The Lake Charles Photos

We were welcomed to Lake Charles by a pair of alligators at the Lake Charles Tourism Center. During the next few days, we proceeded to visit places of personal interest around town: the LCHS monument and the playground at Lock Park; Tom's parents' house at 1329 Bank Street and the surrounding neighborhood the Port of Lake Charles and the downtown area, where more gators greeted us.

Aunt Mary accompanied us on our adventure to Napoleonville to see Tom's childhood camp buddy/retired judge/local historian Leon LeSueur. Not reaching Leon by phone, we went to the Community Bank to inquire where we might find him - and Mr. Harold Templet personally escorted us to his house! We spent several delightful hours with Leon and his daughter, who took us on a historic tour to the oldest Episcopal Church in Lousiana and the Little Texas sugar cane plantation -- both key influences in Tom's mother's childhood.

A wonderful reunion with Tom's lifelong friends Harcourt & Carol Stebbins, Ray & Marion Gipson and Johnny Daugherty. Too bad Aunt Mary couldn't join us after arranging such a good time, but Napoleonville wore her out!

Aunt Mary, children Tom, Terry & Tricia, and various grandchildren, friends and of course, animals. Lots of great food, stories and laughs -- and we got to meet some of the newer (and future) additions to the Ford family! Mother's Day lunch at Tommy' Big Lake house was an unexpected treat -- and a great chance to catch up with all!

See all the photos