New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Wormser's Department Store
Circa 1932
Constructed after the Great Fire of 1899, these buildings once housed Jake Weil's clothing store named The Hub and Schwing and Carsten's Department Store. In 1932, Justin Wormser established Wormser's Department Store in the westernmost building. After purchasing his leased space and the adjacent building in 1934, Mr. Wormser renovated the facade to its present Art Deco style. In the same year, his son Harold left Tulane to help run the retail business. In 1966 Harold Wormser purchased the easternmost building from Philip Weil connecting the three structures. The extensive showcase windows of the 1930;s provided citizens the opportunity to promenade down main street on Saturday night.
Lovingly donated in honor of their parents by the children of Roy Eldridge Indest Sr. and Joyce Babineaux Indest.
Erected 2012 by Iberia Cultural Resources Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list.
Location. 30° 0.323′ N, 91° 49.076′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and Bridge Street (State Route 86), on the right when traveling south on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 East Main Street, New Iberia LA 70560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Fire (here, next to this marker); Church Alley (a few steps from this marker); Provost's Café and Bar/Clementine Fine Dining and Spirits (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Church Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); William G. "Bunk" Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); James Lee Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); Evangeline Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dreyfus Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Iberia.
More about this marker. Currently (as of 2017) called "Circuits Main Street" a local gym.
Regarding Wormser's Department Store. One of twenty-one trilingual historical markers (Spanish, French and English) located throughout New Iberia.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 812 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 17, 2017.