Tonight I was asked to be the keynote speaker at the Lecompte Rotary Club.

The meeting was held at Smith’s Landing. The dinner was so delicious. There was a large crowd.

 

I gave a history of the sugar mill from its building in 1912 to its closure in 1981.

A slide show presentation was shown as well.

 

I had two guest speakers. The first guest speaker was Sterling Bain, Jr. (Buster Bain). His family had more sugar cane than anyone when the mill closed in 1981. His father, Sterling Bain, Sr., was president of the Meeker Sugar Mill from 1961 to 1981. Buster’s presentation was just elegant. His knowledge of sugar cane farming and the technical aspects of it is just unbelievable. The audience asked Buster many questions during his presentation.

 

The next guest speaker was Randy Gilchrist of Gilchrist Construction. Randy has purchased the mill and property. To say that Randy has cleaned up this sight would be a misunderstatement. Randy has been a great asset to Rapides Parish in so many ways.

 

Finally we want to thank the Lecompte Rotary Club. Many in attendance told us this was their best presentation ever. We appreciate them and that statement.