Edward

Mardi Gras History: Rex, the Duke, and The Woman He Loved

by Edward February 16, 2012 History

The Grand Duke Alexi Romanov was not the only “real” royal figure who is part of the story of Rex, King of Carnival. Almost eighty years after the School of Design hosted the Grand Duke, Rex greeted another King. Well, a former King of England, that is. In 1950, His Royal Highness, Edward, Duke of Windsor, and his wife, Wallis, …

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Mardi Gras History: The Old Line Krewes

by Edward February 1, 2012 Arts & Culture

The “super-krewes” of Carnival begin their parades on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, when the Krewe of Endymion takes to the streets of New Orleans. Endymion is followed by Bacchus on Sunday, Orpheus on Monday, with Zulu and Rex on Fat Tuesday. That’s not all the parades of Carnival, though! In the weekend prior to Endymion, as well as the …

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Thumbnail image for Mardi Gras History: The Origin of the Doubloon

Mardi Gras History: The Origin of the Doubloon

by Edward January 17, 2012 Arts & Culture

The main reason why New Orleans Carnival parades are more exciting and fun than parades in other parts of the country is that the crowds are active participants. Mardi Gras parade riders don’t just stand and wave (or try to lip-sync songs), they throw stuff to you! Beads, cups, stuffed animals, plastic toys: you can catch them all at a …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: How The Battle of New Orleans Was Won

NOLA History: How The Battle of New Orleans Was Won

by Edward January 4, 2012 History

On the evening of January 7, 1815, the Ursuline sisters gathered in the church attached to their convent on Rue Chartres in the French Quarter, along with a number of local residents. They began to pray, in particular to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, that their city, New Orleans, be spared from the ravages of the British Army which was …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Christmas, Battle of New Orleans Style

NOLA History: Christmas, Battle of New Orleans Style

by Edward December 21, 2011 History

On December 16, 1814, two British officers disguised as local fishermen made their way from the lake up Bayou Bienvenue, heading towards New Orleans. They made it up to the Villere and Delaronde Plantations, plotting out a path for the British troops to move from their ships anchored in Lake Borgne inland to capture the city of New Orleans.

But …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: German Heritage and Legacy in New Orleans

NOLA History: German Heritage and Legacy in New Orleans

by Edward December 14, 2011 History

Tales of the French, Spanish and Italians coming to South Louisiana are commonplace, but Germans played an important part in the formation of New Orleans as well, including developing some of its most treasured cornerstones. We tend to think of the Germans and their beer and bratwursts only around Oktoberfest time, but they’ve been here since the days of Bienville.…

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NOLA History: Horse Racing in the Crescent City

by Edward November 24, 2011 History

Thanksgiving Day in New Orleans means turkey, oyster dressing, and all the other trimmings as we give thanks for our many different blessings. For New Orleanians who are fans of horse racing – or just fans of bloody marys during the day, big hats, and a meal prepared by someone else – Thanksgiving holds an entirely different meaning: opening day …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Legend of Pirate’s Alley

NOLA History: The Legend of Pirate’s Alley

by Edward November 9, 2011 Arts & Culture

There are two alleyways that run on either side of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ Jackson Square, connecting Rue Royale and Rue Chartres. The alley on the “Uptown” side of the cathedral (between the church and the Cabildo) was long called “The Pirate’s Alley” before that name was formalized in 1964. But were there really “pirates” in “Pirate’s Alley?”…

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Jean Lafitte the Pirate

NOLA History: Jean Lafitte the Pirate

by Edward October 26, 2011 Arts & Culture

He’s one of the most romantic figures in the history of New Orleans. Books and movies have been written about him. A National Park and the oldest rumored bar in the United States is named after the man, the pirate. There was even a ride at the old JazzLand amusement park themed for him. But who was the “real” Jean …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Neighborhoods of Uptown New Orleans

NOLA History: The Neighborhoods of Uptown New Orleans

by Edward October 12, 2011 History

New Orleans is defined by its unique parts of town. New Orleanians regularly refer to the section of the city upriver from Canal Street as “Uptown,” but that area of town is really a combination of a number of distinct neighborhoods. We hear about the Garden District and Riverbend neighborhoods all the time, but the rest of “Uptown” has a …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Flags of New Orleans

NOLA History: The Flags of New Orleans

by Edward September 28, 2011 History

Throughout history, flags have been used to mark all types of territory from castles and palaces, to cities and towns, to even sporting fields. New Orleans is no stranger to being marked as someone’s territory as it has been by many different people and places all for a different reason since 1764. The custom continues today every Jazz Fest when …

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NOLA History: New Orleans in 1812

by Edward September 14, 2011 History

Next year, 2012, is an important milestone in the history of New Orleans. 2012 marks the bicentennial of three events: Louisiana statehood, the War of 1812, and the founding of Faubourg Treme. While the city’s starring role in the war doesn’t take place until 1815, New Orleans was still of strategic importance throughout the 19th Century. In preparation for the …

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Thumbnail image for Harvest the Music: Fighting Hunger With Concerts in New Orleans

Harvest the Music: Fighting Hunger With Concerts in New Orleans

by Edward September 13, 2011 Arts & Culture

It’s not hard to get New Orleanians to go to a live music event. With over a hundred live music venues in the metro area, as well as festivals, fairs, and other seasonal events, there’s always music in the air. When that music is combined with a worthy cause, it’s even sweeter.

Harvest The Music is a worthy cause with …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Hotel Monteleone’s 125 Years of Literary Legacy

NOLA History: Hotel Monteleone’s 125 Years of Literary Legacy

by Edward August 31, 2011 Arts & Culture

The Hotel Monteleone is a French Quarter landmark celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Its unmistakeable sign, the Carousel Bar and rooftop pool explain why it’s one of the premier destination hotels for tourists and professionals, and it has a rich history behind it making it the beacon of hospitality it has become. The hotel is a great example of …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Bonnet Carre’ Spillway

NOLA History: The Bonnet Carre’ Spillway

by Edward August 17, 2011 History

Every few years, heavy spring thaws in the north combine with showers and storms to create high-water conditions along the Mississippi River. Experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitor measurement gauges placed up and down the river to know when the floodways should be opened. When the “Carrollton Gauge,” which marks the height of the river near Uptown …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Pontalba Apartment Buildings At Jackson Square

NOLA History: The Pontalba Apartment Buildings At Jackson Square

by Edward August 3, 2011 Arts & Culture

One of the the largest green spaces in the New Orleans French Quarter is Jackson Square, making it a great place to walk in and around and take advantage of the shade from its trees, which is especially great for keeping cool in the summer. It is a beacon of culture and history in New Orleans and a living …

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