The historic Lagrange House is the oldest structure on the prairie. The story I heard about this place is that it was built in the 1700 possibly early 1800s by a former soldier/general in Napoleon's army or his descendant. He was shipwrecked after leaving Egypt picked up with two comrades by a passing ship and left in New Orleans. They were in poor shape when a wealthy planter from les Opelousas recognized their fine French accents and shabby vêtements and knew they were in trouble. He offered to bring them back to his plantation, where, as luck would have it, he had three eligible daughters that each officer married. One of their homesteads was the older house in the photos, most recently inhabited into the 1980's by a family, then an elderly gentleman.
Nonc Dav looking at the LaGrange House, oldest building on the prairie. We were told that the writing on the main wall of the home was done to prevent trespassers.
The cypress foundations.
Wisteria in early March
built-in bed and bousillage wall
the porch and foundations
Decorative rafter ends- Carribean?
an interior room
bousillage and pegs in the garconierre
C'est beau beau beau. I'll take it!
ReplyDeleteYou remind me of myself getting so excited over those pins. I will be starting on my second restoration project on a house of similar age and construction type in the next few months. It always such an honor to work with these buildings with so much history.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Bouy, the director of Planning, Zoning and Codes in Lafayette, is supposed to be a proponent of historical preservation . I don't know what she can do for you in St Martin, but it may be worth bring her attention to this jewel of a building.
Josh, Thank you for your comment and your work...
DeleteI have been to this old homestead many times as it is on the property of a friend of my family. I have many many great photographs and a personal facination with the home.. Considering the age of the home it is still a sturdy sturcture and I would love to see it restored. There is a another beautiful old home about a mile or two as the crow flys, however it is in the Prairie Basse area on Meche Road. The home was orginally located beneath the beautiful oak tree of BEAU CHENE HIGH SCHOOL then moved to it current location when the land was purchase by the school board. I have a beautiful photo of the home if you are interested in having it here on the site please contact me @ 337 349-3905.
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