Mr Lasalle's passing Sadly mr. Lasalle passed away yesterday at his beloved Springfield plantation. The house has been sold to an out of town buyer. It is closed for further renovations and no open date has been set.
The Passing of a True Eccentric I first met Arthur LaSalle on February 27, 1978 when my wife and I were touring Natchez and the surrounding area. We actually met his wife at the Village of the Natchez Indians and she steered us to Springfield. Of all of the antebellum homes that we have ever visited, I think that this particular afternoon and evening were the most memorable of all. The house still felt "ancient" and it seemed that it's orginal occupants were just outside the door as our host related the story of the earliest days of this area. Arthur told us stories of the Natchez district as well as telling us about places to see on our way to New Orleans. His advice made our trip a memorable one and we returned a number of times over the years to stay with him. The last trip there was in 1996 and the magic of Springfield was as strong as ever. Over the years I have enjoyed many late night phone conversations with Arthur and he always seemed to have some insight on almost every historical subject that I mentioned. We will miss Arthur and knowing that he isn't there in that great house will leave a tremendous void in my recollections of the Natchez area. Like all of us, Arthur had his quirks and his life was strewn with ruts and bumps. However, in the end, he loved Springfield and without him this treasure would have been lost and all of us who treasure this heritage would have been cheated. Rest well Arthur, your work is done.
Death of Arthur LaSalle Sadly Arthur Edward Cavalier de LaSalle died at his residence Springfield on Monday, 11th August 2008 (see Nathcez Democrat for details). He was buried at the family crypt at the St Louis No3 Cemetry in New Orleans on the 14 August.
MEMORIES posted by Leslie Blennerhassett(as contributed to the Natchez Democrat )
I have known Arthur over a short period of his turbulent productive life. I met him when travelling through the Southern States with a friend. He was a keen traveller both in the USA and Europe. He traveled on the inaugural sailing of the Queen Mary 11 from Southampton where I had the opportunity of joining him with other travellers from the USA, UK and elswhere.
I was intrigued to find that my collateral Blennerhassett forbears had connections with Springfield vis Le Cache, Gibson Port nearby. Harman Blennerhassett, a previous owner of Le Cache plantation was alas, not unlike Washington and Jefferson an owner of a slave plantation, a relic
of those less than egalitarian, and sadly often inhumane times.
Arthur lived history and had a vast knowledge of Southern States history,having a historic name, and antecedents associated with the founding of America, the Deep South and particularly from New Orleans (from whence he came).
He was not a slave to fashion and was a supreme individualist and shone amongst a sea of mediocrity so prevalent in the artificial society of our modern celebrity culture. He was an eccentric in many ways as he would be the first to admit the same but you always knew where you stood and he would air his views without let or hindrance.
His life time work, the preservation of Springfield right down to to the authentic slave homesteads show his respect for historical integrity and conservation.
The State of Mississippi has been left a historic gem and long may it continue as a replica of one the great historic homes of 18th century America. It would be a travesty to Mississiphi and the USA to lose this historic home which Arthur so faitfully nurtured and preserved-
Leslie Eric Blennerhassett
Springfield Plantation I read in the obits today of the death of Arthur LaSalle and that prompted my renewed interest in the history of Springfield Plantation, which in turn led me to this site. I read the other comments with interest since my husband and I met Mr. LaSalle when we toured Springfield sometime in the 80's. I don't remember anything he said, but I have never forgotten the uneasy feeling he evoked within me. There was nothing overt that I could put my finger on, but we left there feeling as if things were not quite what they seemed. Eccentric? Maybe, but weird to be sure.
Springfield Plantation we have known Mr. Arthur E. LaSalle for many years. He is absolutely a treasure trove when it comes to history and more recognition should be given. Springfield Plantation would no longer exist if it would have not been for Mr. LaSalle. At one time it was used for hay storage. He certainly saved that beautiful house. Yes, there is a certain dislike for women for very personal reasons and yes he admires the Queen greatly, however advances towards young girls are unknown. The plantation is a must see for all that are interested in our history. The founders of Springfield, the Greens of Virginia, were a most interesting family. My husband and I never miss a stop when on our way from Florida to Texas.
Dear Kent,
thank you very much for sharing your blog with me.
It is my first time to know how Americans organize and enjoy the Independence Holiday?, it was very interesting to me.
Congratulation to you as your "multicultural extended family" was published by 'the International Family Magazine". It's wonderful.
I do hope, you will have more wonderful blog with your God given gift
Thanh
from Viet Nam
4th of July celebration Kent: I, too, just returned from a 4th of July celebration with my family and some of their friends at Marion Lake. While I was the only verteran in the group I was pleasently surprised at the amount of patriotism displayed by those present. I always knew that my son, Rick, was impressed with my service in the Marine Corps during World War II. I was surprised that others had great feelings about patrotism as well. It was a great 4th of July for me.
Ray
smiles and hugs :) Dear uncle Kent, your tales bring me lots of smiles about this very beautiful memory. I'm on the way to discover other areas of my country, and I bring your Rotaty pen. Still feel safe and warm just like having you around here when carrying it with me. Say hello from me to your whole family and also to your wheat field ^_*. Regards.
trip Hi Kent hope you are well, this last trip sounds amazing you have certainly seen Vietnam in all its glory, the pictures are fantastic, hope to hear from you soon
portraits of dutch royalty My genealogy research causes me to want to know the identities of the portraits of Dutch royalty that hang in Springfield Plantation according to visitors . Does anyone know if Thomas Marston Green or his wife had any Choctaw heritage?
Tale of two cities Kent: a very interesting story about visiting these two villages. What an experience you had in Vietnam. Thanks for letting us be a part of your visit tio Vietnam.
Ray
We have been missing you! Kent, you must bring us up to date! Too many days, weeks, etc. have passed since the last time we connected with you. Tell us what you are doing.
This "A Tale of Two Villages" is so beautiful and tender... the 96 year old gentleman is so at peace with his task - what a beautiful life.
Eager to hear more,
Armida and Ralph
medical treatment Cute picture of the doctor's grandchild.
I thought you were going to tell us that your lower back pain was cured...sorry that didn't work.
I know I wouldn't have liked the chiropractic adjustments!
Small villages Visiting the small villages sounded really special. Nice that you now know the language well enough to communicate.
Let us know when you arrive back in Kansas.
Me, my husband and our 2 small children visited this plantation in 2004. Mr. LaSalle did indeed talk of the queen alot but that's not what I found odd....he lived upstairs and he talked in detail about his distaste for women! I thought he was going to kill me and keep my husband and boys as slaves! Well not quite but he was very creepy!
More than I expected....... This was a very interesting place to visit. Loaded with history and the unexpected. Unlike all the other cookie cutter plantations in the area this one stood out on it's own. The landscape was outstanding but most of all inside was a real treat. Original all the way!! Mr. LaSalle (our tour guide) was very informative and polite. We loved the tour very much and will return next year.
Arthur E. LaSalle I love reading all these comments about Mr. LaSalle. Some say he is eccentric, bizarre, opinionated and hard to understand during the tour of the mansion. I say he is a very passionate man in everything he does. I also grew up knowing Mr. LaSalle when he lived in Hilliard, FL. He has not changed at all since that time (1969-72). My son and I spent two nights in the old mansion and we both loved it. Waking up early in the morning and stepping out on the balcony was the most serene moment of my life.
It was breath taking to say the least. I say don't be so quick to judge Mr. LaSalle from just listening to him during the tour. There is so much more to this wonderful man than one realizes. He is Springfield Plantation because he has put 34+ years of his life into it. It is a MUST see experience for all. One you will always remember.
language and music Hi Kent - We were traveling on the East Coast Intracoastal Waterway from Jacksonville, Florida to Providence, Rhode Island when you sent the information about early learning of music and language. I agree! We had limited email access of the boat, but I couldn't connect to your blog. Now we're glad to be back in Colorado, and planning family activities here. Camilla
We were there in '02 We were there in 2002 as well and heard all about the queen. We love the area, and the trip was well worth it. I was impressed with Mr. LaSalle's knowledge, but I felt he went on way too long about royalty (him being a royalist) and I became a bit bored by it all. He is very opinionated about what the States should have done long ago, and he wants to get his views across no matter what. This was a drawback to the visit. I think he should just give the facts about the house and the area and stay off the royalty business. We were thinking about going back again next year - don't know if he's still alive - but the thought of listening to all that extraneous material again will probably keep us away.
Going to school Professor Hien gave me his name and that is how his email reads.
Ngat Dao is my daughter and that is her name.
theRedRiver writes a great blog. I hope my viewers will bring it up and take a look.
Just a short note for correcting some Vietnamese names in your blog. Professor "Hien Pham", we don't have "Hein" like you wrote in the first photo. I also doubt about "Ngat Dao" - I've never heard about that name, it sounds strange. Maybe your typo.
Language school Interesting blog, Kent. I suppose at my age it is too late for me to learn to play a musical instrument or learn a foreign language.
Ray
This is my 12 visit to Vietnam
My current mission in Vietnam is going to the home villages of all my neices and nephews that have helped me in Vietnam
In 2005 I biked from Hanoi to Saigon. Probably the greatest trip I ever experienced.
I look forward to returning to Vietnam and enjoying the people and land of Vietnam.
I will be staying with my former Rotary Exchange Student Trang and her husband Huan and daughter Sarah.
I keep a bike at Trang's house and will be biking around Saigon on short trips.
The cover photo is me biking the Red River Islands near Hanoi.... full info
tram
non-member comment
this is where I live
I KNOW all the girl is this picture,