Frenchtown, Houston facts for kids
Frenchtown is a special neighborhood located within the Fifth Ward area of Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1922 by a group of Louisiana Creoles. These families created a community with a strong Catholic faith and a unique Creole culture.
Contents
The Story of Frenchtown
How Frenchtown Began
Many Creole families were forced to leave Louisiana after the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. This big flood caused a lot of damage. These families then moved to Houston and settled in the Frenchtown area.
Creole Culture in Frenchtown
The Creole people brought their rich musical traditions with them. This led to the development of zydeco music in the community. Many of the early residents were quite successful. They also strongly believed in the Roman Catholic faith. Frenchtown was known for being a close-knit community. For a long time, young women from Frenchtown often married within the community. The Creole Knights, a social club, was formed by twelve of the first families to settle in Frenchtown. This club was considered one of the most exclusive social groups in Houston.
Life in the Community
The Frenchtown community covered about four city blocks. The Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church was finished in 1930. It was built by Creoles for Creoles and became a very important social center for the neighborhood. The Continental Zydeco Ballroom, located at 3101 Collingsworth, was a popular spot for Saturday night gatherings for many years. Historically, Frenchtown had narrow streets and lacked sidewalks. This made it difficult for people to ride bicycles.
Changes Over Time
Over time, fewer new residents moved into Frenchtown. The neighborhood slowly began to blend more with the larger Fifth Ward area. By 1979, several changes were happening. New families, including some from Denver Harbor, started moving into Frenchtown. Also, young people began to marry outside the community. Older residents were passing away, and younger people were moving out of the neighborhood.
Looking to the Future
By 2002, Frenchtown faced many challenges. The neighborhood had houses that were old and empty. There were also vacant lots with tall weeds. The drainage system did not work well, which caused rain to stand in the streets. These issues made the neighborhood look run-down. They also made it harder for new businesses or people to invest in the area. Frank Broussard, who led the Frenchtown Association, stated that the neighborhood needed new streets and better drainage. He also said that the empty lots needed to be cleaned up. These basic improvements are important for the community to grow and thrive.
