Interviewer(s): S. Wiltz, D. DiTucci; and D. DiTucci. Lafayette, LA

Affiliation: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Mr. Charles de Gravelle was born in Thibodaux, LA. His father was a doctor and graduated from Tulane University. In 1930 he began attending Louisiana State University, where he received his undergraduate and law degrees. While at the university he met his wife Virginia. He went to work for Stanolin Oil and Gas (later Pan American, then Amoco) in 1937 and was stationed at Lake Charles. In 1940 the company moved him to Lafayette to open an office; he worked in Anse La Butte buying leases. He continued to work land deals and was the first person to hire women landmen. At some point, he also got into the abstract business. He took early retirement in 1971; however several days later he was given a job and Cameron and continued working until about 2000. During his first interview he discusses the corruption surrounding oil and gas leases, the influx of oil people into Lafayette, and making lease deals in Anse La Butte. The follow-up interview mostly involves discussion of politics in the area and the ways in which people related to the oil and gas industry helped to build up the state's Republican Party.