Annual Old Town Village Tour

Preserving local history by touring miniature replicas from the Gateway City's past will once again highlight the D’Iberville Historical Society’s 3rd Annual “Old Town Village Tour” on Saturday, December 14.

This year, guests will get to enjoy a self-guided tour of 22 miniature replicas of former and present establishments at the D’Iberville Town Green, 10004 Central Avenue. About ten of those replicas will have local family members and volunteers who will be sharing stories and artifacts for each establishment from 10:30 a.m. until 1 o'clock.
Although last year's event was almost a washout, those in attendance before the rain arrived got to witness an unveiling of the newest replica, which featured The Peoples Bank D'Iberville-St. Martin Branch. Even President and CEO Chevis Swetman joined in the fun to share some of the fifty year history for the two-story branch, which is still located on LeMoyne Boulevard.

The Peoples Bank branch along with present-day City Hall Complex replicas were constructed by current City employee Tony Perkins who has been working on the newest replica -- the former Fournier & Sons Seafood Factory. Retired city employee Ralph Borries handcrafted the original nineteen replicas. Borries, a historical society member, worked closely with Dale Greenwell, the society's founding president to ensure the historical integrity of each replica.
Society leaders believe visitors and residents will learn something new about the ‘old history’ of a 'young city' by taking the tour.
“This is the perfect way to reminisce on beloved establishments from the Five Points area, which we know today to be Central Avenue and Racetrack Road," said Society President Keith Wilson.

And, while this event is free to attend, monetary donations will be accepted to help fund additional projects sponsored by the historical society.
For more information, call 228-219-2238 or 228-860-9571.