Derry in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Gardens and Porches
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
1. Gardens and Porches Marker
Although almost bare of plantings now, former Quarters residents recall gardens, bushes, and flowering fruit trees that provided food, color, and shade. The area around each cabin was space tenants could treat as their own.
They planted flowers, corn, sweet potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Gardens reduced the need to buy from the Plantation Store. Pigs and chickens, an important food source, were kept in yards or nearby pens.
Residents spent more time outside than inside and porches provided outdoor living space. The porch was a place to catch a cool breeze and some shade, to socialize, sew, prepare vegetables, and to watch over children at play.
"We had a big garden...Peas, okra, tomatoes, pumpkins.. [c]ucumbers, I made pickles out of them." Uae Johnson, Oral History Interview 1996
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 31° 32.936′ N, 92° 56.425′ W. Marker is in Derry, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It can be reached from Louisiana 119
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863 (within shouting distance of this marker); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1804 (within shouting distance of this marker); Unearthing The Past (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Plantation Landscape (about 300 feet away); The Tornado (about 300 feet away); A River Runs Through It
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
2. Gardens and Porches Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
