Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans

Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans
Author: Jeanne deLavigne
Publisher: LSU Press
Total Pages: 399
Release: 2013-10-07
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0807152935

“He struck a match to look at his watch. In the flare of the light they saw a young woman just at Pitot’s elbow—a young woman dressed all in black, with pale gold hair, and a baby sleeping on her shoulder. She glided to the edge of the bridge and stepped noiselessly off into the black waters.”—from Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans Ghosts are said to wander along the rooftops above New Orleans’ Royal Street, the dead allegedly sing sacred songs in St. Louis Cathedral, and the graveyard tomb of a wealthy madam reportedly glows bright red at night. Local lore about such supernatural sightings, as curated by Jeanne deLavigne in her classic Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans, finds the phantoms of bitter lovers, vengeful slaves, and menacing gypsies haunting nearly every corner of the city, from the streets of the French Quarter to Garden District mansions. Originally printed in 1944, all forty ghost stories and the macabre etchings of New Orleans artist Charles Richards appear in this new edition. Drawing largely on popular legend dating back to the 1800s, deLavigne provides vivid details of old New Orleans with a cast of spirits that represent the ethnic mélange of the city set amid period homes, historic neighborhoods, and forgotten taverns. Combining folklore, newspaper accounts, and deLavigne’s own voice, these phantasmal tales range from the tragic—brothers, lost at sea as children, haunt a chapel on Thomas Street in search of their mother—to graphic depictions of torture, mutilation, and death. Folklorist and foreword contributor Frank A. de Caro places the writer and her work in context for modern readers. He uncovers new information about deLavigne’s life and describes her book’s pervasive lingering influence on the Crescent City’s culture today.

Black Life in Old New Orleans

Black Life in Old New Orleans
Author: Keith Weldon Medley
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2020-11-02
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781455625512

African Americans, their city, and their past. Capturing 300 years of history and focusing on African American communities' social, cultural, and political pasts, this book captures a significant portion of the diversity that is New Orleans. Author Keith Weldon Medley's research encompasses Congo Square, Old Treme, Louis Armstrong, Fannie C. Williams, Mardi Gras, and more in this groundbreaking work. He creates a comprehensive history of New Orleans and the black experience.

Very New Orleans

Very New Orleans
Author: Diana Hollingsworth Gessler
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Total Pages: 169
Release: 2013-06-14
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 1616203005

The exquisite antebellum mansions of the Garden District. Giant oaks stretching across boulevards and back in time to before the Civil War. The decadence of Bourbon Street. The vibrant sounds of jazz, blues, and Cajun music coming from every doorway or right from the street. Lacy iron balconies that wrap around the historic buildings of the French Quarter. A leisurely meal under a canopy of wisteria. In vibrant watercolors and detailed sketches, artist Diana Gessler captures the unique charm that makes New Orleans alluring: Mardi Gras, the Cabildo, Jackson Square, the Court of the Two Sisters, St. Louis Cemetery, the Jazz Festival, the River Road Plantations, the Cajun country, sumptuous Creole cuisine, and Audubon’s Aquarium of the Americas. In fascinating detail—on everything from the making of Mardi Gras, Napolean’s death mask, the city’s inspired architectural and garden designs, and favorite author hangouts to famous New Orleanians and Aunt Sally’s Creole pralines—Very New Orleans celebrates the city, the Cajun country, the people, and our history

A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture

A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture
Author: Roulhac B. Toledano
Publisher: Pelican Publishing
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2010-02-11
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 1455610178

A study of historic architectural styles of New Orleans homes. This presentation of nineteenth-century gouache and watercolor archival paintings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives offers a glimpse at what old, renovated, restored, and new buildings in New Orleans neighborhoods not only might look like, but how they should look. Including examples of each New Orleans house type, ranging from the French colonial plantation home to the Creole cottage, this volume offers historic plans for each house along with contemporary adaptive-use alternatives to suit modern needs. An architectural pattern book, educational tool, city planner’s handbook, and stunning visual presentation, this gorgeous resource is intended for all interested in historic preservation and architectural history as well as those wishing to build a modern home in an authentic New Orleans style. Praise for A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture “An enchanting waltz through the heart of the Crescent City choreographed by the doyenne of New Orleans’ preservationists. [Toledano] presents two centuries of colored renderings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives in a stunning visual portrait of the city’s built heritage, while architect Gate Pratt’s pattern book of new homes designed in authentic styles provides an indispensable resource for rebuilding efforts. This work is destined to become the quintessential bible for historians, preservationists, architects, and all those interested in the true story of the architectural traditions that have shaped the ‘real’ New Orleans.” —Russell Versaci, AIA, traditional architect and author of Creating a New Old House and Roots of Home “For architects, builders, and developers working in the Crescent City, Roulhac B. Toledano’s A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture reveals an extraordinary new design resource. Toledano describes in detail the evolution of the city and the building types that have given the city a character unique in the world. Modern floor plans designed by local architects for historic house types demonstrate that the traditional architectural patterns of New Orleans are as accommodating today as in the past. For local practitioners and visitors wishing to build in New Orleans, Toledano’s pattern book is essential for sensitive and thoughtful design in this most exotic and precious city.” —Paul Ostergaard, AIA, Urban Design Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Beautiful Crescent

Beautiful Crescent
Author: Joan Garvey
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2012-11-05
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781455617425

A brief history for New Orleans' greatest admirers. This concise history of the Crescent City contains chapters covering the Mississippi River, the city's founding, European rule, and more, updated with expanded jazz and African American sections. It is a must for every library and home, and for those who love New Orleans and its rich history.

Fabulous New Orleans

Fabulous New Orleans
Author: Lyle Saxon
Publisher:
Total Pages: 424
Release: 1928
Genre: Carnival
ISBN:

"This book is rather like a Mardi Gras parade -- a series of impressions. Each chapter is like a decorated car which tells a story. Some of the stories are brave and courageous, others are informative, or amusing, or bizarre, or fantastic. or cruel; but they are all interlocking stories--a pageant of a city...I have not attempted to write history in its strict sense although the main events of the French, Spanish and American Dominations are outlined and several chapters on the new New Orleans have been added."-- from Introduction.

The Seamstress of New Orleans

The Seamstress of New Orleans
Author: Diane C. McPhail
Publisher: A John Scognamiglio Book
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2022-05-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1496738179

Set against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret—and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. “An undercurrent of New Orleans’s dark side propels the story, heightening the tension and supplying McPhail with a wealth of evocative details.” – Publishers Weekly The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‐female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

Topsy Turvy History of New Orleans and Ten Tiny Turtles

Topsy Turvy History of New Orleans and Ten Tiny Turtles
Author: Simone Rathlé
Publisher:
Total Pages: 35
Release: 2018-01-23
Genre:
ISBN: 9780692988770

Ten tiny turtles take you on a historical journey through New Orleans to celebrate the tri-centennial in 2018. From when the French explorers first disembarked from their tall ships, waded ashore, and established the city of New Orleans, to the city¿s topsy-turvy history of pirates and parades, battles and brass bands, colorful cuisine, a chess champ, and some very heavy weather, the turtle family of Brennan¿s restaurant has borne quiet witness from its stately courtyard. In the tradition of New Orleans¿ rich culinary history, the first five of the ten tiny turtles, the ¿Muthas,¿ have been named after the five mother sauces of classical French cuisine, which are so essential to the city¿s fare: Béchamel, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Tomate, and Velouté. The ¿Othas,¿ bear the names of five other sauces that complement signature New Orleans dishes: Bordelaise, Cocktail, Mignonette, Remoulade, and Ravigote. Here, for the first time, the present generation of ten tiny turtles ¿ nine girls and one boy ¿ reveals the vibrant evolution of the beloved city, New Orleans, and in particular, the story of one of its most iconic restaurants, Brennan¿s, in the historic French Quarter.

The French Quarter of New Orleans

The French Quarter of New Orleans
Author: Jim Fraiser
Publisher: Univ. Press of Mississippi
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2003
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 9781578065240

The author, a native of New Orleans, displays his passion for the "French Quarter" of the city in 106 color photographs highlighting Old World architecture, style, and history that has made this section of the city famous throughout the world.