Between the dark days of World War II and the Oil Bust of the 1980s, Southwest Louisiana enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth. Military personnel returning from the front lines took jobs in the petrochemical industry, settled down, and raised families...[see link below for full introduction.]
Downtown mall
In 1971, Lake Charles created a pedestrian mall on Ryan Street, stretching from Mill Street to Kirby Street. The mall, with brick planters, wooden structures, and play areas, aimed to boost the sagging downtown economy. However, the following year brought the opening of the Prien Lake Mall and the Civic Center complex. Retail stores moved south to the new mall and banks moved closer to the revitalized lakefront area. The downtown mall remained in place through the 1970s, but in 1980 the city began slowly tearing out the fixtures and re-opening Ryan Street to vehicles.
Ryan Street Pedestrian Mall, 1971.
Lakefront
This aerial view shows the lakefront before the Civic Center. The shoreline was an eyesore with dilapidated piers and warehouses blighting the landscape. Ca. 1965.
Aerial view of downtown Lake Charles, ca. 1965.
Downtown, Ryan and Pujo
A smartly dressed woman crosses Pujo Street at the intersection with Ryan in downtown Lake Charles. Ca. 1955.
New Moon Drive-In
An aerial view of the New Moon Drive-In Theater on Highway 14.
East Broad Street
Two motorcycle police units escort a car towing a small airplane on East Broad Street past Radford Buick, Neil's Beverage Co., and Moreno's Sheet Metal works. Ca. 1967
Pujo Street
Pujo Street behind the Calcasieu Marine National Bank. Nearby businesses include Terrell Woosley Insurance, Bubard Auto Livery Storage, Hotel Charleston, and the Calcasieu National Bank. Note that traffic flows West to East at this time. Ca. 1965.
Lake Charles Municipal Airport
Aerial view of the Lake Charles Municipal Airport under construction, ca. 1960.
Lake Charles Municipal Airport
Aerial view of a military aircraft exhibition at the Lake Charles Municipal Airport, ca. 1965.
Cowboy Stadium
The newly constructed Cowboy Stadium, ca. 1965.
Accident
Gabbert often photographed local events for the Lake Charles American Press. This car accident is one example of his documentary work. Ca. 1965.
A bride tosses her bouquet, ca. 1965.
Just Married
A man takes a photo of a wedding couple in a car covered in confetti, ca. 1965.
Street Dance
Couples square dancing during a street fair, possibly in conjunction with the rodeo. Ca. 1965.
The Louisiana Hillbillies
The Louisiana Hillbillies perform on stage together, including Abe and Dottie Manuel with their children, ca. 1965.
The Great Big Doorstep
A scene from the Lake Charles Little Theatre's production of The Great Big Doorstep, May, 1948.
The Great Big Doorstep
Backstage workers dye actors’ hair for the Lake Charles Little Theatre performance of the Great Big Doorstep in May 1948.
Steve Cochran
Hollywood movie star Steve Cochran traveled to Lake Charles at the invitation of Rosa Hart, director of the Lake Charles Little Theatre, to star in Detective Story at the Little Theatre at 312 Bilbo Street. The handsome actor was accompanied by his miniature schnauzer, Ralph. October, 1954.
Ballet dancers, ca. 1965.
The Nutcracker
The Lake Charles Ballet Society prepares for a performance of the Nutcracker in December 1965.
No Time for Sergeants
Lake Charles Little Theatre performance of No Time for Sergeants in April 1959.
Charleston Hotel lobby
The busy front desk of the Charleston Hotel. Ca. 1965.
Charleston Hotel trade show
A business trade show on the second floor of the Charleston Hotel. Ca. 1965.
Greinwich Shopping City
The newly constructed Greinwich Shopping City on Highway 14 in 1959.
W.T. Grant Department Store
Interior of a store in the Greinwich Shopping City, ca. 1960.
W.T. Grant Department Store
Interior of a store in the Greinwich Shopping City, ca. 1960.
Gibson's Department Store
Interior view of Gibson's Department Store on Ryan Street, February 1, 1965.
Papania's
Interior mural in Papania's restaurant on the corner of Broad Street and Highway 171, ca. 1965.
K-Mart
Employees of the K-Mart Department Store at the corner of Ryan and Sale Streets on opening day, 1967.
K-Mart
Employees of the K-Mart Department Store at the corner of Ryan and Sale Streets on opening day, 1967.
Lake Charles Centennial
In 1967 Lake Charles celebrated 100 years as an incorporated city. Here local officials bury a time capsule on the grounds of City Hall.
North Beach
The North shore of Lake Charles was the center of downtown outdoor fun. Kids take turns bouncing on a trampoline. Ca. 1965.
Automobile mechanic
A mechanic poses in front of a car on a lift. Ca. 1965.
Port of Lake Charles
Workers unload a new car from the Ferngulf at the Port of Lake Charles, March 1968.
National Food Store
Cashiers and managers of the National Food Store, ca. 1955.
National Food Store
Interior of the National Food Store, ca. 1955.
Shell service station
Man posing in front of a Shell service station, ca. 1965.
Miss Lake Charles Pageant
Mary Ann Mobley, a former Miss America and actress, hosted the Miss Lake Charles Pageant in April 1967. Here, some of the pageant contestants pose with Mobley (center) on the tarmac of the Lake Charles Airport.
Miss Lake Charles
Miss Lake Charles contestants posed on North Beach, April 1967.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Rodeo parade on Ryan Street, ca. 1965.
Cal-Cam Fair
A young couple posed in front of a haunted house at the Cal-Cam Fair, ca. 1972.
Contraband Days
During the Contraband Days festival, pirates read a proclamation while capturing an unidentified city official, May 1966.
Contraband Days
A Contraband Days parade on Ryan Street in front of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse. May 1966.
Contraband Days parade, May 1966.
Contraband Days, May 1966.
Ruth Lee Gabbert
Bill Gabbert’s mother, Ruth Lee Gabbert, feeds a raccoon, ca. 1965.
Bill Gabbert
Portrait of Bill Gabbert holding a cocker spaniel puppy, ca. 1970.
