Remembering Bobby DeBlieux
February 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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
Nov. 8 Fall Membership Gala to recognize heritage projects
November 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation will hold its 2009 Natchitoches Preservation Fall Gala Nov. 8 at the Foundation’s headquarters on Second St. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
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.
Fall 2009 Cemetery Cleaning Day to be held Nov. 7
November 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment
On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation will sponsor a cemetery cleaning day at the Catholic Cemetery, which is located between Rue Fifth and Rue Sixth in Natchitoches. The project will occur between 8 a.m. and noon. The workshop is free and all cleaning materials will be provided by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation along with a free lunch. Instructors will inform participants of the proper techniques to clean and maintain graves. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via our website or by e-mail: natchitocheshistoricfoundation@gmail.com
NHF 09 Newsletter viewable/downloadable online
October 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Natchitoches Historic Foundation Newsletter 09
NHF Schedules Board Member Retreat for July 25
July 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment
All Natchitoches Historic Foundation board members are invited and encouraged to attend the Summer Retreat. Let’s take advantage of the peaceful surroundings as we make plans for membership events and drives, discuss projects and form working committees. NHF Summer Retreat Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009 Place: Taylor Point Camp located on Black Lake Agenda: 10:00AM-Noon Morning session Noon-1:00PM Lunch 1:00PM-4:00PM Afternoon session RSVP by July 10, 2009 to Mary Guidry-357-0658/471-3290 Contact Mary if you need a map marytguidry@gmail.com
More than 80 graves cleaned during NHF Community Cemetery Cleaning Day
March 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment
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.
Public invited to NHF cemetery cleaning workshop on March 21
March 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment
On Saturday, March 21, 2009, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation will sponsor its annual cemetery restoration project, which will occur at the Catholic Cemetery, which is located between Rue Fifth and Rue Sixth in Natchitoches. The restoration project will occur between 8:00 a.m. and noon. All cleaning materials will be provided by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation along with a free lunch. Instructors will inform participants of the proper techniques to clean and maintain graves. If you are interested in participating, please contact Payne Williams at 352-6695.
NHF to host Natchitoches Preservation Fall Gala on Nov. 9
October 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
This annual celebration of the people and projects making a difference in Natchitoches history will take place at “Secret Garden,” the exquisitely restored home of Jerry and Carol Gregorek at 330 Williams Ave.
The event is free and food an beverages will be served.
Time: November 9, 2008 at 6pm
Location: Secret Garden — Gregorek Home
Street: 330 Williams
City/Town: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Commemorating the Kate Chopin House
October 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We at the Natchitoches Historic Foundation were saddened by the loss this past Wednesday of the Kate Chopin House in Cloutierville. The realization that each day we lose a part of our heritage is what motivates the heritage community in Natchitoches. To learn more, visit the Natchitoches Preservation Network at http://www.natchitochespreservation.com
Mildred Hart Bailey Scholarship Winner to Spearhead NHF “Most Endangered” List
September 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
As the Natchitoches Historic Foundation continues to save historic sites it strives to broaden its impact by promoting awareness of sites at risk in the Natchitoches region. This fall, NHF will launch the Natchitoches 10 Most Endangered Sites List.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation stewards the national endangered sites list that brings attention to “buildings, sites and landscapes across the country at critical risk from neglect, deterioration, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.”
Many states and local regions host similar lists. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation lists the ten most endangered sites across the state.
To accomplish this goal, Caleb Johnson of Ville Platte was announced the winner of the third annual Mildred Hart Bailey Preservation Scholarship award at NHF’s 2007 Fall Preservation Gala.
As part of his scholarship, Johnson researched other endangered site lists, developed the nomination criteria and mechanism and assisted in launching the process in spring 2008.
The scholarship’s namesake was a founding NHF board member and a local preservationist who was on the NSU faculty. The scholarship goes to a student entering NSU’s Master of Arts in Heritage Resources program. Past winners include Melissa Dezendorf and Kate Baldwin.
