Description

On Episode 54 of The Grant O Show, we welcome Ernie Savoie, master boat builder and Director of the Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building, alongside Vickie Eserman, the Center’s Secretary and Treasurer and a lifelong educator. Together, they share a powerful mission: to keep the spirit of South Louisiana’s maritime heritage alive.

Ernie, a third-generation carpenter from Bayou Lafourche, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the art of crafting cypress pirogues, paddle carving, and storytelling through woodworking. Vickie shares her passion for preserving Cajun artifacts and the personal connection that led her to join the board after her father’s antique Putt Putt boat was donated to the Center.

🎧 Tune in as we discuss:

• ​The cultural and historical importance of traditional Louisiana boats
• ​The craftsmanship and storytelling behind cypress pirogues and paddle carving
• ​Language preservation through Cajun French
• ​Upcoming plans for a new boat building center
• ​How education and heritage come together in their mission
• ​Ways the community can get involved and help carry the legacy forward

Whether you're a culture lover, Louisiana history buff, or curious about what makes Bayou Country special, this episode is a moving tribute to the traditions that shaped us—and the people working to preserve them for future generations.

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For more information on the Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building, click here!

If you'd like to help support the Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building, click here!

For more information on the Bayou Region Incubator, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Music by Waylon Thibodeaux

Connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grant O Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!