Finds

Finds 11.16.11

BY CREOLE' I MEAN ...
Let's establish the ground rules for Craig Bauer's fascinating new history, Creole Genesis: The Bringier Family and Antebellum Plantation Life in Louisiana ($20, UL Press) - the term "Creole" used by Bauer refers to people of European ancestry who were born in the New World...

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
Written by The Independent Staff

BY CREOLE' I MEAN ...
Let's establish the ground rules for Craig Bauer's fascinating new history, Creole Genesis: The Bringier Family and Antebellum Plantation Life in Louisiana ($20, UL Press) - the term "Creole" used by Bauer refers to people of European ancestry who were born in the New World. The term has become complicated over the intervening centuries, notably among French-speaking African-Americans on this side of the Atchafalaya Basin. But Bauer's well-researched tome is all about the affluent European planters and their progeny who took advantage of generous land grants from the Spanish and helped forge plantation life in south Louisiana from before the time Napoleon sold the territory to the United States until the collapse of the plantation economy during the Civil War. A history and political science professor at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, Bauer lays bare the struggles and triumphs of the Bringier clan, who built White Hall plantation in St. James Parish and who, like their beloved estate, have long since fallen to the suffocating ashes of history. Worth a read. - Walter Pierce

COOL JEWELS
Lafayette Art Association & Gallery, one of Acadiana's treasures, features paintings, photographs, pottery, blown glass and handmade jewelry by award-winning local artists for sale. The gallery showcases breathtaking art of all types and has a gift shop featuring amazing hand-crafted jewelry made of copper, sterling, enamel or PMC metal. Check out this beautiful lamp-glass necklace now available in its display case. On Nov. 14, LAA is having its first Marché Noel from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to give shoppers a head start on the holidays. LAA is located at 1008 East St. Mary Blvd., 269-0363. - Lisa Hanchey