Like most central Louisiana towns Bunkie was once very prosperous, today however the area is a mere shell of it's former self. It seems that prosperity in Bunkie depends on which side of the Union Pacific Railroad you are on. If your on the west side then you are still hanging on by a thread, if you are on the east side of the tracks you are in a literal ghost town. The street is an endless row of failed businesses and abandoned buildings. This business district is gone and will sadly never return.
The Bunkie Coca-Cola Bottling Company opened it's doors way back in August of 1904. Over it's history the plant was sued numerous times over everything from mysterious slimy substances that made people ill to failure honor stock certificates. The plant closed it's doors in 1996 and is now one of Bunkie's numerous derelict buildings.
Check Out:
Fake news…shame on you, Main Street Bunkie is making a big come back
ReplyDeleteCall it what you wish, but it's fair reporting. True there are a couple of new shops on the main drag, but that hardly counts as a BIG comeback. Believe me, I wish that central Louisiana would experience some sort of renascence. Unfortunately most of the things that would have attracted tourists, business and new residents are long gone. True, it's unfair to pick on the town of Bunkie as if this were something exclusive to this local. Unfortunately it's a state-wide issue here in Louisiana. I often remark to fiends and family out of state that the story of Louisiana is about what it was, the sad condition it is in now and the bleak prognosis for it's future. In my time here I have learned that generally that the people of Louisiana aren't excited about change and in actuality they will fight progress so that things stay statis quo. It's great for nostalgia but counterproductive when it comes to growth. Sadly this part of the country is barely surviving.
DeleteYou are so right, not only jere but much of small town South
DeleteDid all the speed trap money dry up? Back in the day Bunkie was speed trap capitol of central Louisiana. I guess I49 took all that traffic and now there’s not anymore revenue driving through. 😆
DeleteI'd totally live in that old Coca-Cola building!!
ReplyDeleteUmmm what year did you come to Bunkie this is not it. Main Street definitely don’t look like this. Must of been in 1997 when this picture was taken. Google Main Street see the view now
ReplyDeleteThese were taken of December 2021. They were taken across the tracks from the main drag of the abandoned section of town. Only the old Coke factory is on Main. Just drove through there on Monday and these are still there.
Delete