Vernon Parish – Page 2 – All Things Sabine

Releases cease from Toledo Bend: What a difference a month makes

January 2016 and February 2016 below the Toledo Bend Spillway

January 2016- All working gates at the Toledo Bend Dam spillway were open at least one foot each (9 gates), emptying water from Toledo Bend into Bayou Toro and eventually downtstream into the Sabine River. Water was being released twenty four-seven to cope with flooding on the upper end of the Sabine River which resulted in high levels on Toledo Bend Lake. All this water being dumped from the lake rushed its way downstream, and was a heck of site to see (not to mention this created a feeding frenzy for seabirds waiting below the spillway for their meals to be delivered from the lake).

February 2016- No spillway gates are open and no water is being released from Toledo Bend downstream, as the lake level has subsided to pretty much normal. All is quiet on this part of Toro Bayou and the Sabine River now… it is like a whole different place than it was just a month ago!

The Falls on Pearl Creek

Hanging at the Falls in 1969. Cliff Johnson and his wife in their 1964 Ford convertible

I love to read about spots which were once great hangouts and which surely hold so many memories for so many people. Cliff Johnson, who is an accomplished author with roots in southeast Texas, sent me a couple of photos taken at a place people called “The Falls.”

Continue reading “The Falls on Pearl Creek”

Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana info guide from 1967

This is a 1967 informational booklet on Fort Polk Army Base in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. Click images to enlarge.

Vernon and Anacoco: The tale of two lakes

In Vernon Parish, Louisiana, there are two decent size man-made lakes that have been the source of a lot of confusion for me.

Vernon Lake I have thought for years was Anacoco Lake, while Anacoco Creek I thought was Vernon Lake or maybe Anacoco Lake, and Anacoco Lake… well, I realized I had no idea of its actual location for the past umpteen years. Now, through the joy of the Internet and lengthy government-created .pdf reports, I have a clear idea of which lake is which and where and why and even how. I think.

Continue reading “Vernon and Anacoco: The tale of two lakes”

Burr’s Ferry Bridge over Sabine River scheduled for replacement

Burr's Ferry Bridge, crossing the Sabine River — Burr’s Ferry Bridge, crossing the Sabine River

Another bridge crossing the Sabine River is scheduled to be replaced within the next year. Burr’s Ferry Bridge, a kind of strangely attractive bridge which crosses between Newton County in Texas (Tx. Hwy. 63) and Vernon Parish in Louisiana (La. Hwy. 8), will soon be replaced.

Continue reading “Burr’s Ferry Bridge over Sabine River scheduled for replacement”

Goodbye to the Hills, once Toro and later Emerald

First, it was Hodges Gardens Motor Inn, just across the highway from the magnificent Hodges Gardens. It was created and designed specifically to complement Hodges Gardens… which in the 60s was such a heavy tourist attraction that a nearby hotel (okay, motel) and restaurant was needed.

Not just wanted, but needed.

And an accompanying golf course was perfect for the men who might tend to be bored with the Gardens.

Continue reading “Goodbye to the Hills, once Toro and later Emerald”

Fun detour to Anacoco Lake Spillway… plus lessons in history and challenges to explore more

For many years, the most I knew about Anacoco Lake was that I thought could see it on the west side of U.S. Hwy. 171 during my many travels between Sabine Parish, Louisiana to Lake Charles, Louisiana. I saw it as a scenic lake which appeared to reach many different levels… sometimes it was lush and high, other times it was low with plenty of exposed trees. Much like a miniature version of Toledo Bend Lake. Continue reading