There is a marriage record for a Charly Smith and Clara Joseph in Franklin, St. Mary, LA. I'll see if I can get more information, but you might want to write to the courthouse in Franklin.
Another option is to contact a volunteer site for a lookup.
RAOGK (Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness) is one possibility.

What a wonderful family history. You are truly fortunate to have those records. Here is something about the 'Rice Hotel'.

More later ...