our legacy
The Legacy of
Percy J. Fontenot
In 1960, Percy J. Fontenot was a visionary who began purchasing small parcels of land from Frank “Cazan” Fontenot, better known as “Mr. Cazan”, the sheriff of Evangeline Parish. Decades later and with the support of his wife Elsie, Percy continued to purchase parcels of land acquiring approximately 4,000 acres of property from Mr. Cazan known today as PJF Farm & Lodge.
In the beginning, most of the land at PJF Farm was woodland.
Percy, alongside his right-hand man, John Lartique, began clearing the land for farming. Today, approximately 1,400 acres are used for the production and harvesting of rice and crawfish. The remainder is being developed for conservation and recreation.
Percy’s beloved wife Elsie was instrumental in the success of her husband’s dreams.
Percy’s entrepreneurial spirit began as a young teenager selling flying squirrels, frogs, and agriculture supplies within their community and throughout the state. Percy and Elsie also managed a chicken hatchery and a general merchandise/grocery store. They were entrepreneurs as well as civic-minded individuals whose passion was to improve the communities they served, always looking for ways that added value to the lives of others.
For a man with a high school degree, Percy was one of the most successful business leaders in Evangeline Parish.
His career included work within the industries of banking, finance, insurance, real estate, and natural gas. Percy’s exit plan was to retire at PJF Farm where he continued to develop the property for farming and recreation in an effort to share this paradise in disguise. His dream was fulfilled when he closed his eyes at 90 years of age on January 2, 2011. His wife, Elsie preceded him after an eight-year battle in the Spring of 1985.
PJF Farm & Lodge continues to
embrace the vision and legacy of
Percy and Elsie Fontenot
Anita M. Fontenot and her son Douglas C. Frugé II are the second and third-generation farmers and managers of PJF Farm. Today, rice and crawfish production continues to prosper. Approximately 2,500 acres have been designated for hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and retreats. PJF Farm is home to spectacular seasonal wildlife communities associated with three major ecosystems, six individual habitat types, and one of the largest mixed wading bird rookeries in the state of Louisiana. You can experience PJF Farm by reserving our Lodge and spend time getting back to nature in Evangeline Parish.