited Water Towers!), community parades, appearances by Santa Claus, and various performing opportunities to enjoy the arts. Whether it’s enjoying an old-fashioned Christmas celebration;  finding the “just right” gifts at our many locally-owned unique boutiques; enjoying festive foods/drinks at local cafes, breweries or the Food Truck Park; touring historic sites/homes; or listening to the sounds of the season that puts you in the holiday spirit, you can fi­nd it all in the Central Louisiana area.  So plan your trip today! Use the itinerary builder here to create a list of the events you don’t want to miss and then, if you plan to stayover, book a hotel room. If we can be of assistance in any way, please give us a call at 318.442.9546.  We’d love to help you celebrate the season!
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Jay Dufour and his band play at the Bourrée Restaurant.

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