Opelousas | What's in a Name? | Lost Louisiana (2007)

This segment from the “What’s in a Name, Part 4” episode of the series “Lost Louisiana” from March 15, 2007, features Charlie Whinham’s visit to Opelousas in St. Landry Parish, the third oldest city in Louisiana. He talks to historian and author Keith Fontenot about the origin of the city’s name. He also tours the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery with Ed Dubuisson, the former president of the Louisiana Preservation Alliance, and James Douget of the Preservationists of St. Landry Parish. Next, Whinham and Douget also visit the Michel Prudhomme House, the oldest house in Opelousas. Whinham then talks to artist J.A. Allen about his sketches of the changing Opelousas landscape and buildings and his creation of the city seal. Lastly, Whinham talks to Don Chachere, the president and CEO of Tony Chacere’s Creole Foods, about the company and the legacy of his grandfather, Tony Chacere.

[@crypteauxcajun2049]

My home town. Wish it wouldn't be going downhill.

[@jrichy438]

Opelousas has some of the best food and cooks in Louisiana!!

[@robertdufour2456]

Wonderful! Thank you for this terrific presentation

[@michaelsoileau3516]

Tony was a character. I was Mr.Tony's barber for years.

[@abelincoln3261]

Oh my I haven't seen Don in a while.. wow was great to see him here.. He's done a amazing job of carrying on his grand dad's legacy,. You go Don... How cool it was to see and hear you again. It's been years., I guess I need to give you a call don't I.. Okay this is great!!!

[@TXMEDRGR]

Opelousas is an interesting little city. There is lots to see there.

[@flymartian33]

Sadly nothing much to do

[@JBBrickman]

@@flymartian33 I don’t live there, but if they have computers, Internet, and a few good restaurants, what could go wrong?

[@flymartian33]

@@JBBrickman it's a basic small city it has all those but every since I was a toddler Opelousas mostly stayed the same

[@XplainLuxury86]

Stopping and getting donuts in Opelousas on our way to DeRidder use to be a highlight of my childhood

[@XplainLuxury86]

Wait did he say dubasson like the last name. If so man history is crazy.

[@empressmyagang8914]

sadly alot of crime has taken place but u wont know because not many people speak on that and im born and raise there. alot more could be done but it will take village.

[@abelincoln3261]

You're right. the same has happened in many of the old Louisiana Cajun Country towns.. it is sad very sad.. such a waste I agree with you..

[@LCCreole]

No mention of Martin Donato.

[@quindellgreen]

North side Oil Mill

[@mikehand5881]

Letters??