In 1927, twelve at-large members of the Louisiana society met in Lake Charles and organized the Oliver Pollock Chapter. Regular meetings were held quarterly until 1931 when the chapter became inactive during the Great Depression. In the late 1950’s interest was rekindled and with the assistance of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) members attempted to reorganize. They were told that the name Oliver Pollock could not be reused, so the “new” chapter was chartered as the Calcasieu Chapter on October 17, 1959.
State President Herbert Parker installed Claudius Augustus Mayo as Chapter President. Later the name Oliver Pollock was approved, and the name restored but the chapter size dwindled again. In 2020, the Chapter was renamed Southwest Louisiana Chapter during efforts to increase its size and member participation. Once membership picked back up by 2023, the name “Oliver Pollock Chapter” was voted on and the chapter was once again crowned with its original name.
In 1984, the Oliver Pollock chapter began a Lake Charles tradition known as the Avenue of Flags with 50 flags and a handful of volunteers. The Avenue of Flags is now the nation’s largest display of veteran casket flags with over 27 historic flags, 1100 donated casket flags from all 50 States, and hundreds of volunteers. On Memorial and Veterans Days, The Southwest Louisiana Chapter and volunteers from other organizations line the street and entrance to historic Orange Grove / Graceland Cemetery to honor veterans.
This event has served the Lake Charles community not only by honoring our veterans but serves as a platform for other civic and youth organizations to integrate their community patriotic projects. Recently, QR codes were place with the flags that are linked to websites providing information about them.
