Water is Union Parish’s middle name

Water is Union Parish’s middle name. At least it should be.

That’s why the new Union Museum of History and Art is set to open Dec. 9 with its first exhibit as “Celebrating the Waters of Union Parish”. In the past 50 years, that has centered a lot around Lake D’Arbonne. But before that, D’Arbonne Bayou was a major water trade route. The Ouachita River that forms our parishes Eastern border is a huge asset to this area. And there’s more.

This will be a “community participation” exhibit, meaning the public will lend items to be on display: memorabilia that tell stories about the bayous, lakes, springs, and

An early fishing scene from Lake D’Arbonne.

rivers of Union Parish.  Old fishing rods and creels, well water dippers, hand-hewn boats, nets, family photos, historic maps, river baptism gowns, paddles, steamboat remnants, waterside wildlife photos, fish mounts…so many ideas!

You should take part. Dates to bring display items to the museum:  November 17-24.   Times: 1-4 p.m. weekdays; 12-2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

The Union Museum of History and Art will present exhibits that showcase and celebrate this region’s history, culture, and creativity.   Its mission is to tell the stories of the people in and near Union Parish and open the doors of knowledge, understanding, and inclusion.  The Museum will be located in the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce building located at 116 North Main Street in Farmerville, Louisiana.  This historic structure, more than a century old, was once the Farmerville Bank. Museum exhibits will be open to the public at no charge.  For many exhibit themes, the community will be invited to lend artifacts to be included in the rotating displays.

A seven-member board of directors plans and carries out all activities of the Museum.  The Union Museum of History and Art is a non-profit 501c3 charitable organization.  Donations are tax-deductible.

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And speaking of the waters of Lake D’Arbonne: the fish aren’t exactly jumping in the boat, but this cold weather has kick-started some of the crappie into biting. Check this one out.

Three pounds plus, nearly 20 inches long and landed this week by 8-year-old Carter Reeves, son of Danielle Cagle and grandson of Lake Commission Chairman Steve Cagle.

I know right where it was caught because there’s a big hole in the water there.  Good job!