Many years ago, a friend named Rita, a recent widow, was cleaning out her closet. She called to say she wanted to give my husband and me a large poster that she’d found, adding that it was one of the many items her late husband, Everett, had collected.

From the layout of the poster printed on thin brown paper one could feel the sense of excitement that was being announced. In two-inch bold letters at the very top was the single word in capital letters: RACES!… A big horse racing event was to be held Sunday, July 29, 1906, in Jeanerette at the “park of the Jeanerette Fair Association.” I can imagine a number of these posters had been printed and placed in prominent positions in storefront windows all over Jeanerette to build up the excitement of the general population of the small town.

Imagine the buzz of conversation especially among the young boys that week as large white tents began going up on the grounds where the thoroughbred races were to be held. Men, women and children alike became caught up in the frenzy. Beautiful horses began arriving by midweek to be gently fed and cared for. Pari mutuel betting was to be offered and there were to be tents for sellers of refreshments “at reasonable prices.”

The poster announced that there would be six races with prizes ranging from $25 to $125 going to the winners. One exciting event was a difficult one-mile race over hurdles. A quote from the neighboring town newspaper said, “Some of the best horses in this part of the country will be in the races.”

The weather was predicted to be fair and the grounds were well-prepared. For weeks locals had been in contact with relatives and friends inviting them to come to Jeanerette for this sporting event. Excursion trains were scheduled from near and far — Lake Charles, Washington, St. Martinville, Arnaudville, Houma, Napoleonville, Abbeville and intermediate stops. They were scheduled to arrive by noon, just before post time, and to depart by late afternoon, their passengers tired and weary. For New Iberia passengers the round-trip ticket only cost 50 cents.

Women came dressed in afternoon frocks made of filmy material trimmed with lace and carried matching parasols to protect them from the July heat. The men walking alongside them wore suits, vests and stiff detachable collars, while children’s clothing was looser, but stylish, neat and clean.

A musical concert was provided by the Woodman of the World Brass Band to keep everyone entertained between races. There was time to place bets and get some refreshments. Gossip and lively conversations filled the tall, wooden bleachers while flags flew high above.

According to the scant amount of documentation there is available on the Jeanerette Fair Association, we know the organization was active from 1906 to 1912. The fair grounds were located in what is now commonly known as “White City Subdivision.” Today the Jeanerette Elementary School and playground occupy the area that once was home to the racetrack.

In the quiet of a summer evening perhaps you can hear the echoes of S.L. Jacobs, who was manager of the Jeanerette Fair Association, shout to the crowds through a megaphone, “Ils sont partis!” (and they’re off!)

JULAINE DEARE SCHEXNAYDER is retired after a varied career in teaching and public relations. Her email address is julaines14@gmail.