The Jolly Inn
In case you’re thinking that’s where Santa stays, think again. The Jolly Inn is a local, old-time dance hall in Houma, Louisiana, where you might find yourself having a jolly old time, if you just let your hair down and let your feet fly! That is exactly what Lil Sis and I did on one of her recent trips down the bayou.
Werlin Propserie, Sr. is the owner and leader of the house band, Couche Couche, which plays Cajun music every Friday night for your listening and dancing enjoyment. This is the night that families can attend and bring the kiddos. There about a dozen “wash boards” hanging on the bandstand for anyone brave enough to give it a go. The music begins at 8 P.M. and so does the dancing.
As a matter of fact, as the second note rang out, Lil Sis was asked to dance by an older gentleman at the next table. After she politely declined the invitation, he broke the ice by telling us a great Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke. Even though she never danced with that particular gentleman, it wasn’t long before she had chosen her partner, caught his eye, and took to the floor.
This fellow was a great dancer and good teacher. He must have really liked her style, because he danced with her several times. He only asked me once, and while we were dancing told me “you lead very well”. I was crushed! So, I contented myself with taking photos after that.
I think LilSis ended up being the “guest belle of the ball”, as several of the gentlemen made the rounds with her, taking turns welcoming her to the Jolly Inn.
At one point, Termite joined us, but try as we may, we could not get him to dance . . . not even when there were a couple pretty girls there his age who looked more than willing to teach him a dance step, or two.
Turns out, it was one lady’s 83rd birthday party, and the girl above is one of her grandchildren. This young man wheeled the birthday lady around the dance floor in her wheelchair, giving her a big spin at the end of the song. (I had photos of that historic moment, but then suffered a memory card glitch. Sorry.)
The Jolly Inn is taking the next two weekends off but will be back full swing the second weekend in January. If you ever make it down this way during the weekend, be sure and plan to spend a couple hours on Friday night eating good food and then dancing off the calories on this old wooden floor to the toe-tapping beats of Couche Couche.
If you live within driving distance of Houma, you might want to take advantage of the Tuesday night line dancing lessons! Or, if couple’s style dancing is more to your liking, Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. is just for you.
Whether you would like to have a good Cajun plate lunch, a drink at the bar on Thursday nights while listening to local one-man musicians play, or prefer to dance the evening away, Jolly Inn is the place for you! Come on down and give them a try. We think you’ll be glad you did!
This commercial brought to you free of charge by Bayou Woman!
So, how are your Christmas preparations coming, everyone?
Very jolly,
BW
I’ve driven by The Jolly Inn so many times, but have never been inside. I’ll have to check it out when I get back home.
This whole posting made me grin!
I’ve asked for a gift certificate to Schmoopys but I don’t think I’m getting it, lol. Looks like a fun time. Did you really think you would get Termite to dance???
Well, shoot, he just came from a school dance, so I figured he was all warmed up, lol! If I send you a gift certificate, will you come redeem it soon? : )
I would be obligated to use it! Lol You can’t argue with the need to use a gift certificate before it expires. 🙂
What fun! Something else to put on the list. I know this – I’m going to need a couple of months’ lead time to get myself back in dancing shape. The past summer and fall just wasn’t good – too much sitting around for too many reasons.
My self-education is continuing. I just found out who Tee Jules is – my goodness, there’s a fellow who can tell a story “right nice”, as we used to say up home. 😉
Well, just looking at the photos had my toes tapping to the beat I was hearing in my head! I’d play the “Washboard” if I’d been there. I think it would be so much fun!
The regulars were just so cordial to us and even gave us each a music CD of the band to take home. Oh, and they had Heather sign their guest book! The cover charge is $3 and you don’t have to buy anything to eat or drink if you don’t want to!
I love to hear about places called Jolly somethings. Well its very jolly arorund here. All the kids are about to bust, today was the last day of school and Santa should watch his hiding places very carefully. I hope you and yours have a holly jolly Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Your Jolly North Carolinian Cyrena Jolly
I’ve missed our emails, Cyrena. Been busy? Of course you have! So good to hear from you, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Merry Christmas to you and the boys. Please tell them for me, will you? (and your folks!)
Looks like fun but to far away for us. Have dance for me.
Good to know they are leaving Monday nights open for my cigar box band. You know some people are just born leaders…
Tomorrow starts the building process.
Gonna toss together a 2 string tub bass thing for the Darth Wader guy eventually.
Tell the Darth Wader guy I said hello, and I miss the old Men Outdoors fishing shots he used to take!
Great post. I do like a good house band. My bro went to school at Tulane and I loved visiting. I never met a stranger.
Phil
Yep, folks down here are pretty friendly! How did you find this blog, Phil? Do you recall? You’re in one estuary system–you in another. We ship a lot of blue crab up there, too! I see from your blog you like hunting waterfowl? There are a couple youth waterfowl stories around here somewhere you might enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! BW
That sure looked like fun! I haven’t danced in years. That was a sweet photo of Termite. Merry Christmas BW!
Ha, I was out of breath after one big spin around the floor with that old gentleman! He sure had some spunk! Merry Christmas, Mamabug!
It has been years since I was on a dance floor! I loved it too. Enjoyed the column and the photos. Termite looks like he is slimming up some. I can’t say much though, since my grandson went on a growth spurt the past year. He went from a couple of inches shorter than me to being able to walk up and prop his chin on top of my head!! And skinny as a rail too. It is a family trait from his moms side. Our family genes like a bit of fat on the bones.:)
Christmas prep is mega behind. Too much to do and too short a time to do it in. Oh well, it will get done hopefully by Sunday evening.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to everyone.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Wendy! The Jolly Inn is always on my list of places to bring visitors to town. I’m surprised they didn’t name Lil Sis an Honorary Cajun!!
They might have done that while I was out picking up Termite, and she would be too shy/quiet to tell me!!! I’m going to have to call her as she has not said one word about this post. That’s odd. Thanks for the holiday wishes, and I know you will enjoy Christmas with your boys (all 3)!!!
Double post by the host.
New iPad update so we be in the clouds now.
Whatever no post Jobs decoder ring.
Triple post by the host
Your head’s in the clouds
Time off from your job
Retire decoder ring
What fun! I think my foot started tapping, just reading about it.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
P.S. You’re really not going to make Shore and her friend sleep in the shed with the pirogue, are you? LOL
Thank you for the holiday wishes, Gue! I’m not sure where you got the idea that Shore and company might be sleeping with the pirogue? Nah, I’d let them sleep usptairs, lol! Merry Christmas!