Erath in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The 1964 Fall of the Erath Water Tower

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023

1. The 1964 Fall of the Erath Water Tower Marker

Inscription.
"In the wake of tragedy,
In the wake of a storm,
In the wake of disaster,
A small town mourns."

On this site, the old City Hall and a 125' water tower once stood. On October 3, 1964, during Hurricane Hilda, the water tower twisted and fell, killing the men in city hall.

In memory of these eight brave men who lost their lives in the worst tragedy in Erath history:
Rane "Scotty" Bernard
Otto "Cowboy" Bourque
Joseph Camile Brown
Felix Dubois
Clifton J. Dugas
Duffy Broussard
Vernice Broussard
Eutis "Noo Noo" Menard

These men died a hero's death. They stayed to protect others.

Erected by Robert B. Vincent, the Earl "Boo" Landry family, and Martial Broussard, survivor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is October 3, 1964.

Location. 29° 57.425′ N, 92° 2.083′ W. Marker is in Erath, Louisiana, in Vermilion Parish. Marker is on South Broadway Street (Route 685) south of East Edwards Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Erath LA 70533, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Private Farrell J. Vice (within shouting distance of this marker); First Lt. Brandon R. Dronet

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Erath Sugar Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Acadian Prairie Settlement (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bayou Carlin Cove (approx. 3.3 miles away); Lake Peigneur (approx. 3.7 miles away); Dedicated to the Memory of Joseph Jefferson (approx. 3.9 miles away); Jefferson Island (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erath.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023

2. The 1964 Fall of the Erath Water Tower Marker

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, May 27, 2023

3. The 1964 Fall of the Erath Water Tower Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 27, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.