On the porch at Star Plantation in Taft, Louisiana are the following Lorio family members: Nezilda Lorio, George Lorio Sr., Josephine Perret Lorio, Albin Barre, Claire Lorio, Odile Lorio, and Blanche Lorio;small children of George & Josephine are Leander & George Jr. (Others in the picture are not identified.)
In 1912, the Mississippi River burst through the levee at what Lena B. Lacroix remembers as the Hymelia Crevasse. The floodwaters from the river went to the “back” into the swamp near Killona and built up until it began moving back toward River Road. A photographer standing on the Luling Railroad Depot on Railroad Avenue (now called Luling Avenue) took this picture of the Bushalacchi Grocery and Bar as the muddy Mississippi reaches for the porch. A wooden plank walkway extends from the depot to the store and members of the family and customers watch the photographer. (Photo from Le Meschacebe.)
A sugar cane field is covered with water following the Hymelia Crevasse break. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
An old sugarhouse and residential quarters are surrounded by water from the Hymelia Crevasse. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
The Hymelia Crevasse of 1912. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
Workers rebuild the Hymelia levee. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
Pile drivers move into place to fix the Hymelia break after the river waters go down. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
A control channel helps to handle the Hymelia Crevasse. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
Hymelia water covers a cane field in Star Plantation. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
The lower end of the Hymelia Crevasse is filled with bags of dirt to prevent breakage. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)
The Hymelia Crevasse cribbing washes away in 1912. 1912, Hahnville Killona area. (Photo courtesy of the George Lorio family)