Children's Story

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation
A Children’s Short Story
Mrs. Alice’s Dream
By Debbie Broussard

Once upon a time in a huge house in Baton Rouge called the Governor’s Mansion, there lived a big and powerful governor, Mike Foster and his wife, Alice. Although the house was beautiful, it had not been given much attention in many years and needed lots of work done. So one day Mrs. Alice asked the governor, “Mike, does Louisiana have money for me to repair this home for its citizens to enjoy”? The governor laughed loudly and then said, “Our state cannot afford the changes that are needed. It would take a lot of money.” Alice was very sad, but soon came up with an idea. She would find another way to raise that money. She decided to call some of her friends for help. Before she knew it, hundreds of people were calling and writing her to ask what they could do to help her fix up the Mansion. They all knew what a beautiful place it could be and how much the people, especially the children of Louisiana would love to visit.

People all over the state came to Mrs. Alice’s rescue and offered to donate items, have fund raisers, and give money to get the much needed items for the big house. Because of these people, Mrs. Alice formed the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation. This group would work to take care of the Mansion and the beautiful new things it would receive. Talented designers and artists worked with Mrs. Alice to find just the right fabrics for curtains, furniture for the rooms and art work for the walls. Volunteers gave their time to help raise the money by planning and hosting fancy parties, fun bar-b-ques, magnificent balls, and splendid jewelry shows. Everyone worked very hard for a long time.

The Governor and Mrs. Alice lived in the Mansion for eight years. They enjoyed the new surroundings and met thousands of people who traveled from near and far to see the new things at the beautiful home. The Governor would invite people who came to Louisiana from many parts of the world to join him for lunch in the huge dining room. The visitors were amazed at the lovely drapes on the windows, the unusual rug, the hutch which stores the state china and crystal, and the new table and chairs which seat 24 people at one time. They thought Mrs. Alice and her friends had done a wonderful job.

Mrs. Alice loved to have the children visit the Mansion as well. She could often be seen showing them hidden pictures in the mural and always made sure they had cookies before they left to go home.

Thousands of people still visit the Mansion every year and although Governor Mike and Mrs. Alice no longer live there, the Mansion is being cared for by the Foundation and a new resident, Governor Kathleen Babineaux-Blanco. Governor Blanco, who loves children very much, has kept the Mansion open to tours and she too has enjoyed meeting with children all over the state who come by for a tour. Governor Blanco has continued the tradition of offering those delicious cookies to all the Mansion’s young visitors.

Mrs. Alice’s dream had come true. Because of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation, the Mansion is now a place of which Louisiana citizens can be proud.