The Republican journal., 1915-12-23
A Journey Through the South.

before the Unitarian Alliance Dec End, and
If New Orleans was called the "Fas-
cinating City" the name would not be
misapplied, for those who have travelled
far cali it the "Paris of America" Its
history is rich with romance. Its old
French quarter, said to resemble the
cities of France, and Its atmosphere of
days gone by, give it an individuality all
its own. Of all the interesting cities in
the south, New Orleans was a pleasure
we had anticipated.
We found that the residential part Of
New Orleans is called the garden dis
trict, and its southern characteristics
are all new to one from the north. One
lovely morning we took drive through
St. Charles avenue. 1t is broad,
asphalted boulevard, beautifully shaded,
the fine houses having wide verandas,
or galleries as they are called IN the
south, covered with yellow jassamine,
wisteria and roses, a sight which leaves
a lasting impression. A shrub is used
extensively which shows the highest
skill of the landscape gardener. We
saw hedges of it around these beautiful
estates cut as clean as stone fence,
with square posts at intervals and huge
bali surmounting the post, the entrance
to the grounds being through an arch
way of the same. But most unusual
sight was seen on one large lawn. The
shrub was cut in such a shape as to give
the appearance of lovely green velvet
chair. Although this was in January.
flowers were in bloom everywhere, and
the weather was like June with US, for
New Orleans is semi-tropical.
We found many delightful walks i,
this part of the city, for St. Charles
avenue and other nearby streets are
really flower gardens, with tropical
background of palms and banana trees.
The city is divided by Canal street: The
new, or modern city, is en- one side, and
the French quarter in the other. 1t Is
one of the widest streets IN any Amerl-
can city and has neutral ground in the
center on which the car tracks are laid.
This is called too pier, and gives one
sense of safety while waiting for car,
and we would presume to recommend
the idea to Broadway, Los Angeles.
which is most congested and danger
GUS thoroughfare.
Our nrst impression when walking the
city's streets was something different.
We appreciated of course that we were
in a great busting city, but when we
caught a glimpse of side streets with
their tall, weather stained, quaint old
buildings that seem to belong to some
old European city, we wondered for a
moment if we really were in America.
When one goes to the French quarter
it is better to walk, for there are so
many things to see, and so close together
you would miss much unless you took
your own time. Here we saw buildings
more than hundred years old, and all
occupied. These old Creole and French
houses are very odd, located on narrow
streets and built flush with the side
walk. Many have dark passage ways
leading from the sidewalk to large
court in the rear around which the house
is built. The architecture of these old
buildings is very fascinating. They have
large balconies with curiously wrought
iron fretwork that has almost lacy ap-
pearance, with immense arched door
ways and mullioned windows. And be
sure that you look up, too, for the white
cornices under the caves are beautifully
carved, and the tiny windows, some
round, some peaked, and some covered
with lattice work with carved stone or
wooden balustrades, are sunk into the
walls. They are SO odd and unusual that
they add much to the quaintness of the
houses.
1t would be we'll the first time you go
through narrow, old Royal street, to
take with you guide, for he would call
your attention to things that might
otherwise escape your notice. For in
Ctn ho
tunnel-llke entrances that lead to court
yards, and through the arched ways we
caught glimpses of some old wealthy
Creole families who still keep their resi-
dence in this quarter. Some seemed to
be neglected, but were still interesting
We found it very fascinating to walk
slowly along and watch the customs arc
manners of the people who live in this
French Quatre. We saw tackled upon
the corner posts the ANTICIPATED. black.
bordered, printed death announcements.
The milk vendors in their odd looking
little two-wheeled carts with two big
shining nickel cans in front, and the
woman who drives standing up ringing a
bell. Here if you make purchase in
one of these little old shops the store.
keeper offers you a gift of small value,
it being the Creole custom. There we
found many little novelty which they
claim can be found nowhere else in the
country. The supply is small and the
antiques real, for they assure you there
is no factory making New Orleans an
tiques. We wondered if that was q
reflection on US. Lovers of old books,
antiques and curios would find it hard to
tear themselves away from so many at
fractions.
Down St. Ann street we saw the
haunted house made famous by the
writings of George W. Gable, and which
they tell you is the most talked of haunt
ed house in America. In this house
Lafayette was given a splendid fete ir
1926. Napoleon's brother was also q
guest there. In 1884 the building caught
fire and people entering to extinguisf
the flames made a horrible discovery
Then the story goes on; not pleasant to
hear, but you are assured that the
haunted house is a point of interest nc
visitor can afford to miss.
On Charities street is one Of the rere
sights of Colonial New Orleans. 1t is
Spanish, red-til rooted house. known
the world over. 1t is here the annua
carnival balls are held.
One morning we went down to tn
French m 4rket, which is one of the mos
interesting places in the city. 1t is 10
Gated on the levee and all nationa litie
are represented. 1t amused us to watcl
them sell their goods. 1t would be har'
10 fon ,hnt do ,of Of fnH Ia q