Before satellites and Doppler radar, one of the country's most devastating storms struck Cameron Parish. With no warning, the Category Four 150 mph winds of Hurricane Audrey, roared ashore in the early morning hours of June 27, 1957. In the Gulf, monstrous 45 to 50-foot waves were reported. At Cameron, waves reached 20 feet above the immense storm surge.

Audrey damaged 100,000 buildings and destroyed several thousand. Between 90 and 95 percent of the buildings in Cameron and neighboring Vermilion Parish were damaged beyond repair. Property damages, even in 1957, totaled $120 million.

Most tragically, more than 550 lives were lost with some casualties found as much as 25 miles away from where they were last seen. Others were never found, more than likely washed out into the Gulf.

The Cameron Parish Courthouse was one of the few structures that survived the storm and sheltered survivors. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church erected a monument directly in the storm's path. Facing the Gulf of Mexico, it bears a brief and poignant message, "Do not harm my children." Each year, survivors and their families observe the storm's anniversary with a local holiday. And residents still measure time as before and after Hurricane Audrey.