July Newsletter 2026
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Side view of lemee house, 2026
This July, Melrose has much to celebrate! Be sure to stop by and pay us a visit as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Big House
Painting is moving along swiftly, and the Big House looks great! Our hardworking painters have completed much of the exterior of the house and are working on the stairs and other details. Soon, new downspouts, gutters, and drainage will also be installed to move water away from this iconic structure. Standing water can cause significant issues for any home, especially one as old as the Big House. Additional work is occurring at the front of the Big House, where beams are being replaced to better support the front porch. If you visit Melrose this July, you will see the restoration work firsthand!
The Lemee House
Did you know that the Lemee House was designed by an Italian architect? Francesco Soldini built this structure in 1837, and several features of the house reflect his Mediterranean heritage. The rear roof of the Lemee House is called a “cradle roof,” where the eaves upturn gently to mitigate strong winds. This rare architectural feature makes the Lemee House unique here in Natchitoches Parish, but it is in need of repair. As with all old buildings, certain elements require periodic updates to ensure that they stand for generations to come. The Lemee House’s roof needs to be redone in order to protect the structure and preserve it for the future. If you would like to support this cause, please make a donation to the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches via check or here on our website! Be sure to specify “Lemee House” on the memo line or in the notes section of the online donation. Your support helps us preserve Natchitoches Parish’s incredible history!
We’re Hiring!
Have a passion for history? Want to have an active role in preserving historic sites? The APHN is seeking part-time tour guides to join our already stellar roster! Flexible schedules and a relaxing atmosphere make Melrose on the Cane a lovely place to work. Contact us at emailmelroseplantation.com for more information, or tell a friend about this amazing opportunity!
Upcoming Events
White Linen Night - 08/20/2026
The APHN’s beloved summer social is back! Join us August 20th at 6:00 PM for a classy evening at the Lemee House. Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend! There will be good food and fine company for all as we celebrate our hardworking members and welcome newcomers. Please reach out to Blaise LaCour at blaisemlacour@gmail.com for more info. See you there!
Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival - 10/10/2026 to 10/11/2026
Our annual Arts & Crafts Festival starts up again this October! Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable day at Melrose on the Cane. We have a wonderful selection of vendors selling an array of art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more! Grab a bite to eat from one of our many food vendors and relax in the shade of Melrose’s sprawling live oaks at this fun-filled festival. Want to be a vendor? Applications are still open! Fill out our vendor form here.
Closures
Melrose on the Cane will be closed on Saturday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. From everyone here at Melrose, have a great Fourth and stay safe!
