Family members of the late Edward “Wood” Antee gathered at the new Park to view the beautiful historical plaques recognizing the generosity of their ancestor who sold the 1700’s Badin-Roque House to the Saint Augustine Historical Society in 1979. This was an important step to preserving the 1856 “old convent school” of St Augustine Catholic Church’s parish community.
The new park surrounds a fully restored house, which is one-of-a-kind in the state of Louisiana, and a restored kitchen which once left the site to the Natchitoches riverfront, but return due to the efforts of the late Terrel Delphin, former president.
The house has Catholic parish significance, architectural significance, creole heritage significance, as well as state and national historical significance.
After a private dedication on Jan. 22, the Park will be regularly open for self-tours with historical plaques. Tours inside the House and kitchen will be arranged by appointment.
Jan. 22 is the birthday of community founder, Augustin Metoyer, who purchased the home in 1811, and allowed it to be used as a convent in 1856 for French Daughters of the Cross nuns who came to the community at the request of the Bishop.
Outgoing SAHS President Mark Guidry said, “This was a heartfelt wonderful gathering. It was awesome to witness the storytelling and joy of the elders who attended. What an honor and blessing it has been for over a decade, to help save the old convent school.”
SAHS is most grateful to many community partners for playing a role in creating a park site for the fully restored house.
Pictured: Edward “Wood” Antee family member in attendance include, William Antee, Sr.; Mary Antee, Silverine Antee, Jennifer Below , Barry Antee, Nicholas Antee, Catherine Coutee, Joey LaCour, Sherry Bradley, Joseph LaCour, Collins Coutee, Bessie LaCour, Kimberly Martin, Barbara LaCour, & Savannah Mester.
