St. Landry Parish – Opelousas, La. – The house Jean Michel Prudhomme in Opelousas is under construction. Manor A. Love Sr., a building specialist, improves the aging structure – one that has been withstanding wear for almost two centuries.
“This is probably one of the oldest structures in St. Landry Parish and even in the southwest of Louisiana,” said historian James Douget. “Historically, his architecture is a hidden jewel.”
The two -story house in bricks, which was built at the end of the 1700, survived numerous hurricanes and even played a role during the civil war.
“It served as a headquarters during the civil war for Union forces,” said Douget.
The residence was generally referred to as Jean Michel Prudhomme at home and was named after its first owner, a cattle that is best known for his work as a blacksmith. The house has enforced some of the deepest moments.
“It was the reason for the meeting for the French and the US government after buying Louisiana,” added Douget.
The house is now listed in the national register of the historical places and receives an urgently needed facelifting.
“We give him a facelifting if you like,” said Douget. “Then we will do some times here and there and some minor repairs. We have recently repaired the roof.”
With the help of donations, the St. Landry monument preserves collected enough means to restore the balcony of the house, support and much more.
The historical importance of the house continues to build new generations. Pupils of the Catholic School of Maltrait Memorial in Kaplan recently attended the site as part of an excursion.
“Today there was a lot to learn how these people grew up in this house,” said student Brie Bourque. “I think the people who don't come here miss out how the past was and how their ancestors lived.”
From the three families who lived there to the ancient objects that once occupied his rooms, Douget said that the goal was to preserve the inheritance of the house for centuries in order to pass it on to the next generation.
“Hopefully, if we're not there, you will pass it on,” he said. “We look at a structure that is over 230 years old, and that's what we do – and try to keep it up for 230 years. It is a hidden treasure.”
If you want to plan a tour, you can contact James Douget under 337-942-8011 or 337-692-1017.
The restoration in the house is expected to be completed at some point in May.