Louisiana always makes me think of fabulous food, great music, moss draped trees and southern hospitality. So I traveled to Baton Rouge eager to visit. Everything I expected was exceeded, with azaleas in splendid bloom and beautiful spring weather.
- President General Ann Dillon
The 109th Louisiana State Conference convened on March 16 – 18 at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The first business session was called to order on Thursday afternoon, with our Conference Guests arriving just in time to attend. Reports from our State Officers, District Directors and Chapter Regents were given.
It was announced that the ground breaking for the State Regent’s project will take place on the site of Caroline Dorman’s Birthplace at Briarwood to be held May 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm. This is the first important step so that construction can begin on the Education Pavilion to tell the story of all that Caroline Dorman’s contribution to conservation and historic preservation for Louisiana. She was the first woman hired by the US Forest Service. We hope to mark her grave, located in the Baptist Church Cemetery near Briarwood, Louisiana, next spring.
Thursday evening the State Officers and State Regents Club dinner was held at the Country Club of Louisiana on Historic Highland Road. President General Ann Dillon arrived just in time to enjoy the scenic drive to the Club House with the Azalea’s in full bloom followed by lots of Southern Hospitality. After a brief meeting by both the State Officers Club and the Chapter Regents Club we were presented with Felicity and Bernardo Galvez “A Legacy to Louisiana” adapted by Lauren Pourciau Durr, LSDAR Second Vice Regent as Felicity dressed in period costume and music by New Iberia Regent Brenda Lowry. It was an inspiring evening to begin our Conference.
Friday morning, following a continental breakfast, we traveled a short distance to Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church for our Memorial Service. Gwen Sealy, Past NSDAR Reporter General and State Regent 1998-2001, was remembered along with 10 Past Chapter Regents and sixty-seven chapter members.
Following the Memorial Service, arrangements had been made for our guests to visit the Louisiana State Archives to see a document that granted land from the Indians to the State of New York signed by George Washington.