Joseph Frinberg House

Joseph Firnberg house, also known as Boucvalt House, was originally located near downtown Opelousas. At the time it was built, Opelousas was the center of commerce for the region and a much larger town than was Lafayette. The single-story, French Creole house is an excellent example of the typical urban dwelling found on Main Street in the towns across Acadiana at the time. Urban French Creole cottages were built close to the street with a steep gable roof whose ridge ran parallel to the street. The Joseph Firnberg House features a chimney at the center of the ridge that serves two fireplaces, one in each main room. The rooms open directly onto the expansive front porch with window sills placed at the floor and transoms above each doorway. Near the turn of the 20th century, a bathroom and kitchen were added and positioned on either side of the structure to maintain architectural balance. Such additions were commonly associated with financial success. In 1988, Dr. Roy Boucvalt purchased the house and afterwards, donated it to Vermilionville Historic Village.