Life in the Village

Settled in a tucked away corner of southern Louisiana is the community of Watson. Watson, now in the process of becoming incorporated, is technically a village. Now, when thinking of a village, kind people, down home attitudes, and an overall sense of quiet happiness comes to mind and that is exactly what Watson is. Watson possesses two red lights, one high school, and 1,965 amazing people. With plenty of woods and fields, this area is perfect for any hunter, fisherman, or anybody who needs to get away from the city life and take a break.  Who would want to pass up a quiet, settled place like Watson? 

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Down the main road, Highway 16, a small restraint called “Linda’s Chicken and Fish” is always booming. The fried chicken is crispy, the fresh fish is moist and delicious, but the winner of the place surely goes to the chocolate-peanut butter milkshakes made to order right in front of an eager-eyed customer. Waiting in line for one of these delicious milkshakes, accompanied by a chicken thigh of course, is worth waiting for all twenty customers ahead to receive their order. Many eateries have come and gone, but Linda’s sure knows how to keep the citizens of Watson full and happy.

Take a left and drive a couple of miles and the brand new Live Oak High School proudly stands. Watson raised taxes for a couple of years to build students a state-of-the-art school. The anticipation of driving by the construction site every day for almost two years was spine tingling. The site managed to get robbed twice of all of the copper throughout the seven buildings that make up the school, so the ribbon cutting ceremony was the sigh of not only relief, but joy. Tours of the school can be taken every weekend, as long as the copper will not get stolen again! Behind the school, there is a brand new workout room, which any student or citizen who wants to get in shape, can use. Brand new equipment, matched with a beautiful turf football field and track lets anyone workout in the best money can buy.

Watson was established in 1895, so history is just a corner turn away. The legend of “the forgotten graveyard” will not soon be forgotten.  Just behind a winding dirt road and a heap load of trees, a pathway of small, modest graves is revealed.  These are not normal graves, however, because they are just large rocks with names on the front. Look on the back of the headstone, however, and a gruesome tale is discovered. Each grave is a grave of a small child killed “accidentally” while in one woman’s care. Some people say, even still today, that her ghost walks the cemetery mourning the little ones left tragically in her care. Watson might not have any huge memorials or statues, but we sure do have the spooky factor!  

Watson may not have a ton of activities for tourists, but if a good conversation and a chance at learning about someone’s life seems interesting, head over to the old post office, where many elderly men and women spend their time. Going there not only to bring lunch or play board games, many locals go just to talk. Speaking with a man before the time now is not only educational, it is touching. Hearing stories of love, loss, struggle, and success reach to the heart and hold it warmly. Advice is passed down, stories are told, and new friendships are made at the old post office. 

Watson has been my home since I was in the third grade. I have been raised in the small community and I could never imagine a better place to call my home. Leaving little Watson for college may be difficult, but I will always know where I am welcome.  Everyone who comes to Watson is welcome, so stop in for a lap around the track, some delicious milkshakes, or even a good scare, but whatever is on the itinerary, just talk to a member of this amazing community, and coming back will be a must!