PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Lee “Woody” Wood stands next to the photo of the Maurice council meeting taken in 2002. The photo is on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Wood was in Boston this past week.
Have you ever considered how many people can stroll into the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and spot a picture of themselves hanging on display? That’s what happened to Maurice resident Lee “Woody” Wood.
Last week, Wood traveled to Boston to see a photograph taken by national photographer Paul Shambroom. The color photo was captured at the Village of Maurice City Hall during a city council meeting on May 15, 2002.
From 1999 to 2003, Shambroom visited 150 government meetings in towns with populations of fewer than 2,000 in the United States in the hope of documenting what he described as “the body that represented the smallest increment of local government.”
He took hundreds of photos at small-town council meetings throughout the country and had a book printed showcasing these images.
Of all the images Shambroom took of council meetings— dof Bernice and governments in other only the Maurice picture made it to the Boston museum as part of its current exhibit “Power of the People: Art & Democracy.”
The photo is almost five feet wide and looks like a painting.
The framed photo is one of over 100 items on display at the exhibit, which shows how art has expressed ideas about democracy through history and how artists asked citizens about the promise of democracy, the museum’s site indicates. The museum purchased Shambroom’s photo in 2005.
The framed photo is just one of more than 100 pieces showcased in the exhibit, highlighting how art has conveyed thoughts on democracy throughout history. It also features how artists have engaged with citizens regarding the ideals of democracy, according to the museum’s website. The museum acquired Shambroom’s photo back in 2005.
The late Paul Catalon, Lee “Woody” Wood, Marlene Theriot, Maurice’s secretary Mary Hebert, and the late mayor, Barbara Picard, were on the Maurice council at the time.
Recently, Wood received a Facebook message from a tour guide at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts asking if he was the same “Lee Wood” featured in a photo being displayed in the museum.
Wood knew the photo was out there because he saw it promoting Shambroom’s book on the Internet years ago.
“I remember him taking the photo,” said Wood from Boston. “He walked in before the meeting and asked if he could take a photo. I remember him having a wooden box camera.”
He got excited when he learned where the photo was and decided he wanted to see it on display. He called his sister, who lives in Boston, and asked if he could stay with her for a few days.
Wood mentioned that it’s pretty cool for the town of Maurice to be featured in such a well-known museum.
“I just think it’s really neat for the town of Maurice to have something like this, to be represented in such a prestigious museum,” Wood said. “It’s an opportunity to tell our story. There are all sorts of other things for the exhibit — protests and other small town things — but this is the only picture of a council in the exhibit.”
Former Maurice council lady Marlane Theriot does not remember the photographer taking the photo. She first saw it on Wood’s Facebook page.
“The photo is a good thing for Maurice,” said Theriot. “The town the size of Maurice is being represented. That is a good thing.
“Barbara would be excited and proud at the same time.”
Caroline Picard, the daughter of Barbara, said, “Mom would be proud. She loved Maurice.”
Picard was the mayor of Maurice for 24 years and died five years ago.
Wood spent a couple days in the museum. He sat and watched as people viewed the city council photo. He even educated a school group that walked by and looked at the photo.
“How many times in my life am I going to get to sit there and watch people stare at my picture on the wall?” Wood said. “It’s just kind of funny to me. A bunch of the staff wants to ask me questions. They’re actually getting a bigger kick out of this than I am. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
October 13, 1934 - February 17, 2025
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice for Vivian Rita Patin Broussard, age 90, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at her residence in Maurice.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Location on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home led by Deacon Robert LeBlanc.
Reverend Paul Bienvenu, pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and officiate the services. Interment will be held in St. Alphonsus Mausoleum with her beloved husband.
She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Michael Broussard (Debra), and a daughter, Sharon Duhon (Bradley), all natives of Maurice, LA; three sisters, Lois Patin Bonin (Edward), Linda Patin Carlisle (Doug), Vickie Patin Thompson (Aubrey): five grandchildren, Blaine Broussard (Gwen), Meaghan Broussard (Brandon), Jess Broussard (Lauren), Kelsi Duhon (Amanda) and Ashlynn Bourque (Kody); thirteen great grandchildren, Lunden Schexnider (Sage), Camrin Hebert, Sophi Broussard, Lyla Broussard, Brooklyn Broussard, Briley Granger, Nora Broussard, Wyatt Duhon, Walker Duhon, Wiley Duhon, Kooper Bourque, Abigail Bourque and Adola Bourque; two great great grandchildren, Lux & Linc Schexnider.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pierre Dalton “Cat” Broussard; a daughter, Deborah Dartez (Roger); her parents, Gilbert and Annette Broussard Patin of Lafayette, LA; grandparents, Hilaire & Marie Leocadie Vial Patin and Edward & Elvige Broussard Broussard; eight sisters, Clara Belle Patin, Ruby Thibodeaux (Walden), Dorothy Landry (Wallace), Annabelle Steele (Fred), Dolores Montet (Charles), Verna Hebert (John), Judith Morvant (Don), Kathleen Dore (Archie), and three brothers, James (Hazel), Raymond and Michael Patin.
Vivian Rita Broussard was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on Oct 13, 1934. She met the love of her life Pierre Dalton “Cat” Broussard and married in a double matrimony with her twin sister Verna & John on their birthday, Oct 13, 1951. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, sister and great friend to all that met her. She is remembered by always having a smile. She said her job was to cook great meals for her family and all who stopped by. She was a wonderful caregiver for many family members. She loved playing cards and Pokeno with all her friends. When crabbing, a crab didn’t stand a chance when she was around, that was one of her passions. She will be deeply missed by so many.
Pallbearers will be Blaine Broussard, Jess Broussard, Kelsi Duhon, Perry Turner, Ralph Montet, and Raymond Montet.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Acadiana. A special thanks to Lisa Abshire who gave her special care from beginning to the end of her illness. Also, to Lisa Laviolette who cared for her at the beginning of her illness.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.
U-Haul area field manager Kenneth Fredette (right) hands John Craig Hebert a 45 year service plaque.
John Craig Hebert has a reason to celebrate this week.
This past Friday, Feb. 14, John Craig Exxon, located at 1708 Memorial Drive in Abbeville, turned 47 years old. It is one of the longest, if not the longest, full-service gas stations in Abbeville.
Hebert was around 22 when he opened the gas station on Feb. 14, 1978.
He purchased it from his uncle, Cladu Hebert.
“I enjoyed the service station business,” said Hebert, explaining why he purchased the gas station at a young age. I got in the business to stay in the business.”
Hebert, 70, plans to remain open for at least four more years.
His gas station has undergone changes over the years. It was once a detail shop, and a full-time mechanic was on duty for years.
A year after opening the gas station, he became a U-Haul dealership.
“I opened this business in 1978 and started renting U-Haul trucks in 1979,” Hebert said. “I was looking for a way to bring people into the store, but it became so much more. When folks were moving to town, I would be the first person to greet them.”
On Tuesday, Kenneth Fredette, the area field manager for U-Haul, was in Abbeville to present Hebert with a 45-year service plaque.
Hebert’s 45 years in the U-Haul business make him one of the longest-lasting dealers in the southern region, which covers Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Beaumont, Texas.
“Craig lives and breathes U-Haul,” Boudreaux continued. “People in Abbeville know he’s the U-Haul guy, and we’re so glad to have him representing us. He’s part of our team.”
When he retires from his service station in four years, he will also retire from the U-Haul business.
Reagan Semien (13) comes from behind to knock the ball away from a St. Thomas More player, creating a turnover for STM. STM had 39 turnovers against North Vermilion.
NV’s Nylah Harrison(13) applies pressure on a STM palyer, hoping to get a turnover. (photos by Rosco Harrington).
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Fisher Quakenbos pitched 3 2/3 solid innings for VC.
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Jim Brown
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
Bill Wilson
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.
ABBEVILLE — A Homegoing service for Rev. James Paul Pruitt, age 90, will be held at 2 p.m. at Abbeville Pentecostal Church on Saturday, February 15, 2025 with Pastor Cody Bryant, Rev. Ricki Pavlu, and Rev. Wesley Jackson officiating. Interment will be at the Holder Cemetery in Bienville, La on Sunday February 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. under the direction of Frioux-David Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at Abbeville Pentecostal Church on Saturday, February 15, 2025 beginning at 12 p.m. until the time of the services.
Reverend Pruitt was born in Tyler, Texas in 1935. When he left home as a young teen, he travelled the United States by train working as a rider and hand for the circus. On his journeys he met his Betty Jo and swept her off her feet, quite literally, to hear the story told. They married in 1951 and began their 71 years together. Rev. Pruitt’s pastoral work began with the United Pentecostal Church in 1967 in Arcadia, La and eventually led he and Betty to Abbeville where they retired in 2007.
He made sure there was always room at his house for a visit, a meal, and a late night game around the kitchen table or perhaps a new paperback western to share. There are many people who will remember a time that he invited them to dinner, shared a bag of satsumas or fresh tomatoes from his garden, or offered a prayer in their time of need. From the carpenter in overalls, the gardener with green thumbs, the man on horseback chasing elk in Colorado, to the Pastor with 50 years with the United Pentecostal Church, he was consistent in his message, his faith, and his love for his family and congregation.
Somewhere tonight, there’s a glass of tea being filled by Betty Jo and possibly a crawfish boil under his direction.
He is survived by a son, Rev. Tex Pruitt (Medina); three daughters, Jamie North, Dr. Juanita Lockett (Jerome), and Zula Odell (Terry); 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 5 (soon to be 6) great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo, a daughter, Pamela Allen; and a son in law Rev. Philip North.
Serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Jeffery Parker, James Pruitt Jr, Philip North, Keith Clark III, Clayton Pruitt, Chad Pruitt, Jonathan North, David Austin, Carlos Pruitt, Eraitt Austin II, Twila Alford, Rebekah Craft, and Ashley Hanks.
Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org.
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.
October 16, 1942 - February 11, 2025
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Oliver “OJ” Pratt, 82, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. with Deacon Glynn Stutes officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation hours will be held at Frioux-David Funeral Home in Abbeville on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a rosary service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 8 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m.
Oliver Joseph Pratt, born on October 16, 1942, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2025. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. OJ was born and raised in Erath and was a proud Bobcat. He always believed in the power of education and encouraged his family members to work hard in school to set a good foundation for success in their lives. OJ spent most of his life as a car salesman and later took on the role of sales manager for J.P. Thibodeaux Honda. Fondly nicknamed “The Juice”, he was a dedicated employee, and it was well known that his job and work ethic were two of his biggest prides in life. Away from the showroom, OJ was a man of simple pleasures. When he wasn’t working, he could often be found with a Coca-Cola in hand. Even at the end of his life, one of his greatest joys was having a cold glass of Coke. OJ also had a love for computers. In the 90s when the internet was gaining momentum, he knew it would come to be a big part of future generations, and took it upon himself to learn as much as he could. He could often be found in his office creating websites or reading his many emails. Other hobbies that he greatly enjoyed were watching any action movie that he could find, and in his younger years, he enjoyed dove hunting as well as bowling. Above all, OJ’s biggest source of happiness was his family, particularly his role as “Pop” to his beloved grandchildren. He spent a great deal of his life passing on as much of his wisdom as he could and encouraging them to be the best that they could be. He will be missed by so many.
OJ is survived by his wife, Faye Pratt; his two children, Richard Pratt and Timothy Pratt; four grandchildren, Ashley Pratt Decuir and her husband Tyler Decuir, Amber Pratt, Jasmin Pratt, Kali Pratt and her fiance Andrew Riley; and one great-grandchild, Jayden Adams.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pratt and Elise Hollier-Pratt, and his siblings, Rena Menard, Venance Pratt, and Alicia Broussard.
You may sign the guest register book an express condolences online at www.davidfunealhome.org
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548