Still the moss-draped trees surrounding the planned Des Allemands, Bayou Gauche and Paradis Museum beckon to become a reality as Roy Lunk builds his dream with the people who can help make it happen. The local historian is seeking young adults to serve on the advisory board that will help decide what the area wants in its planned museum.
Although progress seems slow to Lunk, he’s actually made headway on involving the community through committees.
He’s also encouraged with word that they’re about to secure a 99-year lease with the Parish Government for use of the museum property.
“It is finally underway I understand,” Lunk said of getting the lease. “I understand the parish lawyer is working toward producing the lease and, once done, we’ll take over the building and proceed from there.”
At that point, he said they’ll secure money through donations and grants to replace and repair the building roof at an estimated cost of $20,000.
In October, an estimated 25 volunteers lined up alongside Lunk and gutted the 93-year-ild schoolhouse and revealed still solid cypress tongue and groove paneling beneath it. The building, at 1486 WPA Road in Des Allemands, is known as the old Comardelle building.
They helped initiate the physical work for the project, such as removing old paneling and ceiling panels, as well as salvaging old fixture. The cypress paneling dates back to the 1900’s, according to Lunk. It’s part of the building’s solid construction that helped it survive being barged to its current location.
The 3,000 square-foot building is actually the combination of two schoolhouses – the Des Allemands grade school and an old grammar school building from Lucy, La. Lunk knows where the Lucy schoolhouse was dismantled and added to the schoolhouse as a wing.
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