Joseph Firnberg house was originally located near downtown Opelousas. At the time it was built, Opelousas was the center of commerce for the region and was a much larger town than Lafayette. This single-story, French Creole house is an excellent example of the typical urban dwelling found on Main Street in the towns across early Acadiana. Urban French Creole cottages were built close to the street and included a steep gable roof with the ridge running 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. Both rooms open directly onto the expansive front porch with doors that included transoms above and windows with sills at floor level. Near the turn of the 20th century, a bathroom and kitchen were added to the rear of the house, 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 this house and a few years later, he donated it to Vermilionville Historic Village.
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