Just as sure as the 1960s were its heyday, Rutherford Beach's shine began to diminish in the 1970s. With a careful reading of the Cameron Pilot articles from the 1960s, one can sense the disappointment as the decade progresses.
Trash - Although a light rumble, the first rumblings can be found in the March 12, 1964 article "Anti-littering of beaches law asked"
Burglaries - March 2, 1967 article "Camps are broken into"
Trash - July 13, 1967 article "Recreation district"
Raw Sewage and Trash - August 10, 1967 article "Jury adopts ordinance on Rutherford Beach"
Lack of Funding - February 8, 1968 article "Parish recreation study is requested"
Storm Damage - February 20, 1969 photos and caption
Lack of Funding - August 14, 1969 article "State asked to assist on beach." An excerpt from a telegram to the area's state representatives and senators from Police Jury President W. F. Henry, Jr. captures the frustration: "The people of southwest Louisiana are demanding (emphasis mine) adequate improvements and maintenance of Rutherford Beach. The Cameron Parish Police Jury has far exceeded its ability to provide funds for this project. This beach does not belong to the Police Jury but belongs to the State of Louisiana, since it is used primarily by people from all of southwest Louisiana we call upon you to take immediate steps (emphasis mine) to have the State of Louisiana properly develop and maintain this beach."
Break-ins, Burglaries and Vandalism - September 18, 1969 article "Protection asked for camps here"
Did all of this mean "the good times are really over for good"? Absolutely not. But one senses the honeymoon period is over.
Unless noted otherwise, the following articles, pictures and advertisements are from the Cameron Pilot archives.
January 8, 1970
The La Vue Inn goes up for sale. It was badly damaged by high tides in February 1969.
March 5, 1970
The East Cameron Harbor and Terminal District planning a new channel for the Mermentau.
July 10, 1970
One at Rutherford Beach
August 21, 1970
Authorization to transfer Rutherford Beach property to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
November 6, 1970
Rutherford Beach formally deeded to the State by the Police Jury.
December 18, 1970
Dances still going strong at the Cypress Inn.
February 5, 1971
On Hackberry Beach
February 26, 1971
The La Vue struggles continue.
May 13, 1971
Both at Rutherford Beach.
May 20, 1971
After the navigation channel opened, the original mouth of the Mermentau was allowed to silt up, connecting Rutherford Beach and Hackberry beach.
September, 1971
Shown is the aftermath of Hurricane Edith. Cameron Drive, looking southwest. From L-R, Rutherford camp, Bailey camp, original Broussard Brothers' camp. (From the albums of Connie Hornsby (Bailey), with permission).
Connie relates the story: "We weathered many storms there. We also had many very high tides, that you folks call the mini tsunamis. You never knew when you went down if you would have to clean out the mud or sand from the bottom screened porch. The tropical storms were the worst. When my sons were teenagers, about late 1970's, storm took out the bottom of the camp. We found the stairs that were used to get to top of camp in the marshes in the back. My Dad, I, sons, and their buddies carried those stairs all the way back and put them in place again."
October 14, 1971
Porpoise Inn burns to the ground.
January 20, 1972
November 9, 1972
Writer's Note: I presume the canal mentioned in the above article is the Mermentau River Cut at the east fence line of Rutherford Beach. However, I am awaiting confirmation before stating that for a fact. The cut was last opened in 2018 to allow the marsh to drain. It was then filled back in and protective grass was planted during an event sponsored by Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. (Map from Google Earth, event information from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana website)
November 23, 1972
Application received by the Police Jury for the abandonment of certain road rights-of-way in the Rutherford Beach subdivision.
March 11, 1973
"Beach scene near Creole, La. This section is opened to the public. It affords surf fishing, bathing, or just enjoyment of sun and air. The beach can reached by car from Highway 82, or by boat from two launching slips at Creole. The beach is almost two miles from the road by either mode." (March 11. 1973 Times - Picayune)
June 14, 1973
"No longer can one cruise the shore line since the water has claimed the roadway of yesterday."
July 19, 1973
July 26, 1973
Cypress Inn under new management.
August 16, 1973
September 6, 1973
September 13, 1973
Rutherford Beach Road was hard hit by Tropical Storm Delia.
September 13, 1973
93 motorcycles, Harleys, choppers, trikes and hogs showed up at Rutherford Beach, causing quite a stir when they passed through Creole!
January 3, 1974
Beach erosion study at Rutherford Beach disapproved by the Police Jury.
September 5, 1974
All three at Rutherford Beach.
December 19, 1974
Cypress Inn under new ownership.
December 26, 1974
May 29, 1975
Water District No. 7 water bonds approved, except for Rutherford Beach.
December 11, 1975
Notice of intention to abandon certain rights-of-way in the Rutherford Beach subdivision.
May 6, 1976
January 13, 1977
Abandonment of certain rights-of-way in the Rutherford Beach subdivision approved.
March 3, 1977
Sea Breeze Inn under new management
May 12, 1977
August 4, 1977
The poor condition of Rutherford Beach Road is a recurring story.
May 18, 1978
July, 1978
South of 199 Cameron Drive, looking north. (From the albums of Connie Hornsby (Bailey), with permission).
Connie relates the story of the "contraption" extending south from the Bailey camp: "That was referred to as the 'groin'. Actually, he (her father) received a permit (pictured below) from the Corp of Engineers for it. I still have it today. The groin was the east border of the lot. The groin consisted of tires, stoves, refrigerators, washers, anything that could stop the wave action and help build up the sand. Everything was held together with the big ropes that washed up on the beach. He credited himself with building the beach up and stopping erosion. The front yard was also filled with roped together tires to also hold the sand in place and try to stop erosion in high tides. Tire companies would deliver 18-wheeler loads of used tires. The tires lasted through Rita, but Ike's uplifting surge sent tires, ropes and all, back into the marshes to the northwest. My Dad often credited himself with stopping up the Mermentau River to the east. There used to be a river outlet that created a sand island. Many fish were caught in that outlet. Slowly it closed off. We always told folks not to swim near the groin. I suppose it is covered with sand or may be in the marshes also."
Mr. Bailey was not the only person who tackled beach erosion. Referring to "Mayor" George Wilson, Connie says "I think he also had some cars buried in front of his camp to help the erosion."
November 16, 1978
January 18, 1979
March 29, 1979
Cypress Inn under new management
May 31, 1979
"But the state legislator responsible for that action admits it may eventually mean the state-owned beach will be closed to the public."
November 8, 1979
Cypress Inn under new management, With a Peacemaker!
Story continues in The 1980s - Journey Through Rutherford Beach History.
Thanks for compiling and writing. enjoyed readin'