Creve Coeur's Rich Heritage Comes Alive
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: May 20, 2012
CREVE COEUR - Sunday at fort Creve Coeur looked like a scene, set back in time.
From tee-pees to old fashioned clothing, "The Gathering at Fort Creve Coeur" vows to preserve the town's rich French heritage.
"I think it's important that we carry on history. History is dying in every aspect in this country," said organizer Donna Hanse.
For many of the exhibitors, the purpose goes way beyond telling old stories. It reminds people of the values shared by those before them.
Exhibitor Gary Cashmere plays the native drum because the rhythm reminds him of a heartbeat. And when people play together, its symbolic of working together. That's something his ancestors cherished.
"If we touch one person. That makes the trip worth it. That's what we look for. It's not for self gratification or anything like that,. We're here to serve the people," he said.
Most importantly, "The Gathering" aims to connect the past with today's youth. That's why Linda Pruitt brought her family.
"If you don't teach kids about the past, then they're not going to make memories for the future," said Pruitt.
She says the event gives people a glimpse of a time that makes her proud. And she's thankful to share it while she still can.
"This is something that happened in our backyard. It's still here. You can still see it. And we should come and enjoy it before it disappears," said Pruitt.
This is almost the 40th year of "The Gathering at Creve Coeur." Each year, exhibitors say the event has dwindled. But no matter what, they say they'll do what they can to spread a little bit of history.
Fort Creve Coeur hosts two gatherings each year. There will be another in September.
From tee-pees to old fashioned clothing, "The Gathering at Fort Creve Coeur" vows to preserve the town's rich French heritage.
"I think it's important that we carry on history. History is dying in every aspect in this country," said organizer Donna Hanse.
For many of the exhibitors, the purpose goes way beyond telling old stories. It reminds people of the values shared by those before them.
Exhibitor Gary Cashmere plays the native drum because the rhythm reminds him of a heartbeat. And when people play together, its symbolic of working together. That's something his ancestors cherished.
"If we touch one person. That makes the trip worth it. That's what we look for. It's not for self gratification or anything like that,. We're here to serve the people," he said.
Most importantly, "The Gathering" aims to connect the past with today's youth. That's why Linda Pruitt brought her family.
"If you don't teach kids about the past, then they're not going to make memories for the future," said Pruitt.
She says the event gives people a glimpse of a time that makes her proud. And she's thankful to share it while she still can.
"This is something that happened in our backyard. It's still here. You can still see it. And we should come and enjoy it before it disappears," said Pruitt.
This is almost the 40th year of "The Gathering at Creve Coeur." Each year, exhibitors say the event has dwindled. But no matter what, they say they'll do what they can to spread a little bit of history.
Fort Creve Coeur hosts two gatherings each year. There will be another in September.
