King Kommerce Warmly Greeted
—St. Martinville, La., Feb. 26
When the last shades of night had passed away and the sun in her brightness shone down on St. Martinville and brought forth another day, it found the town arrayed in all her beauty, and every decoration that was possible for human ingenuity to construct in every place possible to welcome the King of Kommerce, and the people began coming from every direction, and by noon it was easily perceived that the display would be a grand success. This is the second time St. Martinville has so remarkably succeeded in attracting large numbers of people from this and adjoining towns and parishes to witness its display of festivities in honor of Mardi Gras. Although the inhabitants and business men of our city have had their share of hard times and seen the fall of prices in all our products, they foresaw the benefits to be derived from the carnival entertainments and readily gave their subscriptions and entered into the project with all enthusiasm possible.
St. Martinville is one of the oldest towns in the state and was first settled by the Acadians whose descendants are the principal part of the population today, and who boast and are proud of their ancestors. It is situated on the banks of Bayou Teche, of which much has been written of its fertility of soil and rich sugar estates, but the town itself has never been described with any degree of accuracy, and which has been severely criticised by some for its so-called exclusion of strangers, as the people are proud to boast of their French manners, customs and language, which is spoken fluently and correctly by all, although there are none but who can use the English language as well. There are about 500 children in the schools today, the most of whom are attendants of the Convent of Mercy, a full account of which was published recently. The freight receipts show an increase of over 50 per cent in the last two years.
The arrival of the king and his duke was announced at 4:20 by the shrill whistle upon the arrival of the train, which was acknowledged by a firing of the cannon, and he was welcomed by the ringing of all the bells in town, and the parade was formed at the foot of Railroad Avenue in the following order: Platoon of mounted police, Excelsior Brass Band, Mr. O. J. Durand, grand chief marshal: Grand Marshal Mayor A. V. Fleming and L. C. Duchamp, vice president of the Board of Trade, and a committee from the Board of Trade in carriages, followed by floats as follows:
Float No. 1—A beautiful canopy, ornamented with frescoed work, embossed with gold and precious stones and a profusion of palms and flowers
The King of Kommerce sits on his throne with his crown of brilliants on his brow, and in his hands holds his sceptre, which sways his multitude of subjects to mirth. His attendants are a few steps lower, each having in their hands symbols of commerce, industry and science. Fearlessness and power are represented by two winged lions on the rear of the chariot.
Float No. 2 reminds one of St. Martinville of the days when Evangeline first set foot upon her soil in years past long ago, and the people leading a rural life, three centuries ago, which is represented by an old and feeble man who, like Faust, has become young, full of vigor, health and beauty, and is being entertained by a bevy of youths, who are sipping draughts of nectar which they take from a golden cup. They are protected by a large umbrella, covered with golden stars and supported by wreaths of flowers, from the falling drops if silvery rain.
Float No. 3 makes this the Eden of Louisiana, which is two large areas coming together at right angles, and covered with grape vines full of the delicious fruit and green leaves. The ground upon which the arbor stands is covered with evergreens, which cover the wheels of the chariot and come to the ground. In the center is an Island of which a beautiful youth is the sole inhabitant. He is surrounded by nymphs.
Float No.4 is the God of Fortune, sitting on his throne, which is tastefully arranged, having six steps in front and the rear. His attendants are the representatives of love, friendship, peace and contentment. They are beneath a canopy tastefully arranged and decorated.
Float No. 5 is a representation recent snow storm. It is a mountain of snow 15 feet high. At the apex is a gold barrel of cotton seed oil. This float was contributed by the St. Martinville Oil Company Limited. All the work was designed by Mr. A. Orillon of this place.
At 8:30 p.m. Mr. Felix Bienvenu, as King of Kommerce, attended by Mr. Pierre Gary, duke of Attakapas; Mr. Hacken Thomas, duke of Teche and Mr. George S. Easton, duke of St. Martinville, entered Duchamp’s Opera House. To make room for his entrance two cordons of maskers, holding silk-covered ropes, formed a guard to make way among the crowd. Never before in the history of this little city has the capacity of the opera house been thus tested. Young and old, irrespective of sex, crowded upon each other in eager expectation. The names of the royal parties had been successfully kept a secret, and had occasioned numerous conjectures, which made the announcement proportionately interesting.
King Kommerce ascended the throne, which was erected on the stage. Mr. Dan Voorhies, the lord high chamberlain, read the king’s proclamation, naming Miss Aimee Gernaud as his royal consort, Miss Emma Duchamp, the duchess of Attakapas; Miss Laurence Lacaze, duchess of Teche; Miss Felicia Durand, duchess of St. Martin.
Mayor A. V. Fleming, holding, a large key of gold in his hand, in well-chosen words presented the key to his royal majesty, after which, with due ceremonies, the king deposited upon the brow of his royal consort the crown of brilliants and proclaimed her Queen of Kommerce.
After a series of tableaux the royal party descended the stairs upon the floor of the opera house and danced the lancers, only the king and his suite taking part. Ascending his throne the king received the salutations of his loyal subjects, who marched past him as the carnival march was being played. The first waltz then opened the ball and general dancing was indulged in until the wee sma’ hours.
The king, Mr. Felix Bienvenu, is one of the managers and shareholders of the St. Martinville Oil Works, and is single. No man has figured more prominently in the society of St. Martinville. Gallant and amiable, it has always been with pleasure and pride that he took leading parts in social events.
The queen, Miss Aimee Gernaud, is not yet out of her teens. She made a beau-tiful queen, gowned in cream satin in court train, elaborately trimmed with applique lace chiffon and pearl passementerie. She wore a mantle of silk gauze, draped Grecian style, attached shoulders with diamond butterflies, and on her brow the crown of dazzling brilliancy.
She is the daughter of Mr. Andre Gernaud, who has successfully been engaged in mercantile pursuits in St. Martinville for the last thirty-five years.
Miss Emma Duchamp, the first maid of honor, was very sweet in a gown of white silk trimmed with ribbon and gauze. She wore her ornaments and silver aigrettes in her hair.
Miss Laurence Lacaze, the second maid of honor, looked the picture of
beauty; her swan-like complexion being greatly advantaged by a maize-colored gown trimmed with ribbon and pink rosebuds.
Miss Felicia Durand was very pretty in a gown of white satin trimmed with lilies of the valley, ribbons and furs, and a tiara of pearls.
Mr. O. J. Durand, the chief grand marshal, wore a pair of spurs which were specially loaned for the occasion by the Hon. A .V. Fournet. They are solid steel, inlaid with silver, and are authentically traced to the time of Cortez.
The celebration was made under the auspices of the St. Martinville Board of Trade, and was in the hands of the following committee: T. J. Labbe, chairman; L. J. Gardemal, Major F. T. Gilbeaux, K. Schwartz and E. W. Bienvenu.
The Daily Picayune—New Orleans, Wednesday, February 27, 1895