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Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society

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CHPS Mission


Historic Lake Charles City HallThe mission of the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society (CHPS) is to encourage the preservation of historical buildings, objects, and places relating to the history of Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish, including its natural beauty and all that is distinctive to our state.

One of the primary ways that CHPS accomplishes this mission is to recognize those who have contributed toward the preservation of buildings, objects and places. This is done by presenting awards to deserving property owners via the Calca Commendation and the Landmark Awards.

Membership

Pick from one
of these six membership categories:

Individual      $10.00

Family          $20.00

Sustaining     $35.00

Patron         $50.00

Corporate   $100.00

Major Donor  $250+

Join using our on-line membership form.

Charpentier

Home on Kirby in the Historic Charpenteir District. Click here for a photo gallery of homes in the Charpentier District

Margaret Place

Bungalow on Grove Street in Margaret Place.
 

Area History

Longtime preservationist and former President of CHPS, Adley Cormier, has graciously permitted us to publish a copy of his Timeline History of Southwest Louisiana.

Adley Cormier first presented this document to the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Society.

811 Shell Beach Drive

811 Shell Beach Drive

The Raggio House, circa 1905

In 1984 the house was purchased by Dr. and Mrs. John Raggio who were pledged to return the house to its original look.

They reconstructed the wooden porches, replacing the inauthentic concrete porches that had been installed in the 1930’s, and removed the outside metal staircase that provided access to the apartments.

Much work was also done to upgrade the gardens and to furnish the interiors.

In style, it has been called an American foursquare with the added touch of broad double galleries.