Notizen zu dieser Person
From "The Genealogy of the Duflot Family 1856-1956 by Joseph LeoDuflot":
"George Stephen Duflot was born January 23, 1883 on the Dow Husbandplace in Paducah, KY. He, too, has been a deaf-mute from birth and likehis brother Gus, graduated from the Kentucky School for the Deaf atDanville, KY. He trained as astudent for a lathe turner and machinistwhich trades have served him profitably throughout his life.
He assisted his father on the farm for a few years after the familymoved to Texarkana, and then he found employment in a planing mill in thecity where he plied the trade for which he was trained. In 1906 he moved to Lake Charles, LA, and was employed by the Lake Charles Planing Mill asa turner and cabinet maker. He worked for this company until 1917. Ashort time prior to this date, he lost the first joints of three fingersof his right hand in a machine accident. After this unfortunate experience, he began turning his attention to raising vegetables and flowers for the market. This side line soon developed into a payingbusiness and he gave up mill work altogether except as a hobby.
His accident was soon turned into an asset for it virtually forced him into the floral business in which he was eminently successful.Through tireless energy and in the exercise of astute business judgment, he succeeded in becoming the leading florist in Lake Charles. As atribute to his adventurous spirit and organizing genius, it is in orderto reproduce here a feature article that appeared in the Lake Charles"The American Press", November 6, 1931. A five-column 4-1/2 inchphotographic print of the new floral home accompanied the article whichwas as follows:
"George S. Duflot, Florist, Formally Opens Modern, New floral Home.George Duflot Builds Success in Twelve Years.
A florist business that has grown from a few hotbeds of plants to alarge establishment of a two-story brick building and several houses thatencloses 7,500 square feet under glass, all in twelve years' time is thatof "Duflot, Florist", located at 1129 Common Street. From the smallestbeginning to an outstanding success in 12 years.
The man behind it all is George Duflot, who, though handicapped bydeafness, has achieved this remarkable record. And he is a young manyet, only 48.
It was while working as a wood turner in the old Lake Charlesplaning mill that Mr. Duflot started, as a side line, the growing ofplants, both vegetables and flowers, in hot beds. He found this work soprofitable and he saw so many possibilities in it that in 1919 heresigned from his position at the mill and from that time since hasdevoted his entire time to the work of the florist. He built agreenhouse and a small shop in the rear of his home.
By 1922, the business had grown to such an extent that he found itnecessary to build two more greenhouses. He did all this carpenter workhimself, drawing on his previous experience and training at the mill.
In 1927 Mr. Duflot purchased three lots facing Common Street, for hesaw that his business would soon have to be greatly enlarged. the newproperty joined the lot on which his home and first greenhouses werebuilt. It was during this year, 1927, that he began to handle cutflowers and began the business of designing.
By 1931 the business had grown to such an extent that it wasnecessary to build larger quarters, in order to give more efficientservice to the great number of customers. On the Common Street lots Mr.Duflot began the building of the new greenhouses and the large brickstructure (shown in the photographic print). Again, he did most of thework himself. He acted as his own architect, and his own contractor.
It is a large establishment now, which bears the name "Duflot,Florist" occupying-with the large, attractive white house which is hishome, the four greenhouses, the new, brick building, and the field-threelots.
Not only has a large local business been built up, but also anextensive mail order business.
Mr. Duflot says his birthplace is Paducah, KY and 1883 is the date.He received his education at the Kentucky School for the Deaf. Hemarried in 1906 and moved to Lake Charles, making this home ever since.
Congratulations are pouring in on him now, at the opening of his newestablishment, not only from his many friends in Lake Charles, who haveknown him for so long, but also from many other places, where he hasbuilt up an acquaintance through his mail order business."
The above feature article was further amplified by a description ofthe equipment, furnishings, the huge refrigerator he built, the structureof the building, the arrangement of work room, stock room, and displayapartments. Since George is deaf, it was necessary that he keep anefficient office secretary to take orders and attend to all businessconducted over the telephone. His daughter, Emily, attended to theseduties until 1927 for which she must be given her due share of the creditfor the success of this florist business.
By the time George was 59, he had amassed a sufficient competence toenable him to retire Dec. 31, 1942. He rented his shop for the firstfour years after retirement. In May 1946, he sold it to his tenant whostill operates it under the name of "Duflot, Florist". This act upon thepart of the new owner to carry on the business under the original namewas quite a compliment to George for it represented the high esteem inwhich his name was held by the people of Lake Charles.
In addition to being a successful florist, he was an expert in theoperation of power machinery which he installed in the rear of his floralshop. His neighbors told me he could construct anything out of wood andsteel for which such materials are adaptable.
George is well versed in the science and art of fishing, for he isquite a fisherman. In 1945, he bought several lots at Hebert Camp, afishing resort on Big Lake about 25 miles southwest of Lake Charles, anda year later he built a modern, roomy, cabin on it where he spends six orseven months each year gardening and fishing. In the construction ofthis cabin, he prefabricated all his building materials in his shop atLake Charles before trucking it to Big Lake and setting it up. He alsobuilt his own outboard motor boat which he equipped with every usefulfishing tackle needed in this great sport.
In 1941, in anticipation of the possibility of selling his property in Lake Charles, he purchased two lots at 706 Milwaukee, Houston, Texas,adjoining the lots of his daughter, the wife of Lloyd M. Noble. In 1948,he built a five-room brick veneer house on these lots where he and hiswife now make their home. In addition to this residence, he constructeda double and rather spacious garage in which he installed his powermachinery where he may ply his craftsmanship on any project his fancy maydictate.
He has undergone two major operations within recent years; one in1953 for the prostate, and two operations in 1955 six months apart forcataract on each eye. As of June 1956, he is apparently in good health.
He married Nellie J. Clements* a deaf-mute, June 18, 1906 at Jeffersonville, Indiana. Two children were born to George and Nellie: Emily Jane and Albert Edward. (*Nellie was born February 28, 1882 at New Albany, Indiana. She has been amental patient most of her life remaining at home under her husband's care)."
From old Lake Charles City Directories:
* In 1911-12 there is "G. Duffat", listed on Iris Street.
* In 1913, the address is 672 Iris Street for George Duflot.
* From 1915-1930, the address is the same...622 Iris Street.
* The first time Duflot Florist is listed with the name George Duflot, isin 1925, with the same address and the phone # is listed as 1535.
From Graves Co., KY newspaper, Volume 6:
"Wednesday November 18, 1896, The Paducah Register the 14th....Mr.Augustus Rogers, Supt. of the Ky. D&D Institute at Danville, passed thruthe city yesterday with 7 young deaf mutes enroute to the school. Theafflicted young people were Gus and George Duflot of Mayfield, Willie andIda Simms of Fulton Co., James Hicks of Hickman, Willie Uteley of Murrayand a little colored girl from Fulton Co."
George was named for his mother's brother, George Fleith of France. George's middle name, "Stephens", may have been spelled "Stephen".Someone added the "s" and he then spelled it that way as an adult."Stephen" was his grandfather Duflot's name and he was probably namedafter him as well. It is worth noting here that I could not find arecord of George being baptized in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Churchin Paducah, KY. A traveling priest could have performed the baptism andthe church failed to record it. The only other of the children bornafter George that I found a record for was William Desire born 1887, fouryears after George was born.
George's deafness was congenital. He left Graves County, KY at age7, on September 10, 1890, to attend KY State School of the Deaf. He wasin the first graduating class of the school in 1903. He met his futurewife, Nellie Jane Clements,while both were students there. NellieJane's deafness was due to spinal meningitis at age 4.
The following is from a handwritten note by George S. Duflot beforehe died: (Note all the 3's in his life.)
"I, George Stephens Duflot, wrote this paper to prove it corrected.Please publish this after death.
I was born January 23, 1883.
Pneumonia dying - 13 age.
Pneumonia total - 3 times.
Graduated - 1903.
Folks moved from Kentucky to Texarkana - 1903.
I, poorly - couldn't afford trips to see my girl for 3 years.
I had $30.00 balance to marry her June 18, 1906 at 23 age.
Member of New Orleans Fraternity Div. 33. (Assoc. of Deaf Fraternity)
Cut accidently three finger ends - 3.
Nearly failed mortgage and depression - 1933.
My son, Albert, gone (died) December 13 mid-Night - 1937.
See the bill. 1703......St. $3.00 - 1937.
I built the vault on Lot No. 13 - 1943.
Business and property sold out for $30,000.
I bought 2 lots at Hebert's Camp (Lake Charles, LA) at $300 each.
Martin Bienvenu and I caught 33 speckled trouts. Next year he came tofish with me but I got malaria fever. He went alone and caught nothing.Wayne Kemmerly and I quit fishing, he counted 13 speckles in his box. Herefused to go home and we caught 3 fish extra to add 16 of them and thenwent home. Nothing happened yet.
Watch out for any mishap - 1953?
70 age now. More 3 years to live till 73 age?
I was treasurer of L.A.D. (LA Assoc. of Deaf) - 3 times.
Collected old acc from members - $30 and $32.
Three officers of us met in conference.
Marion Thomas promised 330 programs on 1/2 basis. He took all cash fromL.A.D. - $33. He kept the contract secret - 3 years.
Bought three lots in Goosport at $50 each and sold all for $300.(Goosport, TX by Beaumont)
Three sisters died.
April 23, 1953 - new Pontiac.
1954, 1955 and 1956 - three operations.
1957 - 3 heart attacks."
Notes by Emily J. Noble, daughter: "Dad Died February 3, 1958.
Dad and 2 brothers died this past year - 3 in all.
Three sisters of Dad came to his funeral."
Note by Jane Noble Slaughter, Emily's daughter, George's granddaughter:
"Emily J. Duflot Noble died 3 years later at age 53 on August 11, 1960 ina tour bus accident while on vacation in Germany - 3 aunts came to herfuneral. Emily, her dad George and mother, Nellie Jane, all died within3 years of each other 1958,1959 and 1960!!"
Another eerie thing that is not pointed out regarding the occurence ofthe number 3 in the life of George,......George died in 1958, thenumerals of which add up to 23. Actually he died on February 3 (2-3='23').
I don't remember my mother talking about their old house much. I wishshe would have so I could know a bit more about it and what it was likeand where her room was, what her room was like .... etc. and also whatthat dog's name was. Ha. Butthey must have lived in that house untilGeorge got the flower shop built in 1931 because he and Nellie next livedabove the shop. That is the only place I remember as a child, going andstaying when we went to visit. They had 2 bedrooms abovethe shop, abath, kitchen dining and living room. I remember George shaking his headand sort of clicking his false teeth half out of his mouth at me.....andI would run screaming and slide under their bed and hide. They had woodfloors whichmade sliding easy. He was only teasing, and he would laughhysterically,
then apologize to me and give me a hug. But it worked everytime he woulddo that....I'd go screaming and sliding under the bed. I was probably 3or 4 at the time. He was a big tease anyway and I'm sure he got a bigkick out of acting like histeeth were falling out. I can still "see"him doing that.
I guess I paid him back because my brother and I would come downstairsinto the shop and chase each other while everyone was working on flowerarrangements. My grandpa would shake his finger at us and make a noiseas only he could which we knewmeant we better get out of there fast.But I would run grab the end of a spool of ribbon on the ribbon cabinetand run with that....unwinding yards of ribbon as I went. Most of thetime I would grab the ribbon and cut a piece for tying in my hair. Heused to fuss at me about that too. That ribbon cabinet is still thereand was the "subject of the day" when I visited last with the presentowner Mark Marceau. Mark said he and another worker moved that big tallribbon chest across theroom to another all....and he had to go aroundthe very huge tin covered work table in the
middle of the room. The next morning when he came downstairs before anyof the employees got there, he was stunned to see that ribbon cabinetright back in its original spot. The very place where my grandpa had putit and where it had ALWAYS been. Sounded rather spooky to me....Markalso told of hearing footsteps above lots of times...like someone waswalking across the wood floor in the living quarters above upstairs....heand the other workers would each run up the front and backstairs andmeet up there....no one was there! The employees working the day Ivisited the shop all agreed they have heard the footsteps. They've hadother little strange things happen too.
The other strange thing that I learned happened to my Grandpa's favoriteemployee, Bobby LaLanne, who then bought the shop from him when heretired in 1945.....(not this same owner today).....Bobby told me one daywhen he and his wife Ruby, andthe other employees were around the worktable putting together arrangements...they felt like someone was staringat them.....Ruby turned around and was shocked to see my Grandpa's faceat the back door...which had glass at the top half of the door....he waslooking at all of them with a very stern look. The others saw it andthen he disappeared.
By Oma Funk, friend and former employee of Duflot's Florist: Oma Funkrecalls. "As a small child, I'd go over there (B&M Florist) a lot,watching and helping arrange flowers and run errands. When I got older, Iwent to work for Duflot's Floristand stayed there 10 years."
Duflot's Florist is believed to have been one of the first florists inLake Charles, having been opened about 1931 by George Duflot.
George was a member of the Louisiana Association of the Deaf: LADrecords indicate G. S. Duflot served as follows:
1933 - 1936 Second Vice President
1936 - 1938 Treasurer
1938 - 1940 Treasurer
1940 - 1946 Treasurer
1949 - 1952 Second Vice President
Publication: American Press - Date: 10/28/1994 - Page and Section: 1 MQ:
"There are ghosts in Lake Charles. What better place for a ghost tolive than at a floral shop where funeral bouquets were made? How about afloral shop next door to a graveyard.
Duflot's Florist, now closed, had a very mischievous ghost who beganbothering humans shortly after the first owner's death. Known as George,this ghost seemed to have a real aversion to women and children. Hepicked on them and teased them whenever he could.
One day a lady brought her small son into the shop and while the boy wasstanding in front of an eight-foot mirror, it suddenly exploded into amillion pieces. Shards of glass fell all around the little boy. But notone piece of glass touched him. Another time, some women working in theshop's display room had stacked shelves, tables and chairs in front of asmall bathroom door. Suddenly, from inside the bathroom came a loudcrash. When everything was moved out of the way, they openedthe bathroomdoor and gasped. There, lying clear across the room, was the toilet seat.
''George was just mischievous,'' says a later owner of Duflot's. ''Theonly time he actually scared me was the day I was sitting next to awicker couch. Suddenly I saw movement and looked over at the couch.Goosebumps leaped up my arms and theback of my neck as the cushion movedup and down, up and down, all by itself. One evening I displayed somefigurines in the front window. When I walked in the next morning I foundmy figurines clear across the room. We also had a little model ofDuflot's 1940s van in the show room. If anyone moved that model, all ourother vehicles sitting outside would break down. I even saw cars passingby in the street suddenly develop mechanical trouble when we moved thevan.''
Some of my (Jane's) memories about growing up down at Big Lake at myGrandpa's bay camp: "I remember playing "blind man's bluff" in ouryard.....we used to climb up on the brace holding up the roof over theback porch on my grandpa's house....and sit there......he used to watchus and would laugh at us at where we would choose to hide. I rememberHIS outhouse only too well. I hated going out there. I was alwaysafraid of getting bitten by spiders or a snake. It was right behind hisgarage. I used to make my mother go out there with me and she would takea rolled up newspaper and wave it all around inside the privy to scareaway anything that might be lurking in there or push spider webs away. Iwas VERY happy when he put in a real bathroom the next year. I rememberhis big cistern too. We had to be careful not to waste water. All thekids down there would go swimming in the bay until about noon everyday.Then our mother's would make us come in until 3 o-clock so we didn't getheat stroke and sunburned. We would eat lunch, take a nap or play games,then we would all meet and go back out swimming until almost dark.
Our dog Ace knew the sound of my Grandpa's motor on his boat and when allthe fishermen would be coming in around noon, he would lay in the yardUNTIL he heard Grandpa's boat motor and then he would jump up and rundown to Hebert's and sit by his boat stall or the bait box or walk out onthe boards around the bait box and wait for him to come in. Grandpawould see him sitting there waiting and wagging his tail. It was sostrange how he always knew HIS motorboat from all the others."
The greatest disaster that ever struck the parish was Hurricane Audrey onJune 27, 1957. For a time the entire nation was aware of the destructionof life and property. There had been other intense hurricanes, namelythose of 1886, 1915, and 1918, but none had wrought the devastation ofAudrey.
From Graceland - Orange Grove Cemetery. Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, LA
Location: Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA.
Duflot Albert E. 1916 - 1937
Duflot George Stephens 23 Jan 1883 - 3 Feb 1958
Duflot Nellie Jane Clements 28 Feb 1882 - 24 Mar 1959 Wife of George
Stephens Duflot. Born Clements.
On the corner of Common and Iris Streets is the old Catholic Cemetery. It sat between my Grandfather Duflot's Florist shop on Common and Grandpa's two story house on Iris. He built both structures.
Roland
Flickinger
