The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-03-14
THE PARISH HALL IN ALGIERs.
Dedication Feast-The Algerines Capture the
Delegation from New Orleans.
\ Description Of the Hall and n Sketch OF Its
Hissory-A Good Time Generally.

Agreeably to O courteous invitation from Mr.. W.
H. Seymour, president of the police jury, the
representative of the CREscENT put in prompt
appearance at the new parish hall, Alsiers. There
were already congregated sundry knights OF the
quill and in their company, under the guidance OF
Mr.. Seymour, the various Offices of rooms OF the
hall were inspected. Before proceeding to any
description of the really elegant appearance now
presented by it, some little sketch OF the history OF
this time-honored edifce may be found interesting.
This building is now in its fftieth year. having
been built in 1919. Though half a century old the
walls are still stout and undecayed. 1t is built 10
the old plantation style, two stories only, with
broad gallery extending on all sides. The walls
are Of brick some Is inches in thickness; the
pillars that support the gallery and other portions
OF the structure are also of brick. Though of
such age they are still true as plummet line,
attesting the excellent material and thorough
workmanship of that day. Pierre Duverges was
the original protector and proprietor having built
il for his plantation residence. II was on the
Duyerges plantation that the Algiers (Bingaman)
race course was afterwards located. Old citizens
will recollect doubtless the bull fights that used
to take place here on Sundays and holidays, even
up to as late period as the middle OF the 40's
After the death of Pierre Duverges II was used as
a public building by the authorities Of the parish;
q portion OF the time during the COS, II we
mistake not, being used as a telegraph ofice.
Later during the war, one OF the Westerng en-
erals had his headquarters here. and since the
war it has been used as school house. Together
with four lots OF ground 1t was purchased IN 1866
by the police jury Of the right bank for some
$4,000. The old building has had rather varied
career, it would seem, having served "a chateau,
barrack, a school house and q court room.
However, now that agriculture, science and war
have had their sway, justice may claim her own.
The building has been repaired throughout, the
walls being neatly papered, new flooring put
down; the old winding stairway removed. ana
snug little office occupying its space. The work
has been done entirely by Algerines, as will be
seen from the following
Mr.. W. H. Seymour, president of police jury,
superintendent Of erection.
Mr.. Claiming chairman of improvement com
mttee.
Mr.. Geo. Herbert, carpenter and joiuer's work
Messrs. Bigou Il De Isle, plsstering.
Messrs Jumond Todguer, painting and gram
M &r. L. Grillard, furniture and upholstery.
Mr.. Jno. Strasel, gutter and tin work.
MIR. J. L. Blackenback, smith work.
The general design and arrangement OF the va
rious Offices is excellent, and the citizens of the
right bank may well be proud of their new hall
OF their old court rooms we don't think much car
be said, at least in the way OF praise. But We
can congratulate them upon their enterprise anc
good taste as shown forth In their new edihce
We observed, also. while in the trans. Mississippi
department another evidence OF Algerine go
aheadativeness. We allude to the new stree
lamps, some twenty-five in number, well located
With the food of light thus to bs let in on oul
| opposite neighbors, we presume that Dey IL
Algiers will hold perpetual sway. To day visitor
will have an opportunity of inspecting the build
ing and tomorrow the various parish officers vii
| be found therein, ready for their respective
| duties.
| After the inspection of the new hall, the guest
| partook of Algerine hospitality in the shape of
| choice and comfortable repast washed down wit
sundry libations of skillfuly concocted punch
| Toasts were drunk; among them the press, Il
which Mr.. Toy, of the Aleers Independent, re
sponded the right bank railway, responded to b.
| Gen. Labuzan; and a closing toast: Algiers
it's people and its public officers" A right merr
and social time it was, and the CRESCENT watts il
| best wishes to the town across the water.