Alberta Irving and Ralph "Kid" Irving owned a grocery store and gas station in the 1950s.

Kid and Alberta Irving Grocery Store and Gas Station
Roseland, LA
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Taking photographs of farm animals grazing in pastures or in picturesque meadows with colorful flowers and greenery on back roads in the early morning or midday is one of my favorite activities in the spring or summer. Photographs of those breathtaking landscapes would make excellent greeting cards and postcards. On a beautiful evening, I decided to take a back road in Roseland, Louisiana, instead of taking the interstate.  As I rode along a beautiful back road, I noticed a tiny wooden building with a single gas pump. I observed a gas pump that looked like it was from the early 1950s.

Since I did not have my camera with me, I used my phone to take the photograph. What is the history of the building?  My intention was to post the image on Facebook to see if anyone was familiar with the building's history. A couple of people who saw the picture started talking about the picture and sharing memories of the place. One of those people was a woman named Lorraine Deamer Lizana who shared her memories. "This is the store owned by my Aunt Alberta and Uncle Ralph "Kid" Irving on Washington Avenue," said Lorraine. 

"This store was built at least in the 50s because I remember it as a child. I lived down the gravel road about 1/8 mile fromthem. Uncle Kid drove the school bus. They were also farmers. Me and my cousin picked green beans and strawberries for them. Aunt Alberta would go to Amite to sell fruits and vegetables from the back of her pickup truck. She operated the grocery store in the picture selling dry goods, candy, dill pickles, pop, lunch meat, canned goods, Stage Planks, and other items. I remember my Mother Lena driving up to the gas pump and asking for a "dollar's worth" of gas for their old Ford Car."

Mayor Wanda McCoy of Roseland commented on the image. She confirmed that it was Aunt Alberta's and Uncle "Kid" Irving's grocery store. According to her, she had no idea it was still standing. I was intrigued to see that the post was shared thirty-three times, which generated fifty-six comments, as well as one hundred and sixty-five likes. The Irving family was entrepreneurs and owned lots of land. 

Others who shared memories were Adoncia Blevins Dyson. She said her grandmother Clara Irving walked them by the building and told them stories about the good old days. Russel Madre said he photographed that old gas station a few times. Matter of fact, someone said that a picture of the old store and gas station can be found hanging up at North Oak Hospital in Hammond, LA.

Tangipahoa Parish local historian Dr. Antoinette Harrell is on a mission to explore all 64 Louisiana Parishes

Joyce Wildlife Swampwalk

Playing house and playing with baby dolls was not my favorite activity as a child. I enjoyed exploring my family's twenty-acre property in Amite, Louisiana. Playing the role of an explorer was one of my favorite activities. The red clay pond was about sixty feet deep.  We enjoyed climbing into the red clay pond and talking loudly to hear our echoes. When our mother asked us where we had been, we could tell by the red dirt stains on our clothes. In spite of the fact that she did not want us climbing into the pond. In addition, she expressed concern about the snakes that live in the deep h

Just the idea of exploring and taking an adventure was exciting enough for me. To this day, I am still exploring and taking adventures. Earlier this year, I decided to explore all sixty-four Louisiana Parishes. So far I have toured forty-nine parishes. I wanted to explore the history, culture, food, music, museums, art galleries, and historic sites. I also wanted to meet the local people who call Louisiana their home. I wanted to learn something about each parish so that I would leave with a more comprehensive understanding of each parish and the state I call home. 

Whenever I visit the historic district, I find myself admiring the old buildings and Victorian homes. I explore the little stores, eat at local diners and bakeries, and talk to the friendly locals. I also take the time to admire the natural beauty of the countryside. I find a sense of peace and tranquility on the back roads that I don't get on the interstate. As I started my journey, I was overwhelmed by the beauty, diversity, and vibrancy of Louisiana. I met wonderful people, experienced unique cultures, and gained a better understanding of my state. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to explore and adventure in Louisiana. Getting off the interstate and traveling the back roads offers so much to me. 

St. Martin Swamp Tour

I compare the northern part of the state to the south end of the state. I enjoy the contrast between the two areas. I also find a sense of serenity in the beauty of nature that both the northern and the southern end of the state offer. With my Canon camera, iPhone, and iPad, I set out to take photographs of the scenery, people, events, wildlife, and other places. I share my images and my short documentary on all my social media platforms. Many people are thankful for the images and videos. They inspire me to keep sharing because it allows them to see places through my lenses and my journey. I'm passionate about capturing nature's beauty, and I hope my images can bring joy and inspiration to others. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences with others. I'm glad I can use my skills to bring attention to Louisiana's beauty.

The next parishes I plan to visit are Cameron, Vermilion, Calcasieu, and Beauregard. Cameron is situated in Louisiana's southwest corner. Cameron Parish is the largest parish in the state and is known for its abundance of wildlife, marshlands, and beautiful beaches. Vermilion Parish is located to the northeast of Cameron Parish and is surrounded by the Vermilion River and the Gulf of Mexico. Calcasieu Parish is located to the south of Cameron Parish and is known for its vibrant economy and its many attractions. Beauregard Parish is located to the north of Cameron Parish and is known for its natural resources and outdoor activities.

St. Francisville Museum
West Feliciana Parish