Allen
Parish |
MEET
OUR COMMUNITY
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Allen
Parish |
MEET
OUR COMMUNITY
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 Elizabeth
was established in 1907. The
construction of the mill and town were virtually completed by 1909. The
paper mill, turpentine still, canning plant, potato
curing shed, and a few other facilities were added later. The Town Hall
has been entered into the National Register of Historic Places,
according to Robert B. Blieux, State Historic Preservation officer. It
was built by the company in 1924 and originally served as the hospital
for the Industrial Lumber Company. The town was named for the daughter of Sam Park.
Elizabeth is known as the “Front Porch
Community” and is the home of Little Piney Park and Christmas In the
Country. Christmas in the Country is truly in the country. It starts
with a one week long primitive camping experience a week prior to the
downtown festival. Each night a different event is held, such as a
dance, with DJ and music, all kinds of cooking and other interesting
social events. For a fee of only $5.00, you can take a 15 mile trail ride
that is encompassed entirely in the West Bay
Wildlife area. The Elizabeth Recreation District in corporation with
Boise Cascade and the Wildlife and Fisheries Department sponsors the
trail ride. With this unified corporation, this event is truly one to
participate in, or come to watch. All riders who take part in the trail
ride will also take part in the Christmas in the Country parade. The
festival is held downtown Elizabeth after the Christmas parade. This
event is always held on the first Saturday of December at 2:00 P.M. You
will find many food and crafts vendors. For information on these and
many other events please call(318) 634-5648.
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 Kinder is
strategically located at the southern end of Allen Parish at the
intersection of two major U. S. Highways. U. S. Hwy. 190, which traverses the state
in an east- west direction and U. S. Hwy. 165 which traverses the state
in a north- south direction. In addition, the Union Pacific Railroad
east-west line intersects the Missouri Pacific Railroad north-south line
in Kinder. Add to that, the fact that Kinder is only 18 miles north of
interstate 10 and you will understand why this community is known
as the "CROSSROADS TO EVERYWHERE". Kinder
was established in 1885 and was named after the first settler, James
Kinder. He opened a small store, and as settlers migrated into the area,
the name developed by the constant usage. Kinder, the “Gateway to
Opportunity” is a great blend of Cajun culture, Native American
culture, and the Piney Woods culture. You will find plenty of fishing,
canoeing, and site seeing on the Calcasieu and the Ouiska Chitto,
Louisiana Scenic Waterways. Kinder is also the home of the Coushatta
Casino Resort, the primier
casino in Louisiana, with casino gaming, fantastic dining and first
class convention facilities. Located
5 miles north of Kinder on US Hwy. 165, there are over 3200 slots, 80 tables, 6
restaurants, more than 500 luxurious rooms, RV resort with 108 pads and
100 chalets,
special events area, onsite fuel facility, and a championship golf course. If you have any questions or need more information please contact us at the Kinder Chamber of Commerce 414 North 9th Street, P.O. Box 853 Kinder, LA. 70648 (337) 738-2568 or Email: kcc@centurytel.net
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 LeBlanc
was established in the 1800s. LeBlanc now is the home of Deep Wood
Adventures with camping, hunting, fishing, and canoeing available.
Silica sand mining and forestry are the main industries.
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 Mittie
is the "Canoe Capital of Southwest Louisiana". The Ouiska Chitto (Big Cane Creek)
provides ideal water conditions for canoeing. The area is very popular
for fishing and boating as well. The Calcasieu River (Screaming Eagle)
runs just to the east; both of these Scenic Waterways have beautiful, sandy-white
beaches. It was 1916 when Mittie Burnett established the Mittie Post
Office. Later in 1928, Clinton and Oma Simmons established the present
site of Mittie. Mittie is the home of the Old Time Plow Days which
happens every year in September. Mittie is now known as the
"Canoeing Capital of Southwest Louisiana". The great Ouiska
Chitto has given thousands of canoeists wonderful memories, fun in the
sun, and a day of relaxing to the max! Allen Parish has 6 canoe rental
establishments, 5 are located in Mittie. and 1 in LeBlanc.
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 Oakdale
is the largest community in Allen Parish and was named for its beautiful
oak trees. The first settlers came to the area in 1860, and in 1923 the
governor of Louisiana proclaimed Oakdale a city. From its beginning,
Oakdale has depended on the forest for its livelihood. The Leatherwood
Museum contains the history of the timber industry and the surrounding
area. The current population is 8,150. It is often said when visitors
come to Oakdale they never meet a stranger, just friends they have yet
to meet. Oakdale is a community known for its peaceful atmosphere and
friendly citizens. Oakdale is located in the northeastern portion of
Allen Parish on U.S. Hwy. 165. A blend of the past and the present is
evident in the buildings and traditions of Oakdale. There are several
historic building located in the area including Oakdale High School.
Downtown Oakdale offers the newly remodeled Mowad Civic Center, which is
available for private and public functions. Nearby, the beautiful
landscaped Fuller's Park provides a peaceful setting for a quiet evening
stroll. The Christmas season is an especially exciting time to visit
Oakdale. The
festivities begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There are many
recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike on the lakes
and waterways as well as in the forest and fields that surround the
Oakdale area. There is plenty of hunting and fishing and you can enjoy all this
while staying in some of the nicest motels or roughing it under the
stars.
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 Oberlin
is the Parish Seat. The historic Court House is located at the end of
Main Street. The town is made up of a unique blend of peoples. French is
still an important form of communication in language and culture, which
is reflected in the food and music so popular to the town. The Allen
Parish Tourist Commission Administrative Office is located in Oberlin on U.S. Hwy. 165 just as
you are coming into town from the south. This center has all the
information on Allen Parish and other areas in the state.
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 Reeves
is the west gate to Allen Parish and Acadiana. It is
located in the southwestern part of Allen Parish, twelve miles west of
Kinder. Mr. Dallas H. Reeves, Sr. operated a grist mill on Clear Creek
where the railroad crossed it, hence the name. Reeves
has a high school with an enrollment of approximately 330 including the
elementary. There are five churches, which are well attended and
supported. Most of the income is from rice farming, cattle, wool, and
oil. It is noted for its
Bluegrass and Gospel music. The area boasts of Dry Creek Ranch which has
1500 acres, covered in pine and hardwood trees, open to hunting. Different
types of hunts are available and one can be customized to fit your
needs. Dry Creek Ranch specializes in duck and quail hunts. All hunts
include cleaning and packaging, skeet shooting and meals. Lodging is
available as well. Guides and dogs are always available to make your
hunt a memorable experience. For practice, try the 10 – station
sporting clay range. Reeves also has Camp
Pearl Recreational area. |
Grant was established in 1894 by the first postmaster, James A. Grant.
This rural area is supported by logging, farming, and a newly- developed
oil industry. Grant is the home of the Grant Syrup Mill. 
