Rockers by Roper

Cecilia – For the past five years Gerald “Roper” Huval has been perfecting the crafting of comfortable handmade cypress rockers and swings at his shop behind his home here. He built his first rocker with scrap pieces of cypress; today he uses virgin cypress.

Huval always loved woodworking and after retiring he bought woodworking tools and set up his shop complete with music and an air conditioner for those days when its too hot.

Then Huval decided to try his hand at building a miniature replica of his grandfather, Robert Huval’s home.

Beginning with a simple drawing and his memory of the old house, Huval built the replica out of virgin cypress using tiny nails and glue. Paying attention to the smallest detail, the home has miniature screen doors, a side porch and inside rooms.

His latest project is a replica of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cecilia which he will donate for their upcoming church fundraiser.

Huval was employed at Molbert’s Furniture in Breaux Bridge as a repair and installation man for more than 20 years.

After the furniture store closed he worked in the oilfield business before finally retiring. With extra time on his hands Huval started woodworking as his new hobby.

When Huval is not building rockers, swings or miniature homes you can find him taking care of his huge garden and chickens.