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'''Robert Buford DeBlieux''' (January 26, 1933 – January 31, 2010), usually known as '''Bobby DeBlieux''', was a [[historian]], historic preservationist, painter, author, and [[business]]man who was the [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] [[mayor]] of his native [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]], the oldest city in the U.S. state of [[Louisiana]].​

'''Robert Buford DeBlieux''' (January 26, 1933 – January 31, 2010), usually known as '''Bobby DeBlieux''', was a [[historian]], historic preservationist, painter, author, and [[business]]man who was the [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] [[mayor]] of his native [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]], the oldest city in the U.S. state of [[Louisiana]].​

 

==Background==

==Background==

DeBlieux (pronounced as the letter W) was the middle of three sons born to Jefferson Davis "Jeff" DeBlieux, Jr. (1904–1984), and the former Marie Dell Roubieu (1907-2002). Known as "Miss Pat," Mrs. DeBlieux was a devout [[Roman Catholic]] who attended mass daily and was like her middle son interested in historical preservation. Robert DeBlieux is named for his maternal grandfather. Mrs. DeBlieux's family came to Natchitoches in 1718, four years after the founding of the city. The ancestors of Jeff DeBlieux arrived in 1803, the year of the [[Louisiana Purchase]]. DeBlieux's older and younger brothers were Jefferson DeBlieux, III (1930–1998), an [[engineer]] from Houma in Terrebonne Parish in south Louisiana, and Victor Dale DeBlieux (1941–1993) of Natchitoches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://files.usgwarchives.org/la/natchitoches/obits/ntapr02.txt|title=Obituary of Marie Dell Roubieu DeBlieux|publisher=files.usgwarchives.org|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref> DeBlieux was a younger cousin of the [[liberal]] former state Senator [[J. D. DeBlieux|Joseph Davis " J. D." DeBlieux]], who represented East Baton Rouge Parish from 1956 to 1960 and again from 1964 to 1976. In 1966, J. D. DeBlieux failed in a campaign to unseat his fellow Democrat, [[U.S. Senator]] [[Allen J. Ellender]].

DeBlieux (pronounced as the letter W) was the middle of three sons born to Jefferson Davis "Jeff" DeBlieux Jr. (1904–1984), and the former Marie Dell Roubieu (1907–2002). Known as "Miss Pat," Mrs. DeBlieux was a devout [[Roman Catholic]] who attended mass daily and was like her middle son interested in historical preservation. Robert DeBlieux is named for his maternal grandfather. Mrs. DeBlieux's family came to Natchitoches in 1718, four years after the founding of the city. The ancestors of Jeff DeBlieux arrived in 1803, the year of the [[Louisiana Purchase]]. DeBlieux's older and younger brothers were Jefferson DeBlieux, III (1930–1998), an [[engineer]] from Houma in Terrebonne Parish in south Louisiana, and Victor Dale DeBlieux (1941–1993) of Natchitoches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://files.usgwarchives.org/la/natchitoches/obits/ntapr02.txt|title=Obituary of Marie Dell Roubieu DeBlieux|publisher=files.usgwarchives.org|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref> DeBlieux was a younger cousin of the [[liberal]] former state Senator [[J. D. DeBlieux|Joseph Davis " J. D." DeBlieux]], who represented East Baton Rouge Parish from 1956 to 1960 and again from 1964 to 1976. In 1966, J. D. DeBlieux failed in a campaign to unseat his fellow Democrat, [[U.S. Senator]] [[Allen J. Ellender]].

In 1956, DeBlieux received his bachelor's degree in fine arts and [[history]] from [[Northwestern State University]] (then Northwestern State College) in Natchitoches. He then served in the [[United States Army]] from 1956 to 1958, having been stationed in the former West [[Germany]].<ref name=obit/> In 1960, he earned his [[Master of Science]] degree in counseling and [[psychology]] from [[Louisiana State University]] in [[Baton Rouge]], at which he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In the early 1960s, DeBlieux was employed by the correctional office of the [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches Parish]] Juvenile Court. From 1965 to 1976, he was self-employed in the retail hardware business. In 1976, he was elected mayor to succeed [[W. Ray Scott]], who had served for the preceding sixteen years.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/cghrc_core/deblieux_r.htm|title=Robert DeBlieux|publisher=[[Northwestern State University]]|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

In 1956, DeBlieux received his bachelor's degree in fine arts and [[history]] from [[Northwestern State University]] (then Northwestern State College) in Natchitoches. He then served in the [[United States Army]] from 1956 to 1958, having been stationed in the former West [[Germany]].<ref name=obit/> In 1960, he earned his [[Master of Science]] degree in counseling and [[psychology]] from [[Louisiana State University]] in [[Baton Rouge]], at which he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In the early 1960s, DeBlieux was employed by the correctional office of the [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches Parish]] Juvenile Court. From 1965 to 1976, he was self-employed in the retail hardware business. In 1976, he was elected mayor to succeed [[W. Ray Scott]], who had served for the preceding sixteen years.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsula.edu/watson_library/cghrc_core/deblieux_r.htm|title=Robert DeBlieux|publisher=[[Northwestern State University]]|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

DeBlieux had two daughters, both from Baton Rouge: Annie Camille "Cammie" Davis (born ca. 1959) and her husband, Randy Davis, and Dené D. Mathies, and her husband, David Mathies, both from his  marriage to the former JoAnn Weaver (1934-1979). He had five grandchildren.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100202/OBITUARIES/100201016/1023/Robert--Bobby--DeBlieux|title=Obituary of Robert B. DeBlieux|publisher=''The Alexandria Town Talk''| date=February 2, 2010|accessdate=September 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref> He was the proprietor of the Tante Huppe' historic inn at 424 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, a bed and breakfast named for one of his ancestors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/natchitoches-la/accommodation/tante-huppe-inn|title=Tante Huppe' Inn in Natchitoches, Louisiana|publisher=Roadtrippers.com|accessdate=September 25, 2019}}</ref> He was a nationally known authority on Louisiana [[architecture]] and engaged in landscape painting.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~9341.aspx|title=The Garden Club|publisher=Authorhouse.com|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

DeBlieux had two daughters, both from Baton Rouge: Annie Camille "Cammie" Davis (born ca. 1959) and her husband, Randy Davis, and Dené D. Mathies, and her husband, David Mathies, both from his  marriage to the former JoAnn Weaver (1934–1979). He had five grandchildren.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100202/OBITUARIES/100201016/1023/Robert--Bobby--DeBlieux|title=Obituary of Robert B. DeBlieux|publisher=''The Alexandria Town Talk''| date=February 2, 2010|accessdate=September 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref> He was the proprietor of the Tante Huppe' historic inn at 424 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, a bed and breakfast named for one of his ancestors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/natchitoches-la/accommodation/tante-huppe-inn|title=Tante Huppe' Inn in Natchitoches, Louisiana|publisher=Roadtrippers.com|accessdate=September 25, 2019}}</ref> He was a nationally known authority on Louisiana [[architecture]] and engaged in landscape painting.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~9341.aspx|title=The Garden Club|publisher=Authorhouse.com|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

==Natchitoches Historic District==

==Natchitoches Historic District==

 

As mayor, DeBlieux was instrumental in the founding of the Natchitoches Historic District, which includes the mammoth Cane River Creole National Historical Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isleofcanes.com/isle_of_canes_resources.htm|title=Isle of Canes|publisher=Isleofcanes.com|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref> Within the district are seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and historic plantations, homes, and churches. Most of the 116,000 acres is privately owned, but many sites are open to the public. The district extends thirty-five miles and covers both banks of the Cane River, formerly the principal tributary of the Red River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/index.php|title=Cane River Heritage Area|publisher=caneriverheritage.org|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref>  

As mayor, DeBlieux was instrumental in the founding of the Natchitoches Historic District, which includes the mammoth Cane River Creole National Historical Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isleofcanes.com/isle_of_canes_resources.htm|title=Isle of Canes|publisher=Isleofcanes.com|accessdate=Unavailable; no longer on-line.}}</ref> Within the district are seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and historic plantations, homes, and churches. Most of the 116,000 acres is privately owned, but many sites are open to the public. The district extends thirty-five miles and covers both banks of the Cane River, formerly the principal tributary of the Red River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/index.php|title=Cane River Heritage Area|publisher=caneriverheritage.org|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref>  

DeBlieux filed the application for federal landmark designation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanprofile.com/spotlights/article/2955.html|title=Home of the Steel Magnolias|publisher=americanprofile.com|accessdate=February 2, 2010}}</ref> The Natchitoches District and French Quarter or Vieux Carre in [[New Orleans]] are the only such historic districts in Louisiana. The area had deteriorated prior to the historical designation, and over several years downtown Natchitoches was revitalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/COMMUNITIES/50301008/1081|author=Robin Miller|title=Natchitoches' historic downtown is a jewel along Cane River Lake|date=April 19, 2006|publisher=''Alexandria Daily Town Talk''|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

DeBlieux filed the application for federal landmark designation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanprofile.com/spotlights/article/2955.html|title=Home of the Steel Magnolias|publisher=americanprofile.com|accessdate=February 2, 2010}}</ref> The Natchitoches District and French Quarter or Vieux Carre in [[New Orleans]] are the only such historic districts in Louisiana. The area had deteriorated prior to the historical designation, and over several years downtown Natchitoches was revitalized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/COMMUNITIES/50301008/1081|author=Robin Miller|title=Natchitoches' historic downtown is a jewel along Cane River Lake|date=April 19, 2006|publisher=''Alexandria Daily Town Talk''|accessdate=February 2, 2010; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

 

==State preservation officer==

==State preservation officer==

 

DeBlieux was defeated for reelection as mayor in 1980 by fellow Democrat [[Joe Sampite']], who served until 2000. DeBlieux was then named as assistant secretary and preservation officer for the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, initially under the appointment of [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[Governor]] [[David C. Treen]] and continued under Treen's successor (and predecessor), Democrat [[Edwin Edwards]]. In this position, DeBlieux succeeded in designating forty-two National Register districts within Louisiana.<ref name=obit/>​

DeBlieux was defeated for reelection as mayor in 1980 by fellow Democrat [[Joe Sampite']], who served until 2000. DeBlieux was then named as assistant secretary and preservation officer for the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, initially under the appointment of [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[Governor]] [[David C. Treen]] and continued under Treen's successor (and predecessor), Democrat [[Edwin Edwards]]. In this position, DeBlieux succeeded in designating forty-two National Register districts within Louisiana.<ref name=obit/>​

==The DeBlieux Collection==

==The DeBlieux Collection==

His DeBlieux Collection in the archives of Northwestern State University contains the papers of interrelated Natchitoches families spanning more than two centuries. Featured are such Natchitoches pioneer families: Brezeale, Cloutier, Huppe, Hyams, Janin, Lambre, Metoyer, Prudhomme, and Walmsley, many of which intermarried. The topics include social customs, business affairs, home schooling of children, legal cases, political insight, and civic service.  There are also the financial records of the DeBlieux & McCain store from 1902 to 1939.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> There are also some documents on the career of the legendary [[Huey Long|Huey Pierce Long, Jr.]], in the collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/guidedisplay.pl?index=l000418|title=Guide to Research Papers: Long, Huey Pierce (1893-1935)|accessdate=September 25, 2019}}</ref>

His DeBlieux Collection in the archives of Northwestern State University contains the papers of interrelated Natchitoches families spanning more than two centuries. Featured are such Natchitoches pioneer families: Brezeale, Cloutier, Huppe, Hyams, Janin, Lambre, Metoyer, Prudhomme, and Walmsley, many of which intermarried. The topics include social customs, business affairs, home schooling of children, legal cases, political insight, and civic service.  There are also the financial records of the DeBlieux & McCain store from 1902 to 1939.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> There are also some documents on the career of the legendary [[Huey Long|Huey Pierce Long Jr.]], in the collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/guidedisplay.pl?index=l000418|title=Guide to Research Papers: Long, Huey Pierce (1893-1935)|accessdate=September 25, 2019}}</ref>

DeBlieux was a co-author of ''Natchitoches and Louisiana's Timeless Cane River.'' Another DeBlieux work is ''A Walking Tour of the Natchitoches Historic District'', which focuses on the old Kaffie-Friedrick Hardware building. He also published ''Historic Black Churches of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.''

DeBlieux was a co-author of ''Natchitoches and Louisiana's Timeless Cane River.'' Another DeBlieux work is ''A Walking Tour of the Natchitoches Historic District'', which focuses on the old Kaffie-Friedrick Hardware building. He also published ''Historic Black Churches of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.''

==Death==

==Death==

 

DeBlieux died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge only five days after his 77th birthday. Services were held on February 4, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, with interment at American Cemetery. His parents are interred at the Catholic Cemetery of Natchitoches.<ref name=obit/>

DeBlieux died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge only five days after his 77th birthday. Services were held on February 4, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, with interment at American Cemetery. His parents are interred at the Catholic Cemetery of Natchitoches.<ref name=obit/>