Unique, "one of a kind", an expression of creativity is sometimes hard to find.  Those in larger cities will find it worthwhile to travel to Southwest Louisiana to enjoy what we have to offer.  Visitors and newcommers will discover that Lake Charles, and indeed, all of Southwest Louisiana is known for Contrband Days, so named because the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte was rumored to have buried his hidden treasures along our bayous. 

Jean Lafitte would surely have rejoiced with me upon a recent discovery I made that provides an expression of Southwest Louisiana culture and history.  When you visit eighty-one located at 3708 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur, Louisiana, you temporarily travel back into yesteryear via vignettes scattered throughout the shop of stories written by Pierre on Cajun lifestyle and history.

In need for two small bathroom vanities, I went into this shop for the first time.  I was in search of an antique into which I could drop a basin.  Creativity (just as the sign posted in front proclaims) abounds within the walls of eighty-one.  I did not find my antique, but together we found wonderful parts and designed my vanities that day.

Eighty-one is owned by Pierre and Jill Fontenot.  I asked Pierre how he decided to name his antique shop eighty-one.  I felt sure there was an interesting story to be heard.  You will learn to appreciate the warm, friendly smile that slowly flows across Pierre´s face as he tries to decide which tale he will share with me.  He finally gives me an anthology of tales and says he often switches as to which one he recites.  Sometimes in a jovial mood he will state that it equals his IQ ? NEVER believe that.  The most likely is that in the early years of traveling to various antique shows he repeatedly drew the same number as to the location in the roster; "eighty-one".  When it came time to name his shop, it just seemed logical, after all the years of success on the road with the number, to name his shop eighty-one.

You will see a sign posted on the front of the shop that states, CREATIVITY.  This is an understatement.  Pierre was living "Green" long before it became fashionable.  He has a warehouse full of wonderful found objects, along with the antiques that he combines to make wonderful art objects that flow beautifully with any décor.  He proves that almost any item can have a second life if you put your thinking cap on, thus, the source of my "one of a kind" vanities.

I have seen the equivalent of Pierre´s art work in many boutiques in Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, etc.  for much more.  I am very pleased that Pierre is building the two vanities and they will be UNIQUE; not one of 10,000.