October is Archaeology Month at ULM and in celebration, residents of the Monroe-West Monroe Area are receiving a “sweet” glimpse into what life was like a century ago.
Cyndy Robertson, Assistant Dean of the Library and coordinator of the special collections is excited about the mass appeal the exhibit has.
Robertson said that anyone interested in Louisiana history should visit the exhibit.
“It’s amazing what they have been able to do. I was really impressed with the way the exhibit came together,” Robertson said.
Appropriately titled “Sharing the Sweet life: 100 years at the Chatsworth Sugar Plantation,” the traveling exhibit consists of items used in daily life.
These items include the original glass bottle and packaging for Swamp Root tonic, sewing thimbles and an iron industrial chain, which was an essential tool for farming.
Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, on the east bank of the Mississippi River, Francis Gardere bought the manor in 1865.
Chatsworth Plantation was a major sugarcane grower and producer of sugar during the mid to late 19th century.
At one time, it contained a large manor of 50 rooms near the Mississippi River, but it was destroyed to make way for the levee in 1930.
The slave quarters, sugar mill and other outbuildings situated behind the manor house were all that was left.
Since that time the site remained buried beneath rubble and an overgrowth of vegetation, until 2012 when L’Auberge Casino and LSU began an investigation of the property as deemed by the National Historical Preservation Act. The dig was complete by mid 2014.
After touring the exhibit, Jasmine Ricks, a graduate student in the marriage and family program, was surprised to learn that this was located beneath the city.
“I was going to school in Baton Rouge and I didn’t know this about my area,” Ricks said.
The LSU Rural Life Museum is putting on the traveling exhibition. It will be housed in the university through Oct. in the special collections department on the third floor of the library.
Monica Bontty, associate professor in the School of Humanities and experienced archaeologist, believes that the entire community can enjoy the exhibit.
“You never know. It is not impossible that some lucky archaeologist will find more hidden treasure that may change what is known about the state,” Bontty said.
Bontty said that the exhibit is a good opportunity for community members to learn more about the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of Louisiana.
Two guest speakers will explore Poverty Point and the plantation Oct. 23 and 27.
