Life's Lagniappe

Music

In addition to my legal and business efforts I was one of the first Presidents and organizers of the Baton Rouge Symphony. I know a lot about classical and jazz music and have met many famous performers and talked with them on a friendly basis.

Art

Know a great deal about art. For example, detailed knowledge of the work of Charles LeBrun since I possess in my good collection a work he probably painted. Have spent time in nearly all the great art museums in the world, including for example, two of my favorites, the Hermitage and the Gutenberg. Visited and studied in detail a number of the Gothic cathedrals, including Chartres and Notre Dame. Today, the LeBlanc Collection includes a wide variety of fine antiques and collectibles in numerous categories, and is being offered for sale through LeBlanc's Antiques.

Libraries

Having always been interested in libraries, and having served on the Board of Control for the Parish [County] of Baton Rouge for some time, I was named the President and exercised that office for ten years during which I promoted the issuance of a bond issue, which passed by sixty-eight per cent of the vote during a time of economic recession. The Parish system was expanded and four handsome new libraries were constructed.

Louisiana Particulars

Knew intimately many Louisiana political leaders. One of the few people that knew the Long family and the Weiss family well. Know some facts, not generally known, relative to the Kennedy assassination, arising from Louisiana. Also know facts, not generally known, relative to Lyndon Johnson and relationship to Louisiana. Know the State of Louisiana physically as well as anyone, including the villages that are unique and distinctive, which stand out in vivid contrast to most parts of our nation.

Languages

Have an easy time with languages, speaking several. Have read all of Cervantes, Dante and Francois Villon in the original.

In Japan, I picked up a Japanese phrase book and got around well. Believe I was born speaking Italian and enjoy reading Umberto Eco in Italian. Know smatterings of other languages.