From the Journal of Miss Viola M. Marchand of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

My paternal great grandmother, Viola Marie Marchand Wilson was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the early 1900's. She was the descendant of Catalan and Acadian sugar planters who owned Marchand plantation in St James Parish until it was burned by the Yankees in the War. Viola was born in Baton Rouge and though I never knew her, I know we were a lot alike. I have her journal, from 1925, when she was 16 years old.

She went by "Vi" and like me, kept a journal, loved bottled cokes and to pick blackberries along the levee. Every Monday was a "Blue Monday", a sentiment I have inherited wholeheartedly. She wrote about her love for French class, often practicing what she learned in the journal. She talks about eating watermelon and ice cream  with friends, of visiting family and and of going to downtown Baton Rouge for violet ribbons and soda. She wrote of dates with my great-grandfather, Lee Wilson, and also of another suitor, a cat she calls "Wheeler".

Daily Reminder 1925

Viola M. Marchand 726 Spain Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hark! 'tis the Striking of the calendar; Dead yesterday and unborn tomorrow.

Wheeler Dropped by for a few minutes but didn't stay long, eh? Nothing much, eh?