The predominant religions in the hilly country west of the Ouachita were Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian. Church services would be held on Sunday. Some denominations would also have weekly prayer services. Additional community happenings were the annual graveyard clearing with “dinner on the ground” and a revival. At these events family and friends would discuss newsworthy events. Figure 16 is an example of the small rural church which was built in the region. The Masonic Lodge was once an important community establishment. The Cadeville Lodge, figure 17, is one of the few lodge buildings remaining in North Louisiana. The first floor could be used for public services or community meetings. But the second floor was reserved for the private functions of the lodge members. The general store not only provided for the physical needs of the rural inhabitants, but also it contributed to their emotional well-being as well. The store owner would stock his business by traveling to distribution centers, often on the Ouachita River, purchasing goods and selling them to area residents. The regular weekly journey from the farm to the store would be a time for sharing news and discussing public events. Thus, supplied both physically and emotionally, the family member, or members, would return to the rural dwelling. The general store shown in figure 18 had a porch for neighborly use, wide openings and a high ceiling for ventilation, and it even featured a flag pole in the front yard. EAST OF THE OUACHITA... [Illustration: Map] THE RIVER PLANTATION HOUSES, 19TH CENTURY The alluvial lands on the east side of the Ouachita fostered a settlement pattern which contrasted greatly with that of the hilly country west of the river. Large holdings had been claimed during the latter part of the 18th century and early 19th century. The Ouachita River then was the only source of regional transportation. Therefore, it was necessary from a communication transportation aspect that the land holdings possess headrights on the river. The resulting land holdings tended to have narrow frontage but deep extent. Annual spring overflows deposited silt near the river edge, and this high bank was the obvious location for the main buildings of the holding. Thus, the land also determined the hierarchy of architectural development on the holding. This hierarchy of spaces on the plantation followed a definite pattern. First, the river landing provided an entry to the owner’s house. Behind the house would be the workers’ quarters, and beyond these were the buildings necessary for the operation of the plantation. Pictured on this page are details of two plantation houses typical of those which once lined the east bank of the Ouachita. The 1838 Filhoil raised cottage of figure 19 has a Greek Revival portico with fan light in the front gable, Doric columns and a balustrade. The house was elevated for protection from the river overflow.