BOBBY ARDOIN Editor/Consulting Writer
The doors of the historic Michel Prudhomme home swung open Thursday night as Opelousas Chamber of Commerce members and elected public officials enjoyed a community-organized event hosted by the Preservationists of St. Landry, Inc.
Advertised as one of several Chamber-sponsored Business After Hours opportunities, those who attended were also provided opportunities to hear first-hand stories and oral documentaries that described the long and significant history of the two-story, 230-year-old house located off Prudhomme Lane.
Some guests chose to climb the stairs and view the 19th century cotton spinning loom and period-correct artifacts on the top story of the home, while other attendees remained downstairs in order to socialize and eat food prepared by Preservationist members.
Many of those in attendance selected to lounge and converse outside at prepared tables underneath the summer twilight, eat crawfish etouffee and sandwiches on the lawn and view the native Louisiana gardens which have been recently planted and landscaped under the direction of Preservationist member Greg Brandl.
Several of those who were entertained commented that they had previously been unaware of the existence of the Prudhomme Home, which is surrounded by medical offices and the Opelousas General Health Systems complex located across from Opelousas Catholic School.
Lucius Doucet, a charter member of the Preservationists of St. Landry, interested several listeners with stories referencing the home, including the original function of the unique wooden pigeonnier, located on the southwestern corner of the property.
The Preservationist-hosted event was the second in two months by the organization, which has begun to actively seek grant funding and corporate and private donations that will be directed towards making several major repairs to the house, whose distinctive architecture and Norman truss have been studied for decades by university students nationwide.
Tours of the home and sponsored events are available anytime at the Prudhomme Home upon request
More information can be obtained by contacting James Douget at 337-942-8011.
Photographs taken by Freddie Herpin
