Visitors learn about Allen Greene & his 1850s Vienna home from the Goff family, current owners, and David Cargill who wrote his LA Tech thesis on Greene.
By all accounts, the driving tour of historic sites around Lincoln Parish last Sunday afternoon was a success.
The tour, organized by the Lincoln Parish Sesquicentennial Committee, included eight sites important in local history. Century Next Bank sponsored the tour.
“Century Next Bank is pleased to have been the sponsor for Trippin’ Through Lincoln,” Jessica Slaughter, CNB’s Engagement & Marketing Officer, said. “We consider the tour a success having seen a number of people moving from place to place, out enjoying the fall weather, and learning about our parish history. We saw people of all ages, and heard positive feedback from presenters, volunteers, and tour-goers.”
The tour sites were selected by the Lincoln Parish Sesquicentennial Committee which includes Slaughter and Lincoln Parish Museum Director Rick Godley.
Godley said, “We wanted the public to have opportunity to see some locations that are not regularly open to visitors. We appreciate the gracious hosts who allowed us to visit their homes and properties.”
Among the sites were the Vienna home of Allen Greene—the man responsible for creating Lincoln Parish in 1873—the Walnut Creek Baptist Church north of Simsboro, and the old parish prison or “road camp” located behind the Sheriff’s Office, and five other locations.
Allison Walker told the committee, “The kids and I really enjoyed the tour! They learned a lot and we spent time soaking up the details of each stop.”
Marie Reed echoed Walker’s sentiments. “My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We wished we had had a little more time, but enjoyed learning more of the history of Lincoln Parish. We both hope that this becomes a regular occurrence.”
Slaughter said, “Our bank has been serving the people of Lincoln Parish for 118 years and we thought it an honor to recognize our parish’s 150 years through involvement with this sesquicentennial driving tour.”
“Tourists” who visited at least six of the eight stops were eligible to enter a drawing for a $150 gas card. Jennifer Tradewell was the winner of the card.
The sesquicentennial committee is posting vignettes of Lincoln Parish history on its Facebook page regularly.
