Seen through the woods, it looked like a fun joy ride. The four-wheeler's engine buzzed loudly as the vehicle maneuvered around the giant pine trees. But every now and then, the wheels would slow to a halt, and the driver would dismount to grab his papers. A giant oak had caught his eye, and the beautiful tree had to be marked on his map. The year was 1995, and the rider was John Crosby, Jr. The ride was one of many made by the developer, as he painstakingly mapped out creeks, trees, and other landmarks to create a schematic topography of the land that would become the Mandeville subdivision named The Sanctuary. Crosby's goal, and that of John L. Crosby's family-run business, was to develop a subdivision to fit the land, not to change the land to fit his development.

The progressive, environmental plan was not easy to implement, as most of the land consisted of undisturbed wetlands. And the project was temporarily put on hold, because the four parcels of land that were to make up the subdivision had no well-defined entrance. Careful planning was required, and that effort is quite evident today in the lush 1,200 acres of land - 500 acres of developed area, 700 acres of preserved wetlands.

The neighborhood demonstrates that technology and construction can coexist with the environment. The lots have setback requirements, including a minimum of 40 feet on lot sides, which gives each home a wooded, private feel. Construction techniques, such as directional boring beneath trees to run utility lines, have allowed much foliage to remain where other developers might have simply cut down trees that were "in the way." And individual lots are carefully designed to require only gentle grading for water drainage, which cuts back on otherwise necessary fill material that could harm even the hardiest of trees. Pervious materials such as limestone are used in driveways to allow for water absorption and the reduction of storm water run-off. The natural aspects of the construction certainly required additional costs, but for the Crosby's, the environmental aspect of community planning were just as instrumental as financing, zoning, or building.

"I think that most people are environmentalists, simply because we all share this planet," states John Crosby Jr. "They may not completely understand the planning that went into all of this, but they do enjoy the end result."

Undoubtedly, much of his love for the outdoors came from his father, John L. Crosby. The patriarch of the family business, Crosby is a hard-working jovial man who loves to surround himself with nature. His New Orleans home office is lined with glass that looks out to an elegant pool surrounded by manicured lawns and fountains. Adjacent to the workspace is an air-conditioned garden that Crosby built for his many flowers and garden; He and his wife, Marena, enjoy the sunset most every afternoon while looking out over their huge fountain and Bayou St. John from the backyard. And Crosby still revels at the many ducks, pelicans and purple martins that frequent the multitude of birdhouses scattered about the yard.

He built the home forty years ago for his family of seven children and his late wife, Linnette. At that time, Captain Crosby had already enjoyed a successful seagoing career starting in World War II on merchant ships. He had graduated from Fortier High School - which he calls the "Harvard of the South", the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings point, NY after which he earned the prestigious Unlimited Masters License for any ocean and any tonnage. After his seagoing career, he worked as a general stevedore superintendent and port captain. Crosby worked for years as a Port Captain. But he longed to be in business for himself, and his strong engineering background soon led him to construction.

Crosby's first venture was in Vista Park in New Orleans in 1953 where he built 25 homes followed by 75 homes in Whitney Heights and developed and built Manned Downs Addition then built many custom homes and apartment building in and around the New Orleans area and built and developed Park Timbers and many homes in Lake Forest, Park Timbers and Timberlane. The Crosby Corporation truly made a name for itself with the prominent development known as DeLimon Place in Old Metairie, once the site of the long-remembered Do Drive Inn.

As his children grew, Crosby was fortunate enough to have all of them express interest in the family company. He was adamant about raising his children with respect and a healthy work ethic. They grew up sweeping houses under construction, cutting grass in new developments, and even pounding nails into framework on jobs.

All seven children make their living in the business today. The siblings are: John L., Jr., Harry, Lisa Crosby Forshag, Thomas, Stephen, Claire Crosby DiPol, and Patrick, the baby born on St. Patrick's Day! Crosby speaks often, and quickly, about his brood, often referring to the kids by number: "Number three manages DeLimon; number six does the homes' interior design; number four has the swing vote in family discussions..." (But only one vote really counts)

But when it comes to his 19 grandchildren, Crosby is more specific. He knows each exact birthday and age. He loves to tell stories of his family's annual trips to his home in Destin - how each of his seven children's families have separate condominiums, yet all take turns cooking dinners for the family to share in Crosby's own condo. For the last two years, he took all 35 to the Caribbean, but hopes to return to Destin in 2004.

He tells one memorable story of a trip to Disney World with two of his grandsons. He sent them both off to the ice cream stand with a dollar each, and one of the kids came back crying after standing in line for just moments. When he reached his grandfather, he was wailing, "You gave him a newer dollar bill than me!."

After raising seven children, you would think Crosby has had his share of sibling rivalry. But surprisingly, he says that he never had much of a problem. He was fortunate enough to be able to give equally to each child, and he attributes much of the lack of jealousy to that rule alone.

"If I give one kid something, I give it to them all," he says. For their birthday, Christmas and graduation, they all get the same thing, dollar wise that is, even if they are one year or 25 years - same amount. "I've been exceedingly lucky with my kids. They all sort of seemed to help themselves out growing up and are all in good health. And I owe a lot to my late wife and God Almighty. Our only catastrophe in this family was the death of my late wife in 1978."

He credits the children's mother with keeping the business talk in check during family gatherings. Crosby remembers Linnette putting her foot down at dinners, never allowing business to be discussed over supper especially when it did not concern her.

It was undoubtedly a multitude of rules, values and beliefs that led to such successful children. And, though Crosby doesn't like to brag about his parenting abilities, his children's love shows through even during a monthly family business meeting.

In their prestigious office that front The Sanctuary, Crosby sits at the head of a large table, looking out over his crew. It is the June meeting, important to note because there are no birthdays this month, and there will be no cake to share. But the family does manage to heckle each other in a heartfelt manner, all the while getting through the meeting's agenda. Generally, business is discussed at the monthly board meeting, but there is a time also to share the family problems and the grandchildren.

There is much to discuss, as a new development is under way in Mandeville. It will be a high-end apartment complex on Highway 22, with a total of 274 units. The name chosen is Mandeville Lake Apartments; the company hopes to have them ready by the end of next year.

One family member is late getting to the meeting table: Claire is busy just a room away helping a couple decide on their new home's interior choices. The homeowners are Joe and Vita DiMaggio, who are designing their second Crosby-built home in The Sanctuary. No doubt they are loyal clients, but Claire gives them all the attention she would any first time homebuyer, which is a personable trait found among all the Crosby's.

"I think our success here goes back to all of us doing things firsthand," remarks John Jr. "When someone comes in to meet on their home project, they meet a Crosby."