The Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans ran a lengthy article in its own publication back in 1955, extolling the cruising and harboring adventures available in St. Tammany Parish north of Lake Pontchartrain. The local newspaper St. Tammany Farmer reprinted some of the highlights mentioned by the SYC. Here is the article.
Here is the text from the article:
Yacht Club Tells of Adventures Awaiting
Yachtsmen in Waters of St. Tammany
The waters of St. Tammany Parish have been given very favorable mention as "overnight harbor spots" by the "Tell-Tale," official publication of the Southern Yacht club at New Orleans.
Under the subtitle "favorite landfalls, the Tchefuncta River," the magazine had this to say:
"To cruising yachtsmen the Tchefuncta River offers a protected and picturesque overnight anchorage. Why not run over there one of these Saturdays and come back Sunday?" "Once in the river proper you can anchor where you will, but stay to the right or East of mid-channel, as the tugs using the river favor the west bank in the first long reach of the river.
"A mile and a half upstream is the town of Madisonville, where you can secure provisions, gasoline, water and ice if needed. Churches are within walking distance of the landing just below the swing bridge.
"Above Madisonville the Tchefuncta puts out some of the prettiest cruising hereabouts, the low-part being wild, but gradually more and more fine country places appear along both banks. At Three Rivers take the left hand stream, the Bogue Falaya, on up towards Covington. How far up you will go depends upon your draft, as anything over three feet, except at unusually high water, will generally ground you about half a mile below the town."
Under the subhead "Bayou Liberty" the magazine says:
"Another popular anchorage used by local sailors is Bayou Liberty, which winds northeast through a delightful summer residential area, navigable as far as Highway 190, some miles or so inland.
"For overnight we recommend anchoring at the fork, or next best putting your bow on the left bank a few hundred yards below the swing bridge. a mile .and a half above the fork. This little settlement is called Bayou Liberty. There is a Catholic church here, live bait and little else. Slidell is close, if anything urgent is needed and. the local gentry will ride you in, we're sure."
Under "Bayou Lacombe" the magazine says:
"From the mouth of Bayou Lacombe up to the railroad bridge is five miles of wild but interesting terrain through marsh first, and then gradually rising wooded ground. You may anchor where you will or tie to the bank. Our favorite anchorage here is just by the first patch of really solid ground on the east side with a little shingle beach and a clump of cypress, a nice spot for impromptu barbecuing.
"The town of Lacombe on Highway 190 is about a mile above the railroad bridge, which is hand-operated on a lethargic timetable. Up there are provisions, gas, ice, churches, and so forth, but it's a job getting old Betsy to them. Better not plan to go above the bridge. If you need anything, hook a ride up from the fishing settlement situated on the west bank about a mile inside the entrance.
Here, at Joe Love's Camp, you can get bait if you're so inclined. The fishing is good both inside the bayou and outside around the beacon, or further out by the old rigs. As in the neighborhood of Bayou Liberty, we suspect an early-season duck is to be found here too, but the banks are posted, so make prior I inquiry about hunting rights.
"We recommend tranquil Bayou Lacombe to the cruising yachts''' because it's close, yet miles away from the world's confusion, also post we once made it a spin both ways, over Saturday and back Sunday."
The report tells that a sail boat drawing six feet of water reports "entering the Mandeville Harbor during December at abnormally low water and having no difficulty in entering or leaving."
"Tell Tale" also reports on the adventures to be found in Pass Manchac, Lake Maurepas and its rivers, the Rigolets and Chef Menteur."
FRIDAY. APRIL 29, 1955
