Editor’s Note: From the Jan. 7 editions of the American Press for 2011, 1996, 1971 and 1946

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10 years ago

More than 40 krewes were on hand Thursday night at the Civic Center for the Twelfth Night celebration, which marks the start of the Carnival season. Kevin Hodges, a member of the Krewe of Illusion, has been designing costumes in the Lake Area since 1991.

John Chavanne designed and built the 4-foot mantle used by the Krewe of the Cosmos. Katie Harrington of the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau said at least 60 krewes will march in different parades come Mardi Gras.

Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell (Anna Guillory) Fontenot of Lake Charles will celebrate 50 years of marriage Jan. 7, 2011. They were married Jan. 7, 1961, in Eunice.

Their children and spouses are Mr. and Mrs. David (Annette Fontenot) DeJean of LeBleu Settlement, Jackie

Fontenot and Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan (Shawntae) Fontenot, all of Lake Charles; and Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell (Mae) Fontenot Jr. of Iowa. The couple has nine grandchildren.

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25 years ago

In the Service

Nick J. Dyson, Air Force staff sergeant, was recently recognized as Federal Employee of the Year, uniformed category. He is the son of Norris and Glenda Dyson of Moss Bluff and a 1983 graduate of Sam Houston High School, of Community College of the Air Force in 1993, and of Golden Gate University in 1994.

Clinton A. Stone, Navy petty officer first class, has retired after 20 years service. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kitty Hawk for the last five years of his enlistment. He is the son of Ernest G. Stone of Lake Charles and now resides in El Cajon, Calif.

Realtor of the Year

L.M. “Jerry” Jones was named the 1995 Realtor of the Year by the Greater Calcasieu Board of Realtors. Jones is Sales Manager for Coldwell Banker Reinauer Real Estate.

Phyllis Rogers was recently installed as 1996 president of Region II of the Louisiana Realtors Association. Others installed for 1996 are Barbara Buller, president-elect; Tibby Thibodeaux, treasurer; Ellie Marquez, Russell

Tauzin, Marty Cole, Judy Fontenot, Chris Romero, directors; Keith Jagneaux, past president.

Promotions

First Federal Savings and Loan Association has named Judy Hickman Brewton, vice president, and Vicki L. Sisson assistant secretary.

Brewton joined First Federal in 1977 and is a graduate of Lake Charles High School. Sisson is a graduate of Pascagoula High School and attended Jackson County Community College. She joined First Federal in 1987.

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50 years ago

Fur Queen contestants

CAMERON — Contestants from Louisiana’s eight fur-bearing parishes will seek the title of Louisiana Fur Queen Saturday during the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival. Reigning queen is Doylene Lasiter of Lafayette.

Contestants and their parishes are: Neva Jo Thomas, Plaquemines; June Hidalgo, St. Mary; Collen Ann Johnson, Iberia; Lynn Stout, Vermilion; Kathy Frick, Terrebonne; Ginger Ann Melancon, St. Martin; Marsha Goes, St. Charles; and Cherie Kay Griffith, Cameron.

Money talk

A program on money, savings and loan institutions and banks was presented at Wednesday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Southeast Lake Charles in the Piccadilly Cafeteria.

Rotarian Bobby Cagle introduced Eldridge Dugas, senior vice president of First Federal Savings and Loan Association, and Ray Aucoin, a vice president of Gulf National Bank.

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75 years ago

(Jan. 8, 1946)

Rent controls

A work force increase of approximately 60 percent in the Lake Charles area makes it apparent that rent control must be kept in effect until at least 1947, according to Robert McGehee, director of the area rent control office.

“The demand for housing is greater now than at any other time due to the increased number of returning veterans and war workers from other areas,” McGehee said.

Surplus navy vessels

The U.S. Navy Department announced that it contemplates no issuance of contracts or other construction on the city docks along Front street on the Calcasieu River north of Lake Charles.

The waterfront property, leased for $1 a year, will be used as the headquarters for maintenance and security of surplus Navy vessels which will be berthed there.

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Our Past is a daily feature compiled by Mike Jones.