For many years I’ve had the strong desire to visit Pecan Island for I’ve heard and read much about the historic place. Even though it’s only about an hour’s drive southwest of New Iberia, I’ve never been able to make the trip. I’ve learned, however, that Pecan Island was first discovered by Jack Cole, a courageous Texas cattleman, about 140 years ago. It happened while he and his friends were searching along the Gulf Coast for grazing land for their cattle.

Cole left his crew, and bogged his way through swampy terrain until he reached a stretch of high ground. He found the island strewn from one end to the other with blanched human bones. It was to him a mysterious and eerie sight. He brought back a pocket full of pecans to his friends saying the place was abounding with fine pasture land and a good area for cattle. He then settled there with herds, and was later joined by other pioneers.

New Iberian Paul Schwing, who is an artifact collector and a disciple of Indian lore, visited the island many times during the 1980s with his New Iberia buddies Burt Cestia and the late Gordon Schexnayder. Although nothing of great significance was found by the trio, Paul did say Gordon found several arrowheads in a ditch. He also stated the numerous Indian mounds were excavated, and that there were approximately 50,000 artifacts found by archaeologist Jon Gibson of ULL and his team. Their findings are supposedly stored at the Lafayette university.

According to a Louisiana historical report, a survey by the Smithsonian Institute in 1928 revealed there were 22 large Indian mounds on the island. Also, it was stated, the place had been inhabited by unknown tribes antedating the Attakapas and Chitimacha Indians of South Louisiana. Mysterious stories were circulated about Pecan Island and its early inhabitants. One theory was that the Attakapas Indians brought their prisoners there, cooked them with clams, feasted at ease, and tossed the bones aside. Another tale stated Jean Lafitte and his pirates habitually murdered their prisoners there. It was also remarked that the entire population was wiped out by a disease. We’ll probably never know what actually happened. Burt Cestia, who has also hunted ducks in the swampy area adjacent to the island, said he may possibly have something of interest in his files about the historic place. We’ll keep you posted.

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Although I’ve been a longtime admirer of Jim Foret, I somehow envy his laid-back, down home lifestyle, which brings him in concert with God’s creatures and Mother Nature’s earthly gifts. Jim is 64 years old, a native of Ames, Iowa, and has been a teacher of Horticulture at ULL for a long time. He received his Bachelor’s degree at ULL, and his Master’s at Iowa State University. He’s been a citizen of New Iberia for the past 46 years, and has been married to Paula Williams of Jackson, Miss., for 44 years. They are the parents of four adult children.

Jim probably has the greenest thumb and freshest eggs in Iberia Parish. His 20 select laying hens are producing quality eggs, and he has a garden yielding delectable vegetables and fruit. And now, he’s venturing into the production of honey, building beehives. Jim still finds time to help people with their gardening problems and engages in area civic functions. (I must mention something here that deserves to be listed in the “small world” category. Paula was taught by my brother Bill at Jackson’s St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Bill was a math teacher and a great football coach.)

Jim Foret’s advice to people everywhere is reflected in these 11 words: “I feel everybody has the responsibility to grow his own food.” I think he has something there.

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Two top officials of the Civil War Roundtable of Acadiana are stepping down after a tenure of many years. Paul Schwing, president, and Betty LeBlanc, secretary, deserve to be honored for their longtime dedicated and efficient services. Fortunately, they are being replaced by another fine array of officers, namely Dave Hostetter, president, Corey Bonin, vice-president, and Catherine Schramm, secretary. Clarkson Brown of Franklin, who has been treasurer of the organization since its inception in 1989, agreed to remain in that capacity. Al Bethard, of Lafayette, also will continue as program chairman. There are approximately 50 members in the organization, which meets three times a year.

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Here, There and Everywhere: Congratulations to Mary Wood Sealy for copping the heralded Louisiana Press Association’s annual writing competition award. Her story “Pen Pal on a Fence Post” won first place. This lovely, talented 93 years young New Iberian, has a knack for writing interesting stories of yesteryear. She should write a book.

I’m afraid Main Street, New Iberia, has lost some of its glamour. The colorful and talented couple, Al and Elaine Landry, have closed their business, “Lagniappe, Too,” after serving delectable meals to the city’s cream of society for a quarter century. We wish them well.

It’s nice to have friends who are gardeners. Eddie Romero, the stellar Coteau farmer, has a bumper crop of nearly every fruit and vegetable imaginable. I assure you his peaches and tomatoes are delicious.

My good friend Soc Grisaffe, who retired from his automotive repair business a long time ago, has latched on to a hobby that has caught on. He makes outdoor furniture, and swings are his specialty. He also has a small garden of beautiful, juicy tomatoes — I should know.

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Tomorrow is the 235th birthday of the United States of America — the greatest nation on planet Earth. It is also the 94th birthday of Bubber Minvielle, one of the finest gentlemen I know. God bless America — and may God bless Bubber as well.

Have a happy 4th of July everybody.

Bye, bye.

MORRIS RAPHAEL was a local author and retired engineer.