By Bobby Miller
Aug. 27, 2020 was not kind to the Creole community and surrounding area. Hurricane Laura ripped ashore in South Cameron Parish as a Category 4 hurricane and devastated Creole. All four businesses were completely destroyed. Many, many homes were destroyed or heavily damaged. One home from Rutherford Beach was later found in the marsh eight miles inland, incredibly still intact.
The cover of the Currents magazine, 4th quarter 2020, has an aerial photo of the 4-way stop in Creole, with the accompanying article titled The Loneliest Place in Louisiana. I was on a COVID-19 work furlough at the time and spent that time cleaning up and starting the long rebuilding process at our camp on Rutherford Beach. I went through that intersection almost daily and can vouch that it was indeed the loneliest place in Louisiana – no people, no vehicles, no lights, no animals, nothing but devastation in all directions.
However, on Saturday, July 2, 2022 this little community came to life for a few short hours. Local band SteelShot entertained the crowd at the Creole Pavilion. Afterwards, the Rockin’ Rutherford Group put on a spectacular fireworks show just down the road at the remains of Savoie Lumber & Hardware. Miss T-Mae Booth was the guest of honor and started the fireworks show with the push of a button. Smiles and laughter abounded. The community spirit shone brightly, if only for a few short hours.
God Bless Creole and may the community spirit continue to shine!