By ElizaBeth Guin, NHF board member and NSU Heritage Resources program coordinator

I have been attempting to convey to my heritage resources students the impact Mr. Bobby had on the preservation community not only in Natchitoches but in the state and across the South. I fear I don’t have the words to do him justice. But simply put, Natchitoches would be such a different place without his influence and hard work. From the creation of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District to the establishment of the Cane River National Heritage Area and the many, many other projects he helped bring to fruition. His impact is incalculable. And perhaps the most important message we all can hold in our heart is the amazing the difference one person can make. Thank you and RIP Bobby.

If you would like to donate to NHF in memory of Bobby or become a member of NHF, please visit our Membership Page.

And feel free to share your memories of Bobby in the comment field below.

Here’s more about the man that defined heritage preservation in Natchitoches:

Robert DeBlieux – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bobby DeBlieux: A Man for All Seasons Dies in Louisiana

Robert Buford “Bobby” DeBlieux (1933 – 2010) – Find A Grave Memorial

If the Christmas spirit hasn’t visited your home yet, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to an event where holiday joy inhabits every dwelling.

It is the annual Christmas by Candlelight, a holiday tour of uniquely decorated homes in the Natchitoches, La., area held this year on Dec. 9-19, 2009. Proceeds from the tour benefit the preservation of cultural resources in Natchitoches, La.

The event, consisting of three separate tours, will feature beautifully decorated homes. What makes Christmas by Candlelight so special and unique is that it consists of homes built last year as well as nearly 300 years ago.

Tickets:
$15 per package
$25 for a two-tour package
Three-tour packages are $35
Group rates are also available
Advance tickets can be purchased
at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist
Commission Office, located at
781 Front Street,
Natchitoches, La., 71457
or call 1-800-259-1714.

Tickets will also be available at each tour site the day of the event.

2009 NHF CHRISTMAS TOUR SCHEDULE*

Wednesday, December 9 and 16, 2009 (5-8PM)

The Prudhomme-Roquier House – 446 Jefferson Street- Service League of Natchitoches
This Save Americas Treasures property was built in 1790 of bousillage construction.  An extensive restoration has occurred by members of the Service League of Natchitoches, who take pride in its elaborate décor as they ring in the Christmas season.

The Judge Porter House -  321 Second Street
The Judge Porter House is an impressive home in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches, Louisiana.  A Queen Anne influence in the wraparound two-story gallery blends with Greek Revival architecture reflected in the colossal columns on massive brick pillars.   High ceilings, heart pine floors and five fireplaces showcase exquisite mid 19th century antiques and European cut crystal chandlers.

Rusca House – 124 Poete Street (Dec. 17 only)
A California Bungalow style house, it was built in circa 1920 by J.D. and Pearl Rusca. The house contains its original moldings, heart pine floors and butlers pantry, which displays more than forty Royal Duncan Santa Clauses. The house operates as a bed and breakfast and contains an elaborate garden.

Samuel Guy House – 309 Pine Street (Dec. 10 only)
This house of Greek Revival architecture was built in 1850 by Samuel Eldridge Guy. The house was the centerpiece of a working plantation in Mansfield, LA. Due to disrepair, the house was moved to Natchitoches in 2002 and completely restored. The house contains more than 5,600 square feet and is operated as a bed and breakfast.

Friday, December 11 and 18, 2009 (5-8PM)

The Scott Corner House -  104 Poete Street

Poete Street Condos – 215 Poete Street
Horse drawn carriages, stringed popcorn and cranberries, wassail, and caroling will take you to the Christmas of the 1930’s. The handcrafted and fully restored work of art that is 215 Rue Poete will enchant you with Christmas cheer and warm tidings.

Nakatosh Hotel and Don Theatre Condos
On the site of the Nakatosh Condominiums stood the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished in circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.

The Murchison Town House is located at 584 Front Street.  This exclusive private home of Tom and Vickie Murchison affords a spectaular view,from the front gallery, of Cane River and the thousands of Christmas lights.  It is located on the second floor of a former movie theatre.  The building was constructed in 1914 as a opera house and movie theater.  Its first name was the “Amusu” and  later in the 1960’s was changed to  the “Don”.  The building now has been converted into six beautiful town houses.

Saturday, December 12 and 19, 2009 (1-4PM)

Secret Garden –330 Williams Avenue
As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 sq. ft., it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes.

Cypress Place – 146 Cypress Street
Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story, Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings, and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques.

Bungalow House – 405 Williams Avenue

*Homes subject to change

NHF will recognize the recipients of its major preservation awards at the gala.

Among the recognitions being presented are the Ann W. Brittain “Saving Natchitoches Treasures” Award, which was started in 2003 and named in honor of Ann W. Brittain, a founding member of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation and a leading historic preservationist throughout her life.

NHF will also present the Knipmeyer Award for Historic Preservation in honor of one of our organization’s founding members and a leader in historic preservation in Natchitoches, Mr. Robert Knipmeyer. In 1998, Knipmeyer provided a generous financial contribution in honor of his late wife, Jane, that enabled the NHF to retire the debt incurred in restoring the Cunningham Law Office, which serves as the Foundation’s headquarters.

NHF will also introduce the winner of its Mildred Hart Bailey Scholarship. The award is given each year to a student in the NSU Master’s of Heritage Resources program. For the latest details, visit www.historicfoundation.com.

The tour will occur from 5-9 p.m. and transportation will be provided to tour sites.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children and can be purchased from the Natchitoches Tourist Commission at 781 Front St. or by calling (800) 259-1714.  Tickets can also be purchased at the American Cemetery and the house tour sites.

The tour will focus on some of the more dramatic events in Natchitoches history. Local actors will portray the people that were central to these events at stations around American Cemetery. In many cases, these stations will be located near the graves of those being portrayed.

An interesting bonus for this year’s tour will be a station featuring members of a paranormal investigation team, who will report their findings from the Chez de Amis house on Washington St. A similar station last year was very popular.

More details are still to come. Check back at the NHF website (www.historicfoundation.org) or at the NHF group page at natchitochespreservation.com.

Thanks to everyone who showed up for our cleaning day in the Catholic Cemetery! We had a lot of fun. Make plans to join us this fall for this semi-annual event.

If the Christmas spirit hasn’t visited your home yet, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to an event where holiday joy inhabits every dwelling. It is the annual Christmas by Candlelight, a holiday tour of uniquely decorated homes in the Natchitoches, La., area held this year on Dec. 10-20, 2008.

Proceeds from the Tour benefit the preservation of cultural resources in Natchitoches, La. The event, consisting of three separate tours will feature beautifully decorated homes. What makes Christmas by Candlelight so special and unique is that it consists of homes built last year as well as nearly 300 years ago.

Tickets are $15 per package or $25 for a two-tour package. Three-tour packages are $35. Group rates are also available. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission Office, located at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457, or call 1-800-259-1714.

Wednesday (Dec 10, 17) 5:00PM-8:00PM

Samuel Guy House – 309 Pine Street (Dec. 10 only)

Violet Hill – 917 Rue Washington

Built between 1880 and 1890 and owned by the Genoe heirs, Violet Hill, also known to locals as the Lawton/Poleman/Gibson home has served as home to the Natchitoches Ice Company, Ltd., and the Cottage Sanitarium. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was recently renovated and operates as a bed and breakfast.

Two Goose – 416 Rue Williams

Inspired by a house that was featured in the February 1949 issue of House and Garden Magazine, Too Goose was constructed for Alvin and Annette DeBlieux. Due to the length of time to construct this charming house on Cane River, local residents commented that it took so long for the house to be built, that the geese had flown over it twice, thus providing the house’s name. The DeBlieux family resided there until 1971 and the house was rented for a decade. Purchased by the present owners in 1981, the house was lovingly restored.

Friday (Dec 12, 19) 5:00PM-8:00PM

Nakatosh Condos- Rue Front

On the site of the Nakatosh Condominiums stood the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished in circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.

Cypress Place – 146 Rue Cypress

Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story, Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings, and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques.

Poete Street Condos – 215 Rue Poete

Horse drawn carriages, stringed popcorn and cranberries, wassail, and caroling will take you to the Christmas of the 1930’s. The handcrafted and fully restored work of art that is 215 Rue Poete will enchant you with Christmas cheer and warm tidings.

Saturday (Dec 13, 20) 1:00PM-4:00PM

Green Gables –201 Rue Pine

Built in the 1890’s by Estelle Ducourneaux Ploche as a wedding gift for her niece, Green Gables is a one-story Victorian house that includes turned and sawn woodwork, a wrap-around front gallery, ornate fireplaces and stained glass windows. The décor includes original art and eclectic antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. This house operates as a bed and breakfast.

Tante Huppe – 424 Rue Jefferson Street

Ms. Julie Prudhomme opened the doors of her home, later named Tante Huppe, to visitors participating in the first tour of homes held in 1955. This historic townhouse was built between 1827 and 1853. The old slave quarters at the rear of the house have an unusual winding staircase associated with European Creole families. The house operates as a bed and breakfast.

Secret Garden –330 Rue Williams

As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 sq. ft., it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes.