RSS Feed

Mastodons, those prehistoric animals that looked like fuzzy elephants, may have been among the earliest animals to graze the Cajun prairies, and there may have been more of them than we think.
The noted linguist William Read wrote in his 1931 study of Louisiana French that the place name Mamou is derived from mammouth, the French word for mammoth or mastodon. He refers to an early map that names the Prairie Mamou area of northwestern Acadiana as “Prairie Mammoth.” Also, it’s said that Carencro got its name from carrion (flesh-eating) crows that stripped the bones of one of the huge beasts. Martin Duralde, who was commandant at Opelousas from 1795 to 1803, seemed to believe that story.
He wrote about series of anthropological finds in a letter to the early naturalist William Dunbar in April 1802.
“About the year 1760, or a little after,” Duralde wrote, “chance led some person to the brink of a little bay, called Carencro, where there were heaps of bones. They were sound and of an enormous size. The person was struck with the circumstance, and made mention of it. The news spread, and everybody was curious to see them. Their length, their size, and above all, one or two Teeth … led the Spectators to judge, and it is well received Opinion, that this was the entire skeleton of an Elephant.”
He said the ribs were “perfectly distinguished,” as well as the vertebrae, the scapula, tibia and thigh bones.
“Mr. Peter Nezat, a man of strict veracity, who lived there and to whom the place belongs, has assured me that there was enough of the bones to load, if not two, at least one strong cart,” Duralde said. Nezat said he used one of the hip bones as an indigo press and that it was so heavy that it took a “very strong man” to handle it.
Six years earlier, Duralde continued, a man named Alexander Fontenot found on his property “an extraordinary tooth” that he believed had once been in an elephant’s mouth. And John Tesson, “a sincere and honest man” said that 15 years earlier he’d found the remains of “an enormous jaw bone” that weighed at least 25 pounds and that he supposed “could only belong to an Elephant.”
All of this prompted Professor W. M. Carpenter to survey the south Louisiana prairies during the summer of 1838. He reported his findings in a letter that was published in The American Journal of Science and the Arts in January 1839.
Carpenter described the excavation of a mastodon near Opelousas and suggested that others could be found.
“On all these prairies,” Carpenter wrote, “there are ponds which, on account of the impervious nature of the clay, contain water at all seasons. They are often situated on the highest part of the prairie … surrounded by … marsh plants. These ponds seem to be gradually filling up with vegetable matter, and are no doubt rich in fossils of the mastodon, and perhaps other animals.
“I visited three localities, at which remains of the mastodon have been found, and obtained some pieces. At one place, a mile distant from the village of Opelousas, an entire skull was disinterred, but it crumbled on exposure to the air, and nothing remains but the teeth; it must have been very large.”
The remains were found when stockmen tried to deepen the natural pond during a dry spell. About six feet down “they came to the head and some of the vertebrae, and then to a few ribs, all of which were in the natural position,” Carpenter reported. But then the dry spell ended and “rain drove them from the search,” he said. The rain filled the pond and covered the big bones.
There may be some old bones yet to be discovered. In May 1970, workmen digging next to the Vermilion River near the Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette turned up more mastodon bones.
UL (then USL) professor Jon Gibson and some of his archaeology students did some work at the site and found more bones and four large teeth, but their hope for a complete skeleton didn’t materialize. The rest of this Mammut americanus had either washed or rotted away.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is pleased to announce that Abbeville General has earned 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified level 7.
The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities.
“Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.”
Chuck Guidry, BSN, MBA, Chief Information Officer at Abbeville General comments, “Healthcare organizations are continually striving to raise the standard of care through technology.  We are proud of our level 7 status and the validation acquired by such a prestigious organization as College of Healthcare Information Management Executive (CHIME).   Now, we turn our attention to maximizing our momentum in our advances and push the boundaries of becoming a level 10.  Our ultimate goal is to incorporate our infrastructure into safe and quality care for all who visits our doorstep.  It is an honor to be among those that perform at the highest levels and knowing our efforts will impact our patients for many years to come.  Our best efforts are on-going.”
A total of 36,674 organizations were represented in the 2021 Digital Health Most Wired program, which includes four separate surveys: acute, ambulatory, long-term care and international acute. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.
Each participating organization received a customized benchmarking report, an overall score and scores for individual levels in eight segments: infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality/safety. Participants can use the report and scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. Participants also received certification based on their overall performance, with level 10 being the highest.
This is the fourth year that CHIME has conducted the survey and overseen the program. In each successive year, CHIME has expanded the survey to capture more types of organizations that serve patients across the continuum of care. CHIME also continues to promote the program internationally to provide a global overview of digital health advancements.
As in past years, CHIME will publish an industry trends report based on Digital Health Most Wired responses from U.S. participants. The 2021 National Trends Report is scheduled to be released in October during CHIME21 in San Diego.
For more information about the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program, please go here.

About CHIME
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With nearly 3,400 members in 55 countries and over 150 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

1944 - 2021

Past District Governor of Rotary and Abbeville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Founder Donald P. Chauvin passed away on October 14, 2021 at the age of 77 while surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy of “Service Above Self.”
In June of 1964, Don married Janet Young and they have been happily married for 57 years. They are the proud parents of 4 children, Todd Chauvin, Pamela Chauvin Trahan married to Marshall Trahan, Kimberly Chauvin Etie’ married to Shawn Etie’, and Clayton Chauvin. He is the loving grandfather of 8 grandchildren, Zachary Chauvin, Jake Chauvin, Maddison Chauvin, Emiley Chauvin, Maggie Lackie married to Matt Lackie, Mallory Trahan, Morgan Trahan, and Everett Etie’. He has 12 great-grandchildren.
Don graduated from Abbeville High School in 1962 and continued his education at LSU, majoring in Accounting. In 1970, Don joined his dad in the operation of an H & R Block tax franchise in Abbeville. In 1985, he established the family business known to all as FACTS-5. He dedicated 51 years to serving the community with accounting, income tax, computer, and financial planning. In 2020, Don semi-retired. He worked primarily during tax season and enjoyed the remainder of a calendar year doing his favorite pastimes – namely watching LSU and Saints football.
He was instrumental in organizing the Abbeville Youth Football League (AYFL). Over time the league expanded from the original 4 teams in Abbeville and added 2 teams from Erath and 1 from Kaplan. This AYFL provided an opportunity for 10, 11, and 12-year-old boys to fall in love with the game of football. He served as the league’s President for many years. He also served as Chairman of the Abbeville Parks and Recreation Commission.
In the mid 70’s Don became active with the Abbeville High School Boosters Club and eventually was elected as President of this organization. At that time, the Boosters were only active during football season, and it was mostly a “greet and eat” organization. Don knew they could do much more for athletics and he set out to find additional opportunities for the Boosters to serve all athletic needs of Abbeville High School and thus he founded the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. He hoped that this hall of honor would encourage the young athletes at the school to excel, hoping that someday they too would be enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
His entire adult life was dedicated to various community service projects for which he is best known. He was a member of the Abbeville Lions Club, the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce, Abbeville Historical Alliance, and he was a board member of the Abbeville Country Club. From 2005 thru 2016 he had the honor to serve as the Rotary International District 6200 Governor. Don’s dedication to Rotary allowed him to serve the district and his club where he managed the distribution of two million dollars in contributions for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts. Throughout all of his Rotary service, Don truly exemplified Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.”
Don leaves behind his loving wife, 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Rose Williams, Mary Ann Stoutes and his cousin who he saw more like a son, Tony Meaux.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Sr. & Enola Chauvin, 2 brothers Robert Chauvin Jr. and Oscar Chauvin, sister Roberta Fox, and life-long best friend Cliffton Alleman.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 at David’s Funeral Home in Abbeville, Louisiana from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm with a tribute ceremony to honor him at 12:00 pm.
The Chauvin family would like to express their most sincere appreciation for the exceptional care he received from the Abbeville First Responders and the outpouring of love and support from friends and extended family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rotary Foundation at myrotary.org in Donald Chauvin’s honor.

September 20, 1934 - October 9, 2021

A Celebration of Life for Mervine Guidry, Sr. will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Special Providence Baptist Church in Baldwin, Louisiana.
Presiding over the services will be Supt. Elder Donald Lancelin Sr., Rev. Samuel Wise III, pastor, and Rev. W.J. Otis. Jr., Pastor Emeritus.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 9:00 A.M. until the commencement of the celebration at Special Providence Baptist Church.
Mervine will be interred at Special Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Baldwin, Louisiana.
Repast will take place at B&M Pavilion and Event Center, located at 211 E. Rosebud St. in Baldwin, La. (70514).
Mervine Guidry Sr. was born September 20, 1934, to the union of Warren Guidry, Sr. and Louise Maze Guidry in Abbeville, Louisiana. Mervine, an Abbeville native, relocated to Franklin, Louisiana, where he remained as a resident for 59 years. He was called home to glory at his residence, where he was surrounded by family and friends at 4:37 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.
Mervine accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Hilliard Buckner, Sr. Mervine maintained a close relationship with God.
Mervine was united in Holy Matrimony to Alma L. Guidry. To this union, seven children were born. Mervine and his longtime companion, Mary Pickney, were united, and to this union, a daughter was born.
After relocating to Franklin, he became involved in the construction industry and was known for his expertise in operating heavy equipment.
Mervine was a solider in the United States Army for three years. He was a hard working, fun-loving and caring man, who took great pride in providing for his family. He worked many years for several companies throughout St. Mary Parish: Frees Construction, Tyler Brothers, Duck Construction Co. and eventually retired due to health issues.
Mervine was also a great cook and prepared many meals for family gatherings and friends.
Mervine leaves to cherish his fond memories seven daughters, Mary Faye Guidry and Phyllis M. Guidry of Abbeville, La., Cynthia G. Johnson of Franklin, La., Keirsten Guidry-Peters (Richard) of Baldwin, La, Tina Verrett-Gunn (Charles) of Monroe, La., Antonia Verrett-Gunner (Levi) of Verduville, La, and Heather Johnson of Cincinnati, Ohio; an adopted daughter/granddaughter, Yasminn G. Guidry of Baldwin, and Cherokee Simon (granddaughter), who he raised as his own; four sons, Troy A. Guidry of Houston, Texas, Mervine Guidry Jr. (Mechelle) of Youngsville, La., Cordell Guidry of Cade, La., and Eddie Verrett of Jacksonville, Fla.; one brother, Burk Guidry of Kentucky; 31 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; four brothers in law, Alton, Sr. and Lennis Levine of Dallas, Texas, Rev. Laurence Levine of Detriot, Mich., and Lionel Wilson Sr. of Baldwin, La.; four sisters in law, Edna Bellard of Sorrel, La. Debra Wilson of Baldwin, La., and Melba and Mable Levine, both of Dallas, Texas.
Mervine was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Sr. and Louise Maze Guidry; one daughter, Patricia Guidry; one brother, Warren Guidry Jr.; one devoted stepson, Anthony (Push) Wilson; two uncles, Garfield Maze and Rev. Dr. Henry L. Maze; two cousins, James (T-Man) Bellard Sr. and James (Jelly) Bellard Jr.
Active pallbearers will be Kendrick Wilson, Alton Levine Jr., Richard Peters, Kendrick Gibson, Kenneth Bellard and Carl Johnson Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Troy A. Guidry, Mervine Guidry Jr., Cordell Guidry, Eddie Verrett, Byron Dozier, Burk Guidry, Alton Levine Sr., Lionel Wilson Jr., Vaughn Stewart Sr. and Wendell Bellard.
The family of Mervine Guidry Sr. would like to thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, thoughts, texts, notes of love, flowers and any other acts of kindness. We ask that you continue to pray for us during our time of bereavement. We also would like to thank doctors, nurses and Audubon Hospice. Special tanks to Ms. Jennifer Snoddy and LaQuenta Yokum, who provided excellent care to our father.
Final arrangements have been entrusted to MK Dixon Funeral Home, 337-940-9253, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, LA 70514.