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==Background==
==Background==
LaBorde was born to Enos LaBorde, Sr. (1886–1962), and the former Lily Bordelon (1891–1955) in Bordelonville in heavily Cajun Avoyelles Parish, south of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]]. He graduated at an early age from Bordelonville High School.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050328074230/http://www2.msstate.edu/~eaddy/famtrlab/html/fam00710.htm|title=
LaBorde was born to Enos LaBorde, Sr. (1886–1962), and the former Lily Bordelon (1891–1955) in Bordelonville in heavily Cajun Avoyelles Parish, south of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]]. He graduated at an early age from Bordelonville High School.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050328074230/http://www2.msstate.edu/~eaddy/famtrlab/html/fam00710.htm|title=
PIERRE LaBORDE FAMILY of Avoyelles Parish|publisher=Msstate.edu|date=March 28, 2005|accessdate=June 20, 2006}}</ref> As a young man, he worked as a radio operator on a ship. During long voyages at sea, he developed his interest in serious reading. Largely self-educated, LaBorde read encyclopedias and serious works of nonfiction, always learning and eager to improve his employment prospects.
PIERRE LaBORDE FAMILY of Avoyelles Parish|publisher=Msstate.edu|date=March 28, 2005|accessdate=June 20, 2006}}</ref> As a young man, he worked as a radio operator on a ship. During long voyages at sea, he developed his interest in serious reading. Largely self-educated, LaBorde read encyclopedias and serious works of nonfiction, always learning and eager to improve his employment prospects.
==Journalism career: ''The Alexandria Daily Town Talk''==
==Journalism career: ''The Alexandria Daily Town Talk''==
LaBorde started at The ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'' in 1945.<ref name=bio/> George Washington Shannon(1914-1998) had preceded him as a staffer and later advanced to be the editor of the ''[[Shreveport Journal]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Shannon&GSfn=George&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=20&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=53533197&df=all&|title=George Washington Shannon|author=John Andrew Prime|publisher=findagrave.com|date=June 10, 2010|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref> LaBorde learned the business from the ground floor. In 1950, he was named managing editor, a post that he held for twenty-seven years.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde started at The ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'' in 1945.<ref name=bio/> George Washington Shannon(1914-1998) had preceded him as a staffer and later advanced to be the editor of the ''[[Shreveport Journal]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Shannon&GSfn=George&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=20&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=53533197&df=all&|title=George Washington Shannon|author=John Andrew Prime|publisher=findagrave.com|date=June 10, 2010|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref> LaBorde learned the business from the ground floor. In 1950, he was named managing editor, a post that he held for twenty-seven years.<ref name=bio/>
In 1977, LaBorde was promoted to "executive editor", a title that he held through his last year of full-time employment. Unlike many print journalists who move from one newspaper to another seeking upward mobility, LaBorde stayed with ''The Town Talk'' in a career that spanned parts of six decades.<ref name=bio/>
In 1977, LaBorde was promoted to "executive editor", a title that he held through his last year of full-time employment. Unlike many print journalists who move from one newspaper to another seeking upward mobility, LaBorde stayed with ''The Town Talk'' in a career that spanned parts of six decades.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde had no formal education beyond high school. He had attended Tyler Commercial College in [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], Texas, which for a period of time claimed to be the largest business training school in the United States. The college offered instruction in bookkeeping, shorthand, telegraphy, business administration, and finance.<ref name=bio/><ref>[http://home.sprynet.com/~skreed/typc-scho01.htm Tyler Commercial College]</ref>
LaBorde had no formal education beyond high school. He had attended Tyler Commercial College in [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], Texas, which for a period of time claimed to be the largest business training school in the United States. The college offered instruction in bookkeeping, shorthand, telegraphy, business administration, and finance.<ref name=bio/><ref>[http://home.sprynet.com/~skreed/typc-scho01.htm Tyler Commercial College]</ref>
===A columnist's dream: colorful politicians, Louisiana style===
===A columnist's dream: colorful politicians, Louisiana style===
LaBorde witnessed the state's transformation of rivalry betwee[[Huey Long|Longism]] and anti-Longism. Beginning in the 1960s, and the slow rise of serious [[Republican Party|Republican]] competition to the traditional [[Democratic Party]] majority. He saw the "good government" types battle the "old guard," and sometimes found little difference between the antagonists. He did not endorse candidates for office on the editorial page. (The newspaper has since abandoned this policy of neutrality.) He wrote extensively on leading figures of the region, state and nation.
LaBorde witnessed the state's transformation of rivalry betwee[[Huey Long|Longism]] and anti-Longism. Beginning in the 1960s, and the slow rise of serious [[Republican Party|Republican]] competition to the traditional [[Democratic Party]] majority. He saw the "good government" types battle the "old guard," and sometimes found little difference between the antagonists. He did not endorse candidates for office on the editorial page. (The newspaper has since abandoned this policy of neutrality.) He wrote extensively on leading figures of the region, state and nation.
His subjects included [[Governor]]s [[Jimmie Davis]], [[Sam Houston Jones]], [[Robert F. Kennon]], [[Earl Long]], [[John J. McKeithen]], [[David C. Treen]], [[Buddy Roemer]], along with [[Bill Dodd]], [[Allen J. Ellender]], [[J. Bennett Johnston, Jr.]], [[Russell Long]], high-profile [[attorney]] Camille Francis Gravel, Sr. (1915-2005), [[Charlton Lyons]], [[John K. Snyder]], and many others, including his perhaps most demanding subject, four-term Governor [[Edwin Edwards]].<ref name=bio/>
His subjects included [[Governor]]s [[Jimmie Davis]], [[Sam Houston Jones]], [[Robert F. Kennon]], [[Earl Long]], [[John J. McKeithen]], [[David C. Treen]], [[Buddy Roemer]], along with [[Bill Dodd]], [[Allen J. Ellender]], [[J. Bennett Johnston, Jr.]], [[Russell Long]], high-profile [[attorney]] Camille Francis Gravel, Sr. (1915-2005), [[Charlton Lyons]], [[John K. Snyder]], and many others, including his perhaps most demanding subject, four-term Governor [[Edwin Edwards]].<ref name=bio/>
===Promoting "good government"===
===Promoting "good government"===
While LaBorde liked to report on campaigns and elections, he also focused on the intricate workings of government and the bureaucracy. He believed that government could be a force for good in society if the right people, with the proper motivation, were elected.
While LaBorde liked to report on campaigns and elections, he also focused on the intricate workings of government and the bureaucracy. He believed that government could be a force for good in society if the right people, with the proper motivation, were elected.
He had a great interest in city charters, "good government" in general, and sportsmen's issues. Sometimes, LaBorde ventured into national politics, offering unsolicited advice in his columns for presidents [[Dwight Eisenhower]], [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Lyndon B. Johnson]], [[Richard M. Nixon]], [[Gerald Ford]], and [[Jimmy Carter]]. He was irate over the [[Watergate]] scandal of the Nixon administration in 1973 and 1974, but mostly addressed state or local matters.<ref name=bio/>
He had a great interest in city charters, "good government" in general, and sportsmen's issues. Sometimes, LaBorde ventured into national politics, offering unsolicited advice in his columns for presidents [[Dwight Eisenhower]], [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Lyndon B. Johnson]], [[Richard M. Nixon]], [[Gerald Ford]], and [[Jimmy Carter]]. He was irate over the [[Watergate]] scandal of the Nixon administration in 1973 and 1974, but mostly addressed state or local matters.<ref name=bio/>
===Staff development===
===Staff development===
LaBorde demanded integrity, accuracy, originality, and speed from his reporters and editors. Many of his reporters advanced in the fields of journalism and public relations.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde demanded integrity, accuracy, originality, and speed from his reporters and editors. Many of his reporters advanced in the fields of journalism and public relations.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde was a staunch conservationist. He worked to publicize issues and advance conservation in the region. He urged Governor Edwards to promote the state purchase of the Saline-Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area in Avoyelles Parish. He urged Edwards to acquire the land encompassing Spring Bayou He lobbied in his columns for removal of oilfield pollution from the Little River.
LaBorde was a staunch conservationist. He worked to publicize issues and advance conservation in the region. He urged Governor Edwards to promote the state purchase of the Saline-Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area in Avoyelles Parish. He urged Edwards to acquire the land encompassing Spring Bayou He lobbied in his columns for removal of oilfield pollution from the Little River.
He was a former president and state director of the Rapides Wildlife Association. For a while he wrote the column "Nibbles and Potshots" on fishing and hunting for ''The Town Talk'' sports section.<ref name=bio/>
He was a former president and state director of the Rapides Wildlife Association. For a while he wrote the column "Nibbles and Potshots" on fishing and hunting for ''The Town Talk'' sports section.<ref name=bio/>
The poem "Elegy for a Bayou," by his grandson the poet Christopher Cessac, is dedicated to him.<ref>https://www.rattle.com/elegy-for-a-bayou-by-christopher-cessac/</ref>
The poem "Elegy for a Bayou," by his grandson the poet Christopher Cessac, is dedicated to him.<ref>https://www.rattle.com/elegy-for-a-bayou-by-christopher-cessac/</ref>
===Political anecdotes===
===Political anecdotes===
*John McKeithen
In 1968, after Governor McKeithen failed to gain the Democratic vice-presidential nomination at the convention in [[Chicago]], which nominated [[Hubert Humphrey]] to run against Richard Nixon and [[George Wallace]], he privately threatened to resign and turn over his office to Lieutenant Governor Clarence C. "Taddy" Aycock (1915-1987). McKeithen's executive secretary summoned LaBorde and publisher Joe Smith, Jr., to Baton Rouge to talk McKeithen out of a hastily considered resignation.
In 1968, after Governor McKeithen failed to gain the Democratic vice-presidential nomination at the convention in [[Chicago]], which nominated [[Hubert Humphrey]] to run against Richard Nixon and [[George Wallace]], he privately threatened to resign and turn over his office to Lieutenant Governor Clarence C. "Taddy" Aycock (1915-1987). McKeithen's executive secretary summoned LaBorde and publisher Joe Smith, Jr., to Baton Rouge to talk McKeithen out of a hastily considered resignation.
In a 1974 interview, LaBorde said that he first thought the threat of resignation was "a joke". He and Smith spent a half day with McKeithen and insisted that he complete his term. LaBorde advised McKeithen that he had become too defensive and overreacted to media reports. The two urged him to develop a thicker skin and stand up to his critics. McKeithen completed his second term, but struggled with many controversies and political setbacks.<ref name="bass">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W09OtCyHMI4C&pg=PA169&dq=C.+H.+%22Sammy%22+Downs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1pzMUcK5Auvy0wGN3oHYCw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=C.%20H.%20%22Sammy%22%20Downs&f=false|title=The Transformation of Southern Politics: Social Change and Political Consequence Since 1945|pages= 170 |author=Jack Bass |location=Athens, [[Georgia]]|publisher=[[University of Georgia]] Press |date= 1995}}</ref>
In a 1974 interview, LaBorde said that he first thought the threat of resignation was "a joke". He and Smith spent a half day with McKeithen and insisted that he complete his term. LaBorde advised McKeithen that he had become too defensive and overreacted to media reports. The two urged him to develop a thicker skin and stand up to his critics. McKeithen completed his second term, but struggled with many controversies and political setbacks.<ref name="bass">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W09OtCyHMI4C&pg=PA169&dq=C.+H.+%22Sammy%22+Downs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1pzMUcK5Auvy0wGN3oHYCw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=C.%20H.%20%22Sammy%22%20Downs&f=false|title=The Transformation of Southern Politics: Social Change and Political Consequence Since 1945|pages= 170 |author=Jack Bass |location=Athens, [[Georgia]]|publisher=[[University of Georgia]] Press |date= 1995}}</ref>
*Edwin Edwards
*Edwin Edwards
Governor Edwards sometimes stopped at LaBorde's home when he passed through Alexandria. Once he was accompanied by an entourage of state troopers with sirens sounding. Neighbors thought that there had been a tragedy. Mrs. LaBorde was embarrassed and asked Edwards not to visit again unless he came without the entourage.
Governor Edwards sometimes stopped at LaBorde's home when he passed through Alexandria. Once he was accompanied by an entourage of state troopers with sirens sounding. Neighbors thought that there had been a tragedy. Mrs. LaBorde was embarrassed and asked Edwards not to visit again unless he came without the entourage.
Edwards gave the principal speech at LaBorde's retirement dinner from ''The Town Talk''. After official retirement, LaBorde continued "The Talk of the Town" column twice a week. He did not live to see Edwards complete his fourth term as governor. LaBorde's daughter, Joyce Cessac, said that LaBorde would have never tolerated Edwards' crimes, but that her father had thought that Edwards was an exceptional leader so long as good economic times prevailed in Louisiana.<ref name=bio/>
Edwards gave the principal speech at LaBorde's retirement dinner from ''The Town Talk''. After official retirement, LaBorde continued "The Talk of the Town" column twice a week. He did not live to see Edwards complete his fourth term as governor. LaBorde's daughter, Joyce Cessac, said that LaBorde would have never tolerated Edwards' crimes, but that her father had thought that Edwards was an exceptional leader so long as good economic times prevailed in Louisiana.<ref name=bio/>
*Allen Ellender
*Allen Ellender
Though LaBorde required his reporters to be objective regarding their subjects, he personally had a soft spot for another south Louisiana politician, his fellow "Cajun", U.S. Senator Allen Ellender from Houma in Terrebonne Parish, with whom he liked to swap "fish stories." It was said that with their dark-rimmed glasses, LaBorde and Ellender bore a physical resemblance, though Ellender was more than twenty years LaBorde's senior. Ellender died during his 1972 reelection campaign.<ref name=bio/>
Though LaBorde required his reporters to be objective regarding their subjects, he personally had a soft spot for another south Louisiana politician, his fellow "Cajun", U.S. Senator Allen Ellender from Houma in Terrebonne Parish, with whom he liked to swap "fish stories." It was said that with their dark-rimmed glasses, LaBorde and Ellender bore a physical resemblance, though Ellender was more than twenty years LaBorde's senior. Ellender died during his 1972 reelection campaign.<ref name=bio/>
==Ransdell biography==
==Ransdell biography==
In 1951, LaBorde published a biography, ''A National Southerner: Ransdell of Louisiana'' (Benziger Brothers), about the career of Democratic Senator Joseph Eugene Ransdell (1858–1954) of Louisiana. An Alexandria native, Ransdell was a lawyer and district attorney in Lake Providence in East Carroll Parish. He was elected to the Senate in 1912, the year of LaBorde's birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000059|title=Senator Joseph Ransdell|publisher=bioguide.congress.gov|accessdate=January 11, 2012}}</ref> Ransdell was defeated for renomination in 1930 by Governor Huey Long.<ref name=bio/>
In 1951, LaBorde published a biography, ''A National Southerner: Ransdell of Louisiana'' (Benziger Brothers), about the career of Democratic Senator Joseph Eugene Ransdell (1858–1954) of Louisiana. An Alexandria native, Ransdell was a lawyer and district attorney in Lake Providence in East Carroll Parish. He was elected to the Senate in 1912, the year of LaBorde's birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000059|title=Senator Joseph Ransdell|publisher=bioguide.congress.gov|accessdate=January 11, 2012}}</ref> Ransdell was defeated for renomination in 1930 by Governor Huey Long.<ref name=bio/>
==Personal life and family==
==Personal life and family==
The LaBordes were strong members of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Alexandria. LaBorde became friends with Alexandria Bishop Charles Pasquale Greco (1894–1987), and they were active in the [[Knights of Columbus]].<ref>[http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/modlang/carasi/via/ViaVol4_1Reviews.htm#Greco Review: "Charles Pasquale Greco, ''With God's Help''"], City University of New York</ref> LaBorde was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and held the St. Gregory distinction.<ref name=bio/>
The LaBordes were strong members of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Alexandria. LaBorde became friends with Alexandria Bishop Charles Pasquale Greco (1894–1987), and they were active in the [[Knights of Columbus]].<ref>[http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/modlang/carasi/via/ViaVol4_1Reviews.htm#Greco Review: "Charles Pasquale Greco, ''With God's Help''"], City University of New York</ref> LaBorde was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and held the St. Gregory distinction.<ref name=bio/>
Bishop Greco hosted an annual party for ''The Town Talk'' staffers. The first native of [[Mississippi]] selected as a bishop in the Catholic Church, Greco wrote ''With God's Help'', memoirs published posthumously by the [[Knights of Columbus]]. LaBorde worked on the [[Catholic]] newspaper for the bishop. When the United States Supreme Court ruled in ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' on January 22, 1973, LaBorde strongly objected. He continued to oppose [[abortion]] for the remainder of his life.<ref name=bio/>
Bishop Greco hosted an annual party for ''The Town Talk'' staffers. The first native of [[Mississippi]] selected as a bishop in the Catholic Church, Greco wrote ''With God's Help'', memoirs published posthumously by the [[Knights of Columbus]]. LaBorde worked on the [[Catholic]] newspaper for the bishop. When the United States Supreme Court ruled in ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' on January 22, 1973, LaBorde strongly objected. He continued to oppose [[abortion]] for the remainder of his life.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde and his wife, Blanche, had a daughter Joyce (born 1934), and two sons, Adras Paul II (1943–1972) and Michael Anthony (born 1947) of Baton Rouge.<ref name=bio/> Joyce LaBorde became a kindergarten teacher and married Albert Joseph Cessac (1931–2012), a native of Perry in Vermilion Parish. They had seven children, who have all married in turn: Cheri (Cessac) McBurnett and husband Mark, Stephen Cessac and wife Darsha, Kenneth Cessac and wife Laura, Denise (Cessac) Long and husband Mike, Kevin Cessac and wife Mary, Nannette (Cessac) Baucom and husband Danny, and Chris Cessac and wife Jeanne Sinclair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://obitsforlife.com/obituary/450726/Cessac-Albert.php|title=Albert Joseph Cessac|publisher=obitsforlife.com|accessdate=January 24, 2012}}</ref>Adras LaBorde, II, earned a [[Master of Science]] degree in forestry fromLSU in Baton Rouge; he married and had a son. He died of [[cancer]] at the age of twenty-nine. Adras LaBorde, III, (born 1966), became an attorney, working in the Rowe law firm of Baton Rouge, specializing in litigation, admiralty, and maritime law.<ref name=bio/>
LaBorde and his wife, Blanche, had a daughter Joyce (born 1934), and two sons, Adras Paul II (1943–1972) and Michael Anthony (born 1947) of Baton Rouge.<ref name=bio/> Joyce LaBorde became a kindergarten teacher and married Albert Joseph Cessac (1931–2012), a native of Perry in Vermilion Parish. They had seven children, who have all married in turn: Cheri (Cessac) McBurnett and husband Mark, Stephen Cessac and wife Darsha, Kenneth Cessac and wife Laura, Denise (Cessac) Long and husband Mike, Kevin Cessac and wife Mary, Nannette (Cessac) Baucom and husband Danny, and Chris Cessac and wife Jeanne Sinclair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://obitsforlife.com/obituary/450726/Cessac-Albert.php|title=Albert Joseph Cessac|publisher=obitsforlife.com|accessdate=January 24, 2012}}</ref>Adras LaBorde, II, earned a [[Master of Science]] degree in forestry fromLSU in Baton Rouge; he married and had a son. He died of [[cancer]] at the age of twenty-nine. Adras LaBorde, III, (born 1966), became an attorney, working in the Rowe law firm of Baton Rouge, specializing in litigation, admiralty, and maritime law.<ref name=bio/>
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==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Louisiana People]]
[[Category:Louisiana People]]