Interviewer(s): J. Sell. Houma, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Mr. Christian "Buster" Olivier was recommended by Hartwell Lewis, a fellow Rotarian. He is retired, but formerly active in both local business and government. He is about 90 years old (according to another informant), still alert, active. His home is within walking distance of the municipal buildings and the Dupont department store, which he managed until 1978.

Christian Olivier was originally from New Orleans. He came to Houma in 1928 to work at a sugar mill. He also joined the Louisiana National Guard in 1928 and was a captain when his unit was activated for WWII service. He served in the European Theater for 15 months, was wounded and decorated. After his return to Houma, he worked at the sugar mill until shifting over in 1950 to manage the Dupont department store. He was elected as alderman at large for Houma, serving until 1970. One of his major efforts was to help manage the transfer of the blimp base to city-parish ownership and set up the Houma Terrebonne Airport as both airport and industrial park.