Urban myth or cauchemar?

            When I first moved to Lafayette 10 years ago I asked around about local ghost legends. I was told a young University of Louisiana-Lafayette student had fallen to her death in an elevator shaft, was beheaded and now haunts the dorms, although a friendly restless spirit.

            It sounded too much like an urban myth, so I didn’t pay it much attention.

            Later, I heard another that reeked of a typical college tall tale — a young girl committed suicide in Huger Hall and the student who moved into the room committed the same act exactly one year later. The administration was so alarmed by the acts that they boarded up the room.

            I ended up finding a UL dorm story that made my hairs stand on end — including voice phenomenum caught on an Iphone — and I included that in my book “Haunted Lafayette,” but I still had my doubts about those girls.

            Then I met two former UL students at a booksigning who remembered the boarded-up room at Huger Hall and the water stains that never would go away. According to my new sources, the storied girls committed suicide by hanging themselves on a water pipe.

            And here’s what I wrote in my chapter on UL:

            “Baker resident Ariella Robinson complained of the dorm being haunted, but of what she had no idea.

            “ ‘So I was at the dorm and I would hear what sounded like someone clawing at the wall in my suite mate’s bathroom,’ Robinson related. ‘Then I would open the door and no one would be in there or outside the bathroom. And it would continue for days. Then I called a CA (Community Assistant) to come look at possible water damage on my ceiling in my room. The CA thinks I am crazy. He says it is just the pipes. I don’t think so. Then on top of that the watermark on my ceiling looks like someone was walking on my ceiling, more like standing upside down on my ceiling.”

            Do you have a photo of the old UL dorms, possibly with a room boarded up? I’d love to see one.

Baker-Huger today, courtesy of http://www.audgllc.com/.

            In the meantime, is it a young girl haunting the dorms or a cauchemar?

            Again, from my book: “In French, cauchemar means nightmare, but in Cajun Country it could refer to a spirit that torments people by riding on their chests or backs.

            “ ‘A cauchemar…is a witch that rides a sleeping person all night, until the victim is worn out,’ wrote Mary Alice Fontenot in the January 25, 1981, Crowley Post-Signal, quoting Cajun residents and their beliefs. ‘For this reason believers in the cauchemar are warned not to sleep on their backs, as this position is an invitation to the cauchemar.’

            “In a 1985 article in The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate, the late folklorist Dr. Patricia Rickles of Southwestern Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), described cauchemar as ‘a nightmare spirit that chokes and suffocates people in their beds.’ Rickles claimed that numerous people she had interviewed over the years believed in them, including one who felt its presence in the university dorms of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
            “ ‘Lately, there was a student on campus who left school and went home because he said there was a cauchemar in the dorm,’ Rickles is quoted as saying in the article. ‘And he wasn’t staying somewhere there was a cauchemar.’ ”

 Cheré Coen is the author of "Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana" published by The History Press.

A 'canaille' ghost named Amelie

The room where the taping took place.

            Being October, I was asked by KATC-TV in Lafayette for an interview on ghost so we decided upon Aaah! T’Freres Bed and Breakfast, a chapter in my book and an establishment that houses a Cajun ghost named Amelie. Owner Maugie Pastor suggested we do the taping in the front bedroom, a room that gets the most activity.

            Maugie commented that within the last year two men had felt a heaviness in their chests while in this room. The two men had reported the same feeling but separately; they didn’t know each other. I remarked how some haunted places I visited in the research for the book had set off my asthma, although T’Frere’s was not one of them.

            We began taping and Maugie cited numerous paranormal events that led her to believe there was a ghost in the house, one named Amelie and the sister of Oneziphore Comeaux, the original owner. (His nickname was T-Frere, or “Little Brother,” hence the name of the B&B).

            Suddenly, I felt a tightness in my chest and became lightheaded, but I didn’t say anything since they were taping. Then the camera clicked off. We laughed that it was Amelie and began again. The camera once again clicked off. The battery was at 95 percent and everything in working order so why it stopped was a puzzle. It happened several times more.

            “She’s a canaille,” Maugie explained, Cajun for a mischievous person.

            Later, the reporter interviewed me on the porch and this time the camera failed to work at all. He changed out the battery and everything worked fine. Still, the original battery was fully charged. And lest you think the battery the culprit, the reporter included the phenomenon in his broadcast.

            It’s a fabulous bed and breakfast and Maugie a gracious host. Their “ooh la la” breakfasts are renowned, items such as cheese-stuffed crepes topped with homemade jam or Bananas Foster. In the afternoons, Maugie serves cocktails and crab canapés.

            If you stay at T’Frere’s, however, you might receive lagniappe, a Louisiana word for “a little something extra.” And that lagniappe may go by the name of Amelie!
            You can read the full story of Amelie in “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and view the 2013 TV broadcast here.
            For an article describing my experiences with Louisiana Spirits paranormal investigators at T'Frere's on Sept. 16, 2014, click here.

Une Grosse Bétaille

“If you hear a dog howling, someone you know is dying.” — Kaplan superstition

Excerpted from “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” by Cheré Dastugue Coen, published by The History Press

            In the 1940s there was a jaguarandi reported in Florida, a wild cat native to Central and South America and sometimes into southern Texas. The animal sports short and rounded ears, short legs, an elongated body and a long tail.

            When an article surfaced of the Florida cat in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louise Veronica Olivier or Arnaudville contacted the paper to report of her own unusual hairy animal — this one sported along Bayou Bourbeau in St. Landry Parish, just north of Lafayette. She called her creature “une grosse bétaille.”

            The Rev. Jules O. Daigle in “A Dictionary of the Cajun Language” defines bétaille as “almost all unknown bugs or animals, also for humans to denote bestial qualities.” “The Dictionary of Louisiana French” has several definitions for the word, but also bug, worm, beast and monster. Naturally, a gross bétaille is an animal or bestial man of large proportions.

            Olivier explained that Rameau Quebedeaux had spotted une grosse bétaille at midnight in June 1942, but no one believed him, chalking it up to “whiskey talk.” Then Antoine Lanclos admitted to seeing a dog “with evil intent” while plowing his fields.

            “He said he had called his own dog ‘a la recousse,’” Olivier recounted in The Times-Picayune article. “In the interval between his dog and the encroacher, Antoine made good his escape.”

            Unfortunately, his dog was never seen again.

            Someone in nearby Prairie Basse claimed a wolf was killing the resident dogs and “dragging them to the bayou banks.” Chickens and turkeys were disappearing and cows and calves being spooked for no reason. As word spread, people avoiding going out at night.

            One night a group of residents were gathered together when they heard the distressing cries of dogs. They grabbed their guns and headed out. “In the thicket of weeds and brambles was la grosse bétaille feasting on Ti Louie’s Fido,” Olivier recalled.

            The animal was described as resembling a police dog with a large mouth and neck, heavy coat and a slender body that tapered to the rear. When approached that night it let out a ferocious growl. The resident who plugged the creature when it let out a yell later recounted the story to the parish priest.

            “As they also confirmed the facts for all who know the French-speaking folk who live along Louisiana’s bayou: For while they might stretch the truth in ordinary conversation, none would have dreamed of speaking except in utter sobriety to le bon Pere who ministers to all their spiritual needs,” Olivier concluded.

A Mischievous Child: The Ghost of Nash’s Restaurant

Nash's Restaurant

Excerpted from “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” by Cheré Dastugue Coen, published by The History Press and available in bookstores.

             Nash’s Restaurant in Broussard serves up fine Creole dishes, whether inside the elegant Victorian home or on the enclosed veranda that skirts the entire front of the house. It was the perfect lunch spot for a mini family reunion when my sister visited and my niece celebrated a birthday, so along with my mother and me, we made a lively foursome. And because the beautiful old home is, well, old, we decided to inquire if there were any family members lingering behind.

            Our waitress smiled knowingly. She’s had a few experiences, she said, and so have other members of the staff. Mostly waitresses hear their names being called or items moving about unexpectedly. In the women’s bathroom once, our waitress witnessed the hand dryer turning on twice without cause.

            The activity is playful and harmless, she insisted, like that of a precocious child. It could be that of young Edmond Comeaux.

            The Victorian-style house with a wraparound porch and an onion-shaped cupola was built around 1908 for Edmond Joseph Comeaux and his wife, Cecile Lena St. Julien. Inside is a gracious staircase leading to the second floor, fireplaces and an exquisite bar area. Comeaux operated a mercantile in town and served as postmaster of Broussard. The couple had one child, Walter St. Julien Comeaux, who married Carmen Emilie Labbe. Walter Comeaux and his wife had eight children, one of whom was Edmund Joseph Comeaux II.

Edmund Comeaux at Nash's Restaurant

            The restaurant is currently owned by Nash Barreca, a third-generation restaurateur from New Orleans. According to “The Haunted Table” by Simonette Berry in the October 2011 issue of Our Louisiana magazine, his wife, Jenny, chalked up the paranormal activity in the restaurant to the mischievous child “Edmond.”

            “He died in the home of a fever when he was only four, according to his brother Mr. Walter, the previous owner,” Berry writes.

            Jenny Barreca has witnessed chairs moving and glass breaking of their own accord and the sounds of a child running up and down the hallway laughing, according to the article.

            “Both customers and wait staff have encountered him, and a few have even seen him,” she is quoted as saying.

            Visitors to Nash’s Restaurant can catch a firm glimpse of the boy — his portrait hangs in the hallway.

Cheré Coen is the author of “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Tour of Historic Acadiana,” both published by The History Press.

Haunted Lafayette at Lafayette Barnes & Noble!

"Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana," is now available at Barnes & Noble, 5707 Johnston St. in Lafayette. I'll be doing a booksigning there from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 26!

Cheré Coen is an award-winning travel writer specializing in the Deep South. She is the author of "Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History," "Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana" and "Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana" and co-author of "Magic's in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets." She also writes Louisiana romances under Cherie Claire, including "A Cajun Dream" and "The Letter." Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

Spirited Happenings: Book events this fall

            The following are fall 2013 book events for “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana”:

            Sept. 14, 2013: Cheré will sign copies of her books at the annual Master Gardeners’ PlantFest from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Lafayette Horse Farm. She will be part of the Writers’ Guild of Acadiana table, which will also host several authors signing books, including Christee Atwood, Sudie Landry, Nancy Rust, Rosemary Smith, Sue Schleifer and Carol Stubbs.

            Sept. 19, 2013: Chere, who has also co-authored "Magic's in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets" with Jude Bradley, will demonstrate how to create Intention Bags from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Earth-N-Herbs of Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Workshop materials, including bags and herbs, will be provided. Fee: $20. To register, call (337) 662-4022.

            Sept. 21, 2013: Chere will sign copies of “Haunted Lafayette” and other books from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Wild Birds Unlimited in Lafayette, part of the Hummingbird Day celebration. Hey, birds like ghost tales too!

            Oct. 12, 2013: The Writers’ Guild of Acadiana will be on hand with authors, including Cheré reading and signing “Haunted Lafayette,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at J&R Educational Supplies, 3123 Johnston St., Lafayette.

            Oct 17, 2013: Cheré will sign books and read from “Haunted Lafayette” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Café Joie de Vivre in Breaux Bridge. Special guests may be there too!

            Oct. 26, 2013: Cheré will sign “Haunted Lafayette” from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Barnes & Noble, Lafayette, along with author Camilla Hunt Cole who will sign her paranormal novel, “Long Shadows.”

            Later, Cheré joins mediums Vicky Cormier and Allyson Glynn Schram and Traiteur Becca Begnaud for a “Coffee, Tea and Spirit” discussion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Little Big Cup in Arnaudville, Louisiana. The talk will be followed by a booksigning.

            Oct. 30, 2013: Cheré will tell Lafayette's ghost stories from the book at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Carpe Diem Gelato & Espresso Bar in downtown Lafayette, as part of Voices in Fall literary series.

            Nov. 2, 2013: Cheré will appear at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.

            Check back for updates to the schedule. We add things constantly.

Ghost for sale

            Aaah T-Frere’s House Bed and Breakfast in Lafayette, Louisiana, is now on the market. The 9-bedroom, 9.5-bath home has been featured on the Travel Channel and was raved about by AAA Travel Magazine, Trip Advisor and others. The Acadian Colonial-style home built in 1880 of Louisiana Red Cypress hauled from the Vermillion Bayou also features a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with kitchen for those who want to remain on property.

            And did we mention there’s a ghost?

            Amelie Comeaux apparently haunts T-Frere’s Bed and Breakfast, a young widow who “accidentally” fell into a well on the property. The story goes that Amelie caught a fever, stumbled out at night for a drink and fell in to the dark water’s depths. Also, according to legend, the Catholic Church labeled it a suicide and Amelie was not buried on sacred ground.

            Amelie is a mischievous girl, what Cajuns call a “Canaille.” Like most ghosts she doesn’t approve of change and shows her displeasure when it happens. Owner Maugie Pastor has heard banging in the kitchen and visitors have had their toes pulled. One visitor claimed to have seen the petite lady in the yard; she spoke French to her. Previous owners have had paranormal experiences as well — but friendly reminders that they are not alone, such as the keys on the piano playing, bread rising and falling on the floor, female laughter in the parlor.

            If you’ve always wanted a bed and breakfast that comes with lagniappe — in South Louisiana that means a little something extra — and you have a million on hand, T’Frere’s Bed and Breakfast is for sale.

Book events scheduled for 'Haunted Lafayette'

The release date for “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” is September!

            Here are the events currently scheduled for the book launch.

           Sept. 14, 2013: PlantFest from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lafayette Horse Farm. The Writers Guild of Acadiana will host several authors signing books.

            Sept. 21, 2013: Booksigning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wild Birds Unlimited in Lafayette, part of the Hummingbird Day celebration. Hey, birds like ghost tales too!

            Oct. 26, 2013: Cheré Coen joins mediums Vicky Cormier and Allyson Glynn Schram and Traiteur Becca Begnaud for a “Coffee, Tea and Spirit” discussion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Little Big Cup in Arnaudville, Louisiana. The talk will be followed by a booksigning.

            Oct. 30, 2013: Cheré will tell Lafayette's ghost stories from the book at 7 p.m. at Carpe Diem Gelato & Espresso Bar in downtown Lafayette, as part of Voices in Fall literary series.

            Nov. 2, 2013: Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.

            Check back for updates to the schedule. We add things constantly.

Cheré Coen is an award-winning travel writer specializing in the Deep South. She is the author of "Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History," "Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana" and "Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana" and co-author of "Magic's in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets." She also writes Louisiana romances under Cherie Claire, including "A Cajun Dream" and "The Letter." Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

The book cover has been released!

            It’s quite an exciting thing when a book cover arrives. After months and months of interviews, ghost-hunting, writing, photographing and copyediting, the book is finally out the door and on the way to press. 

             But it’s something very special when your editor sends you the cover shot for the first time.

            So here it is, the cover for “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana,” due to hit shelves later this summer, just in time for fall and that wonderful spooky holiday that closes up the month of October. And being that it’s full-on summer in Louisiana, I’m doubly looking forward to fall and those delightful drops in temperature.

            I’m also happy to report that the cover shot was taken by my son, Joshua Coen. Josh is a BFA Fine Arts-Photography candidate at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and will graduate this fall after what’s soon to be his spectacular senior thesis show.

            Please check back for book events! There’s plenty coming and they will be fun!!

Haunted Lafayette to hit bookstores in September!

    Ghost stories abound in the Cajun and Creole city of Lafayette, Louisiana, from those lost in Civil War skirmishes and fever outbreaks to the former living who can’t say goodbye. “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” by The History Press takes readers inside some of the most historic sites in South Louisiana, including haunted bed and breakfasts, restaurants and entertainment venues — even the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition, there are the back roads and cemeteries where spirits linger, pirates who refuse to leave and ancient French legends hiding in the swamps, bayous and woods.
      Join long-time journalist and ghost seeker Cheré Dastugue Coen as she visits Lafayette’s haunted sites and travels the countryside in search of ghostly legends found only in South Louisiana.
    “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” will be on bookstore shelves in September, 2013! But follow this blog for a taste of what's to come.