Scoring three vintage Louisiana cypress columns for just $100 on Facebook Marketplace felt like winning the thrift lottery. Once used in the former St. Michaelโs Convent in Crowley, Louisianaโa 1902-era building that served the Sisters of Perpetual Adorationโthe columns still showcase their original white-chippy finish. Instead of risking further weathering outside by my vintage-window greenhouse, I tucked them into the awkward recesses flanking our fireplace, adding the perfect cozy cottage-farmhouse vibe to to the space.
The space on either side of our fireplace used to be one of the most difficult to decorate areas in the roomโtoo narrow for furniture but too empty to ignore. I tried styling it several ways over the years, but nothing ever felt quite right. Then I brought in the vintage cypress columns, and everything changed. They instantly transformed the space into a focal point, adding the cottage farmhouse charm I was craving along with a touch of elegance, character, and warmth. Their weathered texture and chippy white finish brought in just the right amount of visual interest without overpowering the room. Now, they blend effortlessly with both my vintage finds and newer decor pieces, tying everything together in a way that feels intentional, inviting, and beautifully unique.
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Snapshot of St. Michaelโs Convent & the Sisters Who Served
St.โฏMichaelโs Convent was built in 1902 on Block 79 in Crowley to house the teaching nuns of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (also called Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in New Orleans). Father Peter H.โฏJ.โฏVan Alfen had invited them to help establish both parish and school in the growing town. Mother MaryโฏAugustine led a group of five pioneer sisters who began teaching in 1900, launching what would become a renowned Catholic school in the region.
- 1899 โ Father Peter H. J. Van Alfen organized St. Michael Parish.
- 1900 โ Classes for St. Michael School began in a combined church/school building.
- 1902 โ A dedicated red-brick convent rose on Block 79 to house the teaching sisters.
Who were these sisters?
- They were part of a congregational tradition dedicated to teaching and Eucharistic devotion, hailing originally from New Orleans.
- The first convent’s Reverend Mother was Mother Clementine, appointed in 1902.
- With the convent established, they opened a boarding school to welcome students from rural areas, providing a curriculum parallel to top schools in Europe.
- Their educational reach expanded steadilyโby 1925 St.โฏMichael High School earned state approval, and the conventโs library was considered among the best in Louisiana.
Daily life & impact
- The sisters lived in community in the 1902 brick building, balancing classroom instruction with a life of prayer, teaching, and boarder care.
- They oversaw academic programs from pre-K through high school and fostered a sense of stability and scholarship in Crowley.
- Their presence turned St. Michael into a significant educational center; in later years, the parish continued to thrive and evolve.
While parish life flourished throughout the 20th century, the aging convent was later removed during campus improvementsโsometime in the 1980s, with salvageable elements auctioned off to benefit the school. These cypress columns sat in storage for many years and are now able to start a new chapter in my home.
Why Louisiana Cypress Still Shines
Cypress thrives in humid gulf swamps, developing a natural oilโcypresseneโthat deters insects and decay. That durability let the columns weather decades of South-Louisiana storms while the tight grain holds paint in perfectly imperfect chips.
Styling Architectural Salvage with Cottage Farmhouse Charm
Whether itโs a set of vintage columns, weathered corbels, or old porch spindles, architectural salvage pieces bring timeless character into a homeโespecially when styled with that cozy cottage farmhouse touch. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate these treasures:
1. Let the Patina Shine
Donโt feel pressured to repaint or refinish. The chippy paint, worn wood, and age marks are part of the story. A gentle clean with oil soap is often all you need.
2. Use Salvage to Fill Awkward Spaces
Large-scale pieces like columns or shutters are great for filling empty corners, flanking fireplaces, or adding height to a blank wall. Their sculptural quality creates instant architectural interest.
3. Layer with Texture
Pair salvage items with soft elementsโlike linen curtains, wicker baskets, or greeneryโto keep the look warm and balanced. For example, a column next to a cozy slipcovered chair adds contrast and charm.
4. Turn Pieces into Practical Decor
Corbels can become shelves, spindles can become towel racks, and columns can serve as plant stands or entryway anchors. Look for opportunities to blend form and function.
5. Mix Old with New
Cottage farmhouse style is all about contrast. Let your salvage pieces stand out against fresh paint, modern upholstery, or polished finishes for a look that feels curated and cozyโnot cluttered.
6. Create a Focal Point
Use a bold salvage find to ground the space. Whether behind a sofa or beside the mantel, one great piece is better than several small ones when you’re going for charm and impact.
Facebook-Marketplace Treasure Hunt Best Practices
Alert words: I set search notifications for “architectural salvage” to stay updated on new listings.
Inspection checklist: verify the piece is solid, no active rot, and intact. There’s generally no return policy for thrift finds so inspection is key!
Quick claim: Cash in hand, arrange for pick up the very same dayโvintage gems donโt stay listed long!
Pro Tip:ย Keep a running list of measurements for tricky nooks in your home; youโll know immediately whether a thrift find can work in your space.
More Shopping & Caring for Architectural Salvage Tips
Answers to Your Questions About Architectural Salvage
Is it safe to bring old salvage pieces into my home?
โYes, with a few precautions. For items with chippy paint, especially those from before 1978, it’s smart to test for lead using an at-home kit. If lead is present, seal the surface with a clear, matte polyurethane to lock in the finish while keeping the aged look.
Where can I find good architectural salvage pieces?
โCheck local salvage yards, flea markets, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and antique shops. Churches, old schools, and historic homes undergoing renovation often have incredible piecesโjust ask the owners or contractors!
How do I clean and prep old salvage items for indoor use?
โStart with a gentle scrub using warm water and mild soap or wood-safe cleaner like Murphyยฎ Oil Soap. Avoid pressure washing or sanding unless absolutely necessaryโpreserving the original patina is key to that vintage charm.
What types of salvage work best in cottage farmhouse style?
Look for columns, corbels, old doors, ceiling tins, porch spindles, and window frames. Anything with carved detail, aged wood, or chippy paint can add warmth and character to your space.
Can I cut or alter salvage pieces to make them fit my space?
โYes! Many salvage pieces can be repurposed or resizedโjust make clean cuts, reattach decorative trim carefully, and secure them well if they’re structural or load-bearing. When in doubt, consult a local carpenter.
These vintage cypress columns prove that a single Facebook-Marketplace find can infuse history, texture, and architectural charm into a newly constructed roomโwhile preserving a fragment of heritage. Have you repurposed architectural salvage in your decor? Share your photos or ideas in the comments below, or tag me @returninggrace on Instagram. Letโs keep the stories of these timeless treasures alive! Happy Thrifting y’all!
