Heritage Day celebrates seafood industry
Susan Bollich (left) serves gumbo to attendees of the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville’s annual Heritage Day.
Hisler Seafood Co. receives a resolution from House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (right) during the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville’s annual Heritage Day. Receiving the resolution are George “Bill” Hisler (second from right), George Hisler II (third from right), George Hisler III (third from left) and family.
Jeri’s Oysters receives a resolution from House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (left) during the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville’s annual Heritage Day. Receiving the resolution are Tracy Woody (back left), Justice Woody (center back) and family.
WALLISVILLE— The Chambers County Museum at Wallisville held its annual Heritage Day, with many coming out to celebrate the local seafood industry, while raising money to help preserve the county’s history.
Heritage Day was held on Saturday, Oct. 25, recognizing Hisler Seafood Co. and Jeri’s Oysters for their contributions to the seafood industry in Chambers County.
“Chambers County is very fortunate to have some key industries that have molded the success of our area,” museum board Director Roy “Kim” Kimbell Turner.
Both companies are family-run and have been in operation for decades.
Attendees enjoyed gumbo and were able to get a sneak peek at the new museum exhibit featuring the local seafood industry.
For the gumbo cooking contest, Willie Lancon received first place, and Jake Morgan received second. Both winners donated their cash prizes back to the museum.
“I am so very, very grateful for all the people in our community who came out with open hearts and open billfolds,” Co-Director Marie Hughes said with a laugh, adding a thanks to the many sponsors.
Chambers County Historical Committee Chair and museum Co-Director Sheryl Shaw and CCHC members Darla Willcox and Susan LeBlanc gave the Kevin Ladd Award for Outstanding Preservation of Chambers County History to Hughes for her contributions.
LeBlanc noted Hughes’ “vast collection of oral histories that forever document the lives of local rice farmers, fishermen, veterans and others.”
Hughes expressed deep appreciation for the award, noting it came as a complete surprise.
Hughes said she was deeply honored by the award.
To help raise money for the museum, the event also included live and silent auctions, with a wide variety of items.
Additionally, the museum’s books, including the new cookbook titled “From Tide to Table,” were available for purchase.
The museum is currently having a commemorative brick paver fundraiser, which will be installed outside of the museum by the granite historical marker recognizing the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Luz.
The pavers are a great opportunity to honor individuals, friends, groups, or clubs, and they come in three sizes.
The 4-by-8 is $100, the 8-by-8 is $200, and the 12-by-12 is $500. If interested in including a logo on the 8-by-8, there is an additional charge of $75, but it is free on the 12-by-12.
To purchase a book or a memorial brick paver, stop by the museum at 20136 Interstate 10, Wallisville.
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.