Model Village Project

The Society has begun a "Model Village" project. The first entry was a miniature scale model of the 1907 St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, designed by "Abbeville's stellar architect," George Honold. It is of ceramic construction and comes with a light inside. Although the first two shipments sold out quickly, the buildings are again in stock and may be ordered using the order form.

The second model in the series is the historic Bank of Abbeville building. This building facing Magdalen Square is probably the most recognizable Abbeville building. It was built in 1903, replacing a smaller bank that stood on a portion of the same property but was destroyed by fire. The architect for this building was also George Honold, who designed so many of Abbeville's beautiful buildings. The first shipment of model banks sold out quickly but are now back in stock, and may be ordered using the order form.

The third model in the series is the Palms Hospital (Fenwick Sanitarium), another masterpiece of architecture by George Honold. This building was completed in 1907, replacing a building destroyed by fire. It has the appearance of a tropical hotel, and in fact was used as a hotel for a time. Many of the residents of Vermilion Parish were either born in this hospital or treated there. It may be ordered using the order form.

The fourth model in the series is the Audrey Hotel (1928), currently serving as the Abbeville City Hall. This is the first building in the series that was not designed by George Honold. The building is unique in the sense that the walls are constructed of poured concrete. After being vacant for many years, the city of Abbeville purchased the building and remodeled the first floor for its offices. When first built, the hotel offered dancing on the rooftop, and many senior Abbevillians remember dancing there. It may be ordered using the order form.

The fifth model in the series is the Vermilion Parish School Board Office (1903). This building was also designed by George Honold. It was the first high school in Abbeville. Later it became Abbeville Elementary School, and many Abbevillians alive today attended school there. It has been used as the school board office for some years now. It may be ordered using the order form.

The sixth model in the series is the Vermilion Parish Courthouse (1953). This building was designed by renowned Louisiana architect A. Hays Town. It replaced the brick courthouse that was erected in 1891. It sits on the courthouse square dedicated to the public by Rev. Antoine Désiré Mégret, founder of Abbeville. It may be ordered using the order form.

Subsequent buildings have not yet been decided upon, but some of the suggestions so far are: the old courthouse, the Veranda Hotel (stood where the City Hall now stands), the Victor Theater (currently Bernard Duhon law office), the Frank's Theater, the Solomon Wise building (Landry Stores/Black's Restaurant), the Eli Wise home, the Masonic temple, the Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church, the Catholic Rectory, the Abbey Players building, the railroad freight depot (currently used as a souvenir and gift shop), and the Wells Fargo building. Send us feedback if you have other suggestions.

Pricing

Description	Price
St. Mary Magdalen Church	$50.00
Bank of Abbeville	$50.00
Palms Hospital	$50.00
City Hall	$50.00
Vermilion Parish School Board (first high school)	$50.00
Vermilion Parish Courthouse	$50.00
Shipping and handling (per item)	$5.00

To join the Vermilion Historical Society, print the membership application and send it in with your dues.