Slot machines were part of every business many years ago: grocery stores, drug stores, bars and clothing stores. I don't remember seeing them in the funeral homes. I do remember a sign in one bar, shortly after World War II began, which read: "In case of an air raid, jump under the slot machine, It ain't never been hit".

Governor Kennon and his state police chief, Col. Grevenberg, put an end to the slot machine era. Grevenberg and his troopers raided the bars and destroyed the machines. They never came back. Most parishes in Louisiana cried "foul", but the state prevailed. "Home rule" ended, "State rule" was in until "Federal rule" completely took over. At least that is how it seemed.

Federal laws were passed making it illegal to ship slot machines across state lines. This, along with stricter state enforcement, put an end to a way of life in south Louisiana. But it was great while it lasted.

Most businesses depended on the slot machine to pay the overhead. A ten cent cup of coffee cost only a nickle because the owner of the business hoped that the customer would put a couple of nickles in the slot machine.

That little card room at the rear of the bar was always a popular place for the men of St. James parish. In the day time, the old timers played "pedro" or other games there. There was usually a break for the men to go home for lunch, but the games were continued in the afternoons. This still goes on in alot of the bars.

In the evenings, the poker players took over. The games woudl last all night. On weekends, the games began on Friday and lasted through Sunday.

As a youngster, I used to be fascinated at some of the card games the old timers played, especially "Euchre". I never did understand the game, but the old regulars were experts at it. The game was played with 32 cards. The side that chose trumps is required to take three to five tricks to win. The game takes alot of experience and expertise. I could never understand how those old timers could keep up with what was going on.

Listening to them argue, you would think there would be a fight at any time. There never was. They were all buddies and could not wait for tomorrow and another game.

Card games and bingo have always been a way of life here. At the base of the levee in Reserve is a small "Shack". It was built by a group of "old timers" for just one reason, to play cards in. Pass there any time of day and there is a group playing and another group "kabitzing". "C'est la vie".

from Stories From the River Road by Leonce Haydel