History of Mandeville
Mandeville is known as the oldest inhabited locality in St. Tammany Parish from the view of acquisition and settlement. It was first settled in l739 by brave pioneers who crossed the lake and moored up Bayou Castine, settling in what is now Mandeville. More followed, but it was not until Bernard de Marigny landed in l834 that real development came. Mandeville became part of the land owned and purchased by Bernard de Marigny and was incorporated in l840. Here, Marigny sought rest from his busy commerce in the city. He generously entertained guests and friends and literally introduced the North Shore to the citizens of New Orleans, who began to follow the path across the lake. The clear, healthy water and ozone air attracted many, who traversed by boat and later by rail to enjoy the rich properties of the North Shore. Mandeville’s hotels and restaurants increased between l880 and l900 to accommodate all visitors. It was during this time that “Old Mandeville” developed. Cottages began to appear, dotting the landscape with rich color and jigsaw work elements that became characteristic of this little lakeside town. Recreation abounded for residents and visitors alike by offering sailing and boat racing which became popular activities. The first recorded regatta at Mandeville was held on July 27, l888. With the increase of visitors and water transportation, it was recorded that certain laws needed to be in place. Piers and bath houses in the lake were becoming common, but so were people in so-called scantily clad bathing suits. The Mandeville Town Council adopted an ordinance on May 13, l920 which read that “it shall be unlawful for any person over the age of 14 years to appear in a public place on the beach or elsewhere in the Town of Mandeville, clad in a one piece bathing suit or in what is commonly known as a trunk bathing suit. Be it further ordained that is shall be unlawful for any person to appear on any street of the town attired in a bathing costume, unless said person wears a suitable robe covering the body from the shoulders to the knees.” The fine was not more than $25 and punishment for violators could be 15 days imprisonment or both.”
Tragedy also occurred at the public wharf in l906 when the schooner, the Margaret attempted to land and the force pulled the main apron away from the main pier, dropping men, women and children into the water. Eleven women and children reportedly lay dead. Later, the public wharf burned in l924 and a new one was ordered to be rebuilt. Despite tragedy and tormenting weather, however, the pleasures of Mandeville continued to be centered around the lake.
At the end of the nineteenth century the railroads began to flourish and the boom began. Mandeville became the center for many events, such as the Retail Grocer’s Convention in l925, the annual Mandeville Bathing Beauty Contest, and the Fourth of July Celebration. The concrete seawall began construction in l913, because of the constant destruction of the wooden one by former hurricanes, including the one in l893. But before it could be completed, the hurricane of l9l5 caused waves to repeatedly smash the broken pilings against the seawall. Ironically the concrete seawall suffered much damage in the hurricane of l9l5 as well but was finally reconstructed.
After WWII, the long proposed causeway across the lake finally became a reality. With this bridge to New Orleans being completed, the dream of many New Orleanians to move to the North Shore and commute across the lake was finally coming true. The impact of the causeway’s completion and the second span was phenomenal and is still being recorded, as our census tolls are reaching new heights year after year.
It was recorded in l902, that in all of the state of Louisiana, there was not a more beautiful place than Mandeville. Time has been gracious to Mandeville, and its beauty still abounds. It is a town rich in noble history, environment, and resources, and as any resident will attest that there is no more fairer place to live.
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