In 1897, New Orleans leaders created Storyville, the infamous red light district of New Orleans. For the next twenty years, Storyville was the legal center of prostitution in the Crescent City.
The blue books were small guides that listed the 'finer' bordellos and even the individual prostitutes. The idea was likely cribbed from various other blue books which noted places and people of distinction.
My guest this week is Pamela Arceneaux, an author, senior librarian, and rare books curator at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Pamela has written a wonderful book, called the Guidebooks to Sin: the Blue Books of Storyville.
In this first of two episodes about the infamous New Orleans red light district, we discuss the creation of Storyville and the role of the blue books. We learn about the surprising contents and how they helped cement New Orleans’ reputation as an entertainment and tourist destination. We talk about the jazz and ragtime musicians who provided the musical entertainment and often began their collaboration with others.
All this and more in this episode of Beyond Bourbon Street!
You can find Pamela’s book at local booksellers, including Octavia Books, Garden District Book Shop and Maple Street Book Shop, as well as at The Historic New Orleans Collection. You can also find Guidebooks to Sin on Amazon.
Explore the Historic New Orleans Collection online and in person. They are located at 533 Royal Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.
Links and show notes for today's episode can be found at http://beyondbourbonst.com/34
Thank you to Pamela Arceneaux for sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge about Storyville and the blue books that serve as the bibliogrpahy to the sex trade during the Storyville period.
Thanks to Eli Haddow at the Historic New Orleans Collection for arranging the interview.
A special word of thanks to Sally Asher for connecting me to Pamela. Sally was a guest on episode #22, the Cemeteries of New Orleans. This is one of our most popular shows, so be sure to check it out! Sally also wrote a wonderful book that tells the stories of the people buried in The St. Louis Cemeteries of New Orleans. Find it at the local booksellers mentioned above and on Amazon.
Thanks to Kate McCreary for helping with the research into Storyville and this fascinating social experiment in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century!
Finally, thanks to you for allowing me into your ears every other week. I truly enjoy sharing this city we both love!
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Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?
Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to mark@beyondbourbonst.com
Thanks for listening!
Mark
In the last episode, we covered the history of City Park. Today, we dive into the top ten things to in the park. In addition to things to do and see, we also discuss how to get to New Orleans City Park and what you should bring with you.
We'll explore the park together. Along the way, we'll wander through the oldest grove of oak trees, and share an order (or two!) of beignets at the Morning Call. Perhaps we'll play a round of miniature golf and take in the outdoor sculpture garden as well. If you're up for it, we'll take a bike ride and learn about one of City Park's newest attractions, Big Lake.
All this and more in today's show!
NOTE: Get your pen and paper ready because you'll definitely want to take notes...
New Orleans City Park is located in the Midcity neighborhood of New Orleans and is accessible by taking the Canal St. streetcar (the red one). It is just a couple miles from the French Quarter and offers plenty of free parking.
Friends of City Park is a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the park. You can purchase annual memberships which provide free or discounted admission to many of the ticketed venues within City Park, including the annual Celebration in the Oaks.
To download a map of City Park, click here.
The two websites combined will provide all the details, history and calendars of events you need to get the most out of your visit to City Park.
If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website
In this episode I talk with John Hopper, the Chief Development Officer and Director of Public Affairs for New Orleans City Park. We dive into the history of one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
City Park in New Orleans was first envisioned as a public place in the mid-1800s, but as you'll learn, the land was first inhabited by Native Americans who found the land along Bayou Metairie suitable for their lifestyle.
It was later the site of the Allard Plantation before being purchased by John McDonogh for the purpose of giving it to the city to be used as a park.
John and I discuss the history of the park from its very beginning through present day. Along the way, you'll hear stories of duels, grand architecture, the Works Progress Administration, a Mexican sculptor with ties to Pancho Villa, and more!
If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play Music. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. You can find us on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| Website
Thanks for listening!
Mark
mark@beyondbourbonst.com
