Interviewer: Jacob Campbell

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Mr. Porche was referred by Peanut Crochet during the History II study, but had refused to be interviewed at that time. With some persistence, he agreed to meet at his house in east Houma, where his wife served me coffee. She also made several comments during the interview. Mr. Porche spent his entire career with Texaco, and continues to keep up with his friends from the company, such as Burleigh Ruiz, who he insisted I talk to. Otherwise, he fishes and volunteers with the church since his retirement.

Mr. Porche was born in 1931, on Bourg Lane in Houma. His daddy worked with Texaco, based out of Montegut, for his whole career. Mr. Porche fought in Korea, in the Army, then spent four years in the National Guard. In 1955, he started working for Texaco as a laborer, rolling pipe. By 1959, he was the lead man on a pile driving and construction crew, which he did until retiring in 1990. Notably, he mentioned that because of the creosote on the pilings his crew handled, which was toxic and carcinogous, they “were like snakes, shedding their skin every 7 days”. A man from Morgan City developed a lotion which helped somewhat, but his job always involved harm to the skin. Many people couldn’t handle it and quit, but he never did.

Summary

Born in 1931, in Houma; lived in Houma his whole life. His was a Texaco family – father, brothers, himself. Fought in Korea, then National Guard until 1954. In ’55, started with Texaco, pipe roustabout. By ’59, lead man on pile driving crew. Worked in this division until retirement in 1990.

Noted that in early 60s, restrictions on pollutants and sewage became strict. Less and less could go overboard into water through career. Discussed Texaco as being family oriented, with family hires; but relatives couldn’t work on same job, fighting favoritism. Texaco loved by people in Houma; but had to work hard for them. Noted that higher pressure offshore required better equipment, new technologies. As inshore began to deplete in 80s, big push offshore by all companies. Texaco hit hard by Pennzoil lawsuit in 80s, then merger with Chevron. People left Houma in droves. In 90s, Falcon Drilling had “roustabout school” on dry rig in Houma to train basic hands – all good hands gone, only “dregs” left. Noted service industry strong after 80s, but majors are out of area. Discussed improved wages for oilfield work over his career.