Maurice History: A Town Built on Tradition
An article published in The Daily Advertiser on June 24, 1997, summarized Maurice’s history. The following is adapted from that article:
The Daily Advertiser, June 24, 1997
Lafayette, Louisiana
Maurice, Louisiana, has long been a center of commerce and community. Located on U.S. 167, just across the Lafayette-Vermilion parish line, Maurice has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Named after Maurice Villien, a native of Savoie, France, the town has evolved from a small village into a hub of cultural heritage and growth.
The Early Days of Maurice
Maurice Villien arrived in the United States in 1855, initially selling goods in New Orleans, New Iberia, and Milton before settling in the area that would later bear his name. Villien moved to the Maurice area around 1870, marrying Marie Chati, who owned land in the region. Together, they built a home and a grocery store that eventually became the center of the growing village. This marked the early beginnings of Maurice’s history as a commerce center.
Incorporation and Leadership
The First Church and Religious Heritage
The village’s first church, La Chapelle à Maurice, began as Sunday services held in a small schoolhouse on the Villien property. By January 1893, St. Alphonsus Church was established, with Father Alphonse LeQuillene as the first rector. He was succeeded later that year by Father F. J. Grimeaux, known for his heroic efforts during the Cheniere Caminada disaster in August 1893.
A devastating hurricane destroyed the church in September 1915, but services continued in the church hall until a new St. Alphonsus Church was built in 1918. The current St. Alphonsus Church was constructed in 1969. In 1946, St. Joseph Church was built to serve a predominantly Black congregation, further enriching Maurice’s religious history.
Education in Maurice
Education has always been an important part of Maurice’s history. The first school in the area, Broussard Cove School, was originally built on land donated by Joseph Clark in 1885. In 1899, it was relocated to Maurice on an acre of land donated by Maurice Villien. Located on Maurice Avenue and Indian Bayou Road, the school building tragically burned down around 1914.
In 1926, a new school was built to accommodate both elementary and high school students. Maurice celebrated its first high school graduation in 1928, with two students, Edes Clark and Beulah McDonald, receiving diplomas. Graduation ceremonies were held on the front porch of the elementary building. In 1980, the high school was closed, and students were transferred to North Vermilion High School on Hwy 699, southwest of Maurice.
Infrastructure and Modernization
Maurice saw several significant advancements in infrastructure throughout the 20th century. The town’s post office was housed in the Villien Brothers store from 1902 until 1951, when it was moved to the Ernest G. Trahan office building. Electricity arrived in Maurice in 1929, marking a major milestone in Maurice’s modernization efforts. Private telephone service lasted until 1946, when South Central Bell took over service in the area.
Transportation also played a crucial role in Maurice’s development. U.S. Hwy 167, formerly LA Hwy 43, was paved from Abbeville to Maurice in 1932, and from Lafayette to Maurice in 1936. This paved road helped connect the town to neighboring communities, facilitating growth and economic activity.
Conclusion: Maurice’s Ongoing Legacy
From its humble beginnings as a small village to its incorporation and ongoing development, Maurice has remained a town deeply connected to its history while steadily progressing. Maurice’s history is one of resilience, community spirit, and growth, with each milestone reflecting the town’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future.
As the town continues to evolve, its rich heritage remains at the heart of its identity, ensuring that future generations will carry forward the legacy of this unique and vibrant community.
