Historical Homes
Fine private residence, really pleasant to enjoy. Located along and within the East Main Street Historic District. East Main Street is also Louisiana Highway 182. There are numerous fine homes located along East Main Street.
The home’s commercial significance arises from its association with its builder John Emmer and his son-in-law George Lebau. Emmer was the well-to-do businessman and farmer–owner of a brickyard and of a fairly large amount of local real estate. He also drilled the first two oil wells in Iberia Parish, although they were unsuccessful. The bricks from the Emmer brickyard were used in the construction of many buildings in and around New Iberia. George Lebau, who along with his wife owned the home during 1903-1912 and 1914-1937, was a prominent local businessman who served as president and chairman of the board of New Iberia National Bank. (The foregoing information on the home’s commercial significance is from the Dr. Hughes’ interviews with Andrew Emmer and Wiltz Emmer, grandsons of John Emmer.)
The home’s political significance arises from its association with two of its owners–the builder John Emmer, who was mayor of New Iberia from 1889-1891, and Dr. Paul N. Cyr (1878-1946), a significant figure in state politics during the Huey Long era. According to Cyr’s children, he spent much time at the Steamboat House during the years he owned it, although it was not his primary residence. Cyr ran for lieutenant-governor on Long’s ticket in 1928 and was elected. But a feud soon developed between the two, beginning in 1929 when Long refused to recommend that the sentence of a Dr. Dreher be commuted from death to life imprisonment. Cyr from then on was “a dangerous enemy” to Long, obstructing his legislative program in his capacity as presiding officer of the senate, for example. Cyr was a major reason why Huey continued on as governor after winning election to the U. S. Senate in 1930. Had he resigned, Cyr would have had fourteen months on his own as governor. “Paul Cyr will never be governor of this state for one minute” became one of Long’s favorite sayings. Cyr mounted a campaign for governor in 1932 but soon withdrew to support another candidate. Also in 1932, he tried to force Huey out of office with a lawsuit but was unsuccessful.
