Robert Buford "Bobby" Deblieux
January 26, 1933 - January 30, 2010
Parents: Jefferson Davis Deblieux, Marie Dell Robieu Deblieux
Children: Cammie Deblieux Davis, Dene' Deblieux Mathies
Born and raised in Natchitoches, Robert Buford "Bobby Delieux exhibited an interest in historic preservation throughout his life. during the 1960s, he restored his beloved house, Tante Huppι, located at 424 Rue Jefferson. One of the first restoration projects in the historic district, it served as a catalyst for the rejuvenation and protection of historic properties in an area that would become a National Historic Landmark District.
In 1973, Deblieux initiated the process for the establishment of a historic district and gained approval from the Louisiana Historical Preservation and Cultural Committee. in 1974, he filed an application with the Department of the Interior to list the Natchitoches Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. in 1977, during Deblieux's tenure as mayor, the Natchitoches Historic District and the Historic District Commission, the district's architectural review board, were established by the city of Natchitoches.
In 1984, the National Register designation led to the listing of the Natchitoches Historic District as a National Historic Landmark, one of only three in Louisiana. The landmark district consists of more than 200 historic structures, representing a variety of architectural styles, including Creole, Colonial, Queen Anne, American Craftsman, Tudor, Victorian, Greek Revival, Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary.
During his career, Deblieux served as a U.S. Army veteran (1956-1958) and in his professional career, worked as a mercantile business owner, juvenile probation officer, bed and breakfast operator, mayor of Natchitoches (1976-1980) and assistant Secretary and Preservation Officer for the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (1980-1988). Deblieux assisted in the creation of several non-profit historic preservation organizations, including Museum Contents (1968), The Cane River National Heritage Area Commission (1994) and the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc. (1996). He co-authored the books, Natchitoches and Louisiana's Timeless Cane River and Louisiana Architectural and Archeological Sites and wrote the novel, The Garden Club. Deblieux died on January 31, 2010 and is interred in the American Cemetery.
Deblieux's influences can still be seen today as the story of Natchitoches continues to
evolve. He instilled a sense of pride in our community and was an effective advocate and
steward for the protection and preservation of Natchitoches' historic and cultural
resources.
Topics.
this page online
Location. 31° 45.473′ N, 93° 5.364′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is at the intersection of Amulet Street and 2nd Street, on the left when traveling south on Amulet Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchitoches LA 71457, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Preservation In Natchitoches (a few steps from this marker); Bayou Amulet
More about this marker. Located at the Natchitoches City Park
1933-2010
Larry D. Crowder
Sculpture
Hurst, Texas
2017
This bronze bust was donated by the Natchitoches
Historic District Development Commission,
The Cane River National Heritage Area Commission
and the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
