07/23/2026
In 1946, Buck Prince and Ruth Gantt were married and borrowed $800 from his sister Janie to open their country grocery store on the White Lighting Road in Claiborne Parish. The business served not only as a grocery store, but also as home for them and their five children. As the family grew, they added additional rooms on the back of the “store” and gas pumps outside for their loyal customers. In the 1960s, there was talk of a future lake that would be built near their country store, and Buck was thrilled that part of their pastureland would forever be submerged under the lake. He was an avid fisherman and a good businessman as well. He immediately saw the potential for a store that would be located on the banks of the lake. In the early ’60s, he convinced Ruth that they should build a new store on the side of Highway 146 on what was to become “Beautiful Lake Claiborne.”
The store was primarily for fishermen and water skiers and sold bait and tackle as well as marine fuel to boaters. In 1966, Port Au Prince opened and featured boat rentals, fishing tackle, a boat launch, and groceries for campers and fishermen.
To learn how Port Au Prince became what it is today, visit us and read our placemats.
