Hope, Hook & Ladder Fire Co. 1

c. 1935 One of the earliest fire companies in Louisiana, Hope, Hook and Ladder was organized in 1871. In 1901, a wood structure, that featured a curved façade on the northwest side of the building, was completed. The present fire station was built at a cost of $9,500. The building also houses a fireman’s museum, containing many items and artifacts dealing with firefighting in Opelousas over the past 100 years. It is the third oldest volunteer fire company in Louisiana. Also of interest is the mural, Early Fire Fighting: A Tribute to Lelle, by a group of local student artists under the direction Cindy Pitre. This painting depicts the fire truck named after Marie Céleste “Lelle” Dupré Robertson.