Interviewer: Jacob Campbell

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Melvin was first interviewed in 2001 for the History II study, as EB046. We met at his home on the north side of Houma – his wife sat in on the interview, and made several comments. They were happy to receive a cd containing materials from the previous project. Mr. Blanchard retired from Marathon in 1986, and has chosen to distance himself from the oil industry – saying he cares not to follow very closely what happens offshore now. He is pleased that Houma has a diversified economy (health industry) and should be better prepared for swings in oil prices.

Melvin was born in 1930, in Harvey LA. His family moved to Houma when he was 1 year old – his father and uncle purchased farmland in the area. Choosing the oil patch over farming, Melvin started as a roustabout in the Beaumont area, steadily advancing through his career to roughneck, driller, pusher and finally drilling foreman in 1979 – working mainly for Marathon on rigs between Cameron and Venice. He was let go by Marathon during the mid-80’s downturn.