The 43rd annual Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society Palm Sunday Tour will be a walking tour

Learn to distinguish an American Foursquare from a Bungalow and find out what the two have in common enjoying a Palm Sunday stroll down Kirby and Pujo Streets, part of the Lake Charles Historic Charpentier District.

Special to American Press

Do you know what the American Foursquare has in common with the Bungalow? Which Lake Charles home has a door crafted from 360 pieces of polished, beveled, leaded glass? How the Lake Charles column differs from the fluted column? Attendees of the 43rd Annual Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society Palm Sunday Tour will learn all this and more. More importantly, they’ll have fun doing it.

The tour takes place Sunday, March 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, and are available only on the day of the tour. Purchase from the starting point: Central School, 809 Kirby Street in Lake Charles.  

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This year’s CHPS Palm Sunday event is a concentrated walking tour focusing on “Educating the Eye,” said Charla Blake, CHPS 2018 president. “We will explore exterior architectural details, building techniques, and historical elements of key homes.”

A brochure will guide participants to stops along the route. Docents will be placed outside these homes to provide a timeline of various architectural stylings that give this neighborhood, nestled in the Charpentier Historic District, its distinct character and appeal. Sidewalks are wide. The walk is easy.

“We want everyone to enjoy the day, the beauty of these homes, the live oaks, azaleas and the luxury of moving at their own pace,” said Virginia Webb, CHPS Calca Awards Director.

Knowing the difference in pediment and Palladian is not a prerequisite. Participants who don’t give a hoot about the volute are sure to have fun learning as they look. Discussing the egg and tongue motif might work up an appetite.

The 43rd annual Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society Palm Sunday Tour will be a walking tour. Participants will explore exterior architectural details, building techniques, and historical elements of key homes at their own pace.

Special to American Press

Food follows form and function!

“Begin or end the tour with a meal at one of our local restaurants,” invited Blake. “Plenty are within walking distance of the tour. Some feature special Sunday brunch menus.”

CHPS will be giving away a $50 restaurant gift certificate. Find out more about it on Palm Sunday at Central School. Downtown restaurants concentrated near the intersection of Ryan Street and Broad Street include The Villa, Pujo Street Café, Pops & Rockets, Botsky’s Luna Bar and Grill, Blue Dog Café, Tia Junanita’s, Mama Reta’s, 1910 Restaurant and Cotten’s Downtown.

Extra, extra, read all about it!

While you’re in the historic district, pick up a book on architecture, history or fiction from a favorite author. The 2018 Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Used Book Sale will be in its third and final day Sunday, March 25 from noon to 3 p.m. Get all you can put in a bag for $5. The church is located at 715 Kirkman Street.

To find out more about the 2018 CHPS Palm Sunday Tour, go to calcasieupreservation.org or the Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society’s Facebook page.

‘We will explore exterior architectural details, building techniques, and historical elements of key homes.’

Charla Blake

CHPS 2018 president