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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.

DeQuincy Railroad Museum and 1923 Kansas City Southern Depot

DEQUINCY RAILROAD MUSEUM
&
1923 KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN DEPOT



Trains on display at the DeQuincy Railroad MuseumThe DeQuincy Railroad Museum is a non-profit corporation established in 1974 whose mission is to acquire, preserve, and display railroad artifacts of a bygone era and to heighten public awareness of the role of the railroad industry in our area as well the region, state, and country.  Housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Depot which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has on display a large and varied collection of railroad memorabilia, including a restored 1913 steam locomotive, a 1947 passenger coach and two vintage cabooses.  Also on display are many model trains and an extensive collection of Gauge 1 model steam and diesel engines.

Because DeQuincy has always been a railroad town, railroading plays a major role in our economic, social and civic lives.  Consequently, many citizens of our community and surrounding area are interested in railroading and are collectors of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.  The majority of these railroad buffs are retired railroad families who have generously donated their railroad collections and artifacts to the museum. The museum is housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot which has been exquisitely restored to its former grandeur.  The depot is one of the most outstanding examples of the Mission Revival style of architecture in the South. The facility includes meeting rooms for public functions and may be rented for private events as well.  

The depot and museum serve as our town’s only public link with our past and enriches the lives of our area citizens as well as visitors from far and wide.  We encourage school groups to visit to share our educational material on display.  

Adjacent to the museum, we have a landscaped park and playground equipment that provide a picnic and play area for visitors. It is also the site of the annual Louisiana Exhibit at the Dequincy Railroad MuseumRailroad Days Festival which is held on the second weekend in April.

The depot and museum are located at 400 Lake Charles Avenue in the historic downtown area. 

Admission is free but donations are welcomed. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

For further information, read this informational welcome message, or to confirm hours please call 337-786-2823.

DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Gary W. Cooper, President
400 Lake Charles Avenue
DeQuincy, Louisiana 70633