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PONTALBA HAUTE HOSTS LADIES FOR LIBERTY ROC PAUL$450 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012VOL. 27, NO. 6
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The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes.
Publisher Lori Murphy
Associate Publisher Poki Hampton Editor Jan Murphy Art Director Brad Growden Managing Editor Stephen Faure Editorial Assistant Lauren Smith Contributors are featured on page 16.
Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck Will Dwyer Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Intern Alexandra Wimley
For advertising information
phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email [email protected]
Please send items for Inside Scoop to [email protected].
Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to [email protected]. Submit items for Inside Input
or Dining Guide to [email protected].
Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email [email protected]
On the cover Artist Carol Hallock
INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy right 2012 by M and L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.
November-December 2012 Vol. 27, No. 6
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November-December 2012 9
table ofcontents 18 En Plein Kayak Cover artist Carol Hallock.
38 Old and New The Barnett Tchefuncta home.
46 Pontalba Americas oldest apartment buildings.
56 Bouquets of Sunshine St. Timothys Flower Ministry.
60 Winter Wonderland Amelia Dalseress Christmas village.
64 Charles Emery Cate The engine that drove Hammonds prosperity.
74 Roc Paul A journey through art and life.
82 50 Years of Growth The East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.
92 Haute Times with Haute Hosts Secrets of great parties.
102 Slidell Ladies for Liberty Supporting the troops.
12 Publishers Note
14 Inside Input
16 Contributors
22 Inside Scoop
36 IN Better Health Bristie Smith.
86 IN the Arts Holiday happenings.
99 Insider Haydee Ellis.
100 Mens Jewelry
108 Worthy Cause East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity.
115 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.
120 IN Good Company Ashton Noel, Richard LaNasa and Paul Spansel of NOLA Lending Group, LLC.
124 Inside Look Glitz and Glamour.
132 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings.
134 IN the Spotlight Couture for a Cause.
136 IN the Spotlight Lee Financial Partners.
137 Inside Peek
142 IN the Spotlight Honoring IN cover artist James Michalopoulos and the artists of the Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2012.
146 Northshore Living Bedico Creek.
154 IN Great Taste Culinary Kids, Martin Wine Cellar, Pinkberry.
155 Inside Dining
161 Ad Directory
162 Last Bite Cayman Sinclair of The Lakehouse.
profiles112 Louisiana Heart Hospital
153 Planet Kids Academy
page 74
page 64
features
departments
page 38
page 124
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Clear the mechanism
I am a huge fan of the baseball movie For the Love of the Game
with Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston. In it, memories flood the mind
of Costners character over the course of his last game in the majors.
On the pitching mound, as he pitches a no-hitter, everything slows
down, allowing him to focus on what matters. He calls it clearing the
mechanism.
I have discovered a beautiful place to do the same in my life. Or
perhaps I should say re-discovered. Walking the Mandeville lakefront
with water lapping against the seawall and a breeze blowing is perfect
for slowing everything downa wonderful respite, as rejuvenating as a
massage or a good nap.
When my daughters were young, I took them to the little playground
at the western edge of the lakefront park to swing and go down the slide.
We would stroll just over two miles along the water from the playground
to the marina and back. Unfortunately, I got out of the habit.
They say it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to establish
a habit. I am working on re-establishing this one. Ive even gone down the
slide again. Wish me luck!
p.s. Happy holidays from all of us here at Inside Northside! My holiday wish for
you is that you find your own special way to clear the mechanism during the
hectic days ahead.
by Lori Murphy
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Regarding Steve Faures fascinating
article on St. Louis Cathedral: The Jewel
of New Orleans [IN, Sept.-Oct.], I would
like to mention that the acclaimed 19th
century architect who designed the
Cathedral in its present form, Jacques de
Pouilly, was my great-great-grand uncle.
His younger brother, Alexandre Marcel de
Pouilly, was my great-great-grandfather.
Jacques de Pouilly was also noted for
the design of St. Augustine Church, many
if not most French Quarter buildings and
residences, the creation of Exchange Alley
as a convenient path to the Cathedral for
Vieux Carre residents and many elaborate
tombs in the citys cemeteries. Many thanks
for the story and accompanying photos.
Jan Lugenbuhl
Mandeville
Jan,
Thank you for the kind
words. Its great to hear from
someone who has a direct
connection with de Pouilly.
- Steve
putIN
Editors note: The following comment was
made online at insidenorthside.com.
Barbara,
The article Coastal Chic [IN, Sept.-Oct.]
is eye catchingcleverly arranged content
and very well composed. While working on
it with the Inside Northside team, I felt as
if I was part of your family. It was a truly
wonderful experience! Im impressed all
the way around. I must say, my house and I
have never looked so good!
Eva Michelle Trader
Izabellas Villa
Eva,
Were glad you are pleased with
the article. Your home was picture
perfect! Working in close
partnership with our clients is
always very important to us.
You made it easy!
- Barbara
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Dear Lori,
Heart of Fashion was a fabulous
celebrationand obviously for a great
cause!
Everything about it was fun
including putting my 10 favorite things
together and having people bid on it, plus
my winning someone elses basket.
I was so happy to be involved in
this effort to support the advancement of
pediatric care at St. Tammany Hospital. This
is incredibly important for me, for other
parents and for all who appreciate the
quality of life we enjoy on the northshore.
Thanks to the hospital, Saks, Inside
Northside and everyone else who helped
make Heart of Fashion a success on all
levels.
Beverly McQuaid
Beverly,
Congratulations on being one of
the lucky bidders!
We are so grateful to you and the
other northshore notables who put
together their 10 favorite things for
the auctionand, of course, for those
who bid on them. Heart of Fashion
was a rousing success again this year
only because of the dedicated effort of
many, many people like you.
- Lori
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Karen Gibbs
Proud mother of three grown daughters,
Karen Gibbs lives on the northshore
with her husband, Mike, and her mom,
Jackie. A frequent contributor to Inside
Northside, she tremendously enjoyed
writing this issues article on Charles Emery Cate (see page 64). Of
particular interest was the handwritten 1873 diary of Cates wife,
Mertie. I was especially drawn into Merties life while studying
the diary. She was tenderhearted yet unbelievably strong and
resilient, the perfect wife for her visionary husband.
Contributors: Kaley Boudreaux and Alice Riley.
Contributors
Lauren Smith
Northshore native Lauren Smith
followed up high school at
Fontainebleau in Mandeville by
completing her bachelors and masters
degrees in journalism from Ole Miss
(Hotty Toddy!). Having previously interned with IN, she was
excited when an editorial position became available. Though she
misses Oxford and having four distinct seasons, Lauren wanted
to return to her native Louisiana because there just isnt anything
quite like it! Her long-time boyfriend, Kevin, proposed in April
and they are currently planning their wedding and building a new
home together in Mandeville.
Amanda M. Westbrooks
Raised in Baton Rouge by Midwestern
parents, Amanda Westbrooks attended
cooking classes in New Orleans to learn
how to make proper jambalaya before
running off to Chicago. By turns frozen
and tempered in the Windy City for more than a decade, Amanda
has written for companies like The Pampered Chef; her work
has appeared in Custom Homes magazine and the now-defunct
Restaurants & Institutions. For the past six years, shes been
happily employed as the online editor for Restaurant Business
magazine. Having recently returned home to thaw out, Amanda
now lives on the northshore and spends her free time exploring
the restaurant and bar scene here and across the country and
yammering about it on her blog: FromTheDrink.com.
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18 INsIDe NorthsIDe
THE PICTURESQUE BAYOUS, swamps and marshes
of South Louisiana attract all sorts of visitors, from
ecotourists arriving from Europe to local residents
taking a day trip in their own back yard. For those
who cant make the trip, there are artists like Carol
Hallock who call the swamps and marshes home and
make their living capturing and sharing the areas
scenic beauty.
Carol and her husband, Jim, live in a home
perched high on stilts. Its on a canal that connects
with Bayou Lacombe in the little town that shares its
name with the waterway. Reaching Bayou Lacombe
by boat in an area surrounded by a national wildlife
management area, Carol can turn left, upstream
toward the cypress swamps and pine forests, or turn
right, down toward the marshes lining the shores of
Lake Pontchartrain. Both environments are rich with
opportunities for the naturalist painter.
While she has painted a variety of subjects
portraits, still lifes, New Orleans street scenes and,
most famously for IN, garden scenes dominated by
lush, colorful banana leaves such as those appearing
on her May/June 2006 coverCarols been spending
a lot of time lately in the marsh and swamps. In a
novel twist that puts her right in the middle of her
subject matter, she has been paddling out with her
paints, brushes and canvasses, painting en plein air in
her kayak.
Its very, very peaceful, Carol says. She started
a few years ago, after noticing her neighbor across
the canal paddling around. I said, Can I borrow
your kayak to see if its as nice as it looks before I buy
one? It was just as nice as it looked. So, I get in my
kayak and find a scene to paint.
While she may find kayaking peaceful and
relaxing, its not without the hazards commonly
found in the swamps and marshes, especially during
summertime. Usually, I butt myself up into some land
so Ill be steady. But there are a lot of alligators out there
now; I may start bringing an anchor and staying in the
middle instead of near the shore. In the winter time,
of course, you dont worry about it, Carol says, as the
gator population is either sluggish or in hibernation.
Recently, Carols been on a pelican painting
kick, which follows a long infatuation with an egret
called Geraldine. Actually, several egrets named
En Plein KayakCover Artist Carol Hallock
by Stephen Faure
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November-December 2012 19
Meet cover artist
Carol Hallockand see some of her
favorite works on display at
Rug Chic4240 Highway 22
Mandeville, LA
Thursday,Nov. 15, 2012
5:30-7:00 p.m.
For more information, call
626-9684
Everyones Invited!
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Geraldine. When we moved here,
egrets were everywhere, and my mom
[her retired parents live a few doors
down] names everything. Penelope is
the squirrel; lizards are Albert; Charlie
is the blue heron; and all the egrets are
Geraldine. The egrets are beautiful and
very peaceful. I dont do as many as I
would like because they all tend to have
the same pose and the same setting.
I tend to wait for a little inspiration,
because I want to make them all
different.
Her swamp- and marshscapes sell
well, but she maintains a fondness for
doing figurative work. I like to do
people, because their posture can tell
a story, Carol says. Its a trait she is
adept at displaying in her work with
animals, as well. She points to a picture
with her husband, Jim, taking a fish
off a hook with a very interested dog
in the background. This is Cookie,
who died recently. Jim would always
fish in the boathouse, and shed go
fishing with him. Notice shes looking
at the fish, not him. She loved, loved,
loved fishing. Shed watch that cork go
down, and if the cork didnt go down,
shed paw at him!
Plug, plug, plugWhile shes been a professional
artist for the past 15 years, for much of
that time she kept working a regular
job. When she appeared in IN in 2006,
Carol had a part-time job. Since then,
Carols been able to work full-time as
an artist. Her secret to success? Its
plug, plug, plug.
Thats what she advises artists just
starting out to do. Plug, plug, plugjust
keep goingand it gets stronger every
year. It just takes time. Produce and
promote. Nobody else is going to do it
for you. If you keep plugging and people
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see your stuff, it will start happening.
I love to paint, but when youre
painting regularly there are other
motivations. One is money. If Im low
on inventory, Ill paint every day. But
truly, Im in the art mode 24/7. If
Im not thinking about painting, Im
thinking about the business side of it. I
say all of my paintings have a job. Their
job is to be sold, Carol says, laughing.
Loving LacombeBayou Lacombe, its waters and
its wild denizens inspire Carol, but
so does the town itself. Looking at
a picture shed painted of a pair of
massive oaks standing on Main Street,
she says, Lacombe is still kind of
undomesticated; its got all the beautiful
trees and water. We like that.
Her house up on stilts is a necessity,
as, Carol says, We flood at the drop of
a hat. But theyre used to it. Its a small
price to pay to be in the middle of such
abundant subject matter that is either a
paddle or a short drive away.
The pelicans Carols started taking
an interest in (which, interestingly, her
mom has never namedthey arent
around the house and not as much
a part of everyday life, Carol says)
congregate on the shore at the end of
Lake Road, just a few minutes from
her house. With the birds, the lake and
extensive marsh, it is a favorite place
for her to paint. It changes color all
day long, Carol says. And thats a
wonderful thing to share.
Carol will be exhibiting her work at
the Three Rivers Art Festival on Nov. 10-11
in Covington. Her work is also available
through her website, carolhallock.com; in
New Orleans at the Jean Bragg Gallery of
Southern Art, 600 Julia St.; at Sofas and
Chairs, 4116 Canal St.; and in Baton Rouge
at Elizabethan Gallery.
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22 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Y 1 Breastfeeding Support Group. Breastfeeding your child. STPH Parenting Center,
1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. Noon-
1pm. Free. 898-4435. stph.org.
1 Les Toussaints les Lumieres des
Mortes: All Saints, the Lights of the Dead.
All Saints Day tradition: blessings of graves and
candle lighting ceremony. Various cemeteries in
Lacombe. Call for locations and times. Lacombe
Heritage Center, 882-7218.
1 Preparing for Childbirth Class. Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd.,
Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. Call to register,
1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
1-3 Specters, Saints and Spirits. NOMA
Art Exhibition. St. Tammany Art Association Art
House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Special
event Nov. 2. Th- Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-
4pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.
org.
1-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the
Month. Fontainebleau H.S. Photo Club.
Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App.
Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. 626-3144.
1-Sep 2013 Newcomb Pottery Exhibit. The
Palm, the Pine, and the Cypress. Louisiana State
Museum. Madame Johns Legacy, 632 Dumaine
St., New Orleans. Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. Free.
(504) 568-6968. crt.state.la.us.
Y 1, 8, 15, 29 New Baby Support Group. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste.
B, Covington. 11:15am-Noon. Free. 898-4435.
stph.org.
INSIDE
the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment
November 1-Dec. 1. Accidental Artist. Exhibit showcasing the works of late-in-life artists
Milo Stephens, Mickey Asche, Kelly Landrum-
Hammell, Kenny Bridges and Keith Dellsperger.
Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second
St. Wed-Fri, Noon-4pm. Sat, Dec. 1 9am-1pm.
Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.
2 Girl Scouts Centennial Luncheon and
Women of Distinction Awards. Speaker
Jenna Bush Hager. New Orleans. $100; $150
for luncheon and reception. Cerise McClendon,
800-644-7571.
2 Painting With a Purpose. Fundraiser for
Camellia City Bark Park. Painting With a Twist,
2132 Gause Boulevard E., Slidell. 7pm. $45.
641-6433.
2-3 LeadHer Live. Northlake Christian
10-11 Three Rivers Art Festival. Featuring 200 artists
from more than 25 states in a juried show of original works.
Downtown Covington. 10am-5pm. Three Rivers Run 5K and
1-mile races on Sat. Free. 327-9797. threeriversartfestival.com.
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School, 70104 Wolverine Drive,
Covington. 7pm. Free. Haelie
Heard, (318) 918-8417.
leadher.org/about-events.
2-4 Ponchatoula Trade Days.
Antiques and collectibles booths,
fine arts and crafts, food and live
music. Downtown Ponchatoula.
9am-5pm. Free. Mary Scandurro,
386-0026.
2-4 Pontchartrain Film
Festival. Slidell Little Theatre,
2024 Nellie Drive. $5 per showing
or $25 for all showings. 326-6822.
PontchartrainFilmFestival.com.
2-18 Bell, Book and Candle.
A romantic comedy. Playmakers
Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd.,
Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sunday,
2pm (except Nov. 4). Adults,
$15; students, $10. 893-1671.
playmakersinc.com.
2, 24, 30 Parents Night Out!
Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway
App., Mandeville. 6-9pm. $30 per
child. Reservations required. 727-
5553. culinarykidsns.com.
Y 3 Baby Chat for Siblings. Ages 3 and up with parent.
St. Tammany Parish Hospital,
Covington. 10am-noon. Free. 898-
4083. stph.org.
3 Breast Feeding Class.
Lakeview Regional Medical Centers
Magnolia Room, 95 Judge Tanner
Blvd., Covington. 2-4pm. Free.
1-866-4LAKEVIEW to register.
3-28 Covington Farmers
Market. Wed and Sat; Wed,
Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New
Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat,
609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon.
Free. 892-1873.
3-Jan 5 Juried Watercolor
Show. Louisiana Watercolor
Society. Christwood Retirement
Community Atrium, 100
Christwood Blvd., Covington.
9am-5pm. Free. 554-1015.
louisianawatercolorsociety.org.
3, 10, 17, 24 Mandeville
Trailhead Community
Market. 675 Lafitte St.,
Mandeville. Sat., 9am-1pm. Free.
mandevilletrailhead.org.
3, 10, 17, 24 Camellia City
Market. Robert and Front Sts.,
Slidell. Sat., 8am-noon. Free.
camelliacitymarket.org.
Y 3, 17 New Family Center Open House. Tour facility and
meet staff. STPH Family Center,
1202 S. Tyler St., Covington. 10am-
noon. Free. stph.org.
4 Celebrate the Legend:
Ronnie Kole. Sunday brunch
honoring Ronnie Kole with induction
ceremony into the Louisiana Music
Hall of Fame. Slidell Municipal
Auditorium, 2056 Second St. 1:30-
3:30pm. $40. Tickets available at
lmhof.org.
4 Northshore Literary Society.
Featuring Virginia Howard. St.
Johns Coffee House, 535 E.
Boston St., Covington. 4-6pm. 893-
5553. northshoreliterarysociety.com.
4 St. Pauls Open House. St. Pauls
Gene Bennett Sports Complex, 917
S. Jahncke Ave., Covington. 1pm.
892-3200. stpauls.com.
4 St. Scholastica Academy
Open House. 122 Massachusetts
St., Covington. Sign-in, 12:30pm;
open house, 1-3pm. 892-2540, ext.
132 or [email protected].
4 Sunset Sundays. Terrence
Simien and the Zydeco Experience.
Mandeville Trailhead, 675
Lafitte St. 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Mandevilletrailhead.org.
4, 11, 18, 25 Carpentry
Class. Primitive woodworking
demonstrations. Otis House
Museum, 119 Fairview Dr.,
Madisonville. 1-3pm. Free, with $1
park admission; 62 and up and
children under 3, free. 792-4652.
5 Home Computer Security
Class. St. Tammany Parish Library, >>
november-december 2012 23
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24 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Inside Scoop
Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Blvd. 9am-5pm; arrive
at 8:45am. Free. Register at lajacc.org/training or
1-888-487-2700.
Y 5, 12 Children in the Middle. Simultaneous two-night sessions for divorcing parents and their
children. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida
St., Ste. B, Covington. 7-9pm. Adults, $35/
person, $45/couple; members, $30/person, $40/
couple. Childrens series: $10/child (max $20/
family). 898-4435. stph.org.
5, 12, 19, 26 Cooking Class for Kids!
Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway App.,
Mandeville. 5:15-7:15pm. $25 drop-in, $75/
month. Reservations required. 727-5553.
culinarykidsns.com.
5, 12, 19, 26 Microderm Mondays. Azure
Spa, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.
Limited appointments available. $69. 727-7676.
5, 12, 19, 26 Mommy and Me! Culinary Kids,
3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 10-11am.
$25 drop-in, $75/month. Reservations required.
727-5553. culinarykidsns.com.
Y 6, 13, 27 Play and Learn. Parents/caregivers and children 16 months to 4 years. STPH
Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. 9:30-10:15am. Members, $15/month;
nonmembers, $24/month. 898-4435. stph.org.
7 Opera on Tap. New Orleans Opera
Association. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly Street,
Abita Springs. 7pm. Reservations recommended.
892-5837. neworleansopera.org.
Y 7, 14, 21, 28 Bereavement Counseling. Hospice of STPH, 725 W 11th Ave., Covington.
10am. Free. 871-5746. stph.org.
7, 14, 21, 28 Botox Wednesdays. Dr.
Kelly Burkenstocks SkinBodyHealth, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited
appointments available. $265/area, $665/whole
face. 727-7676.
7, 21 Total Joint Replacement. Class
conducted by a physical therapist. Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd.,
Covington. 1-2pm. Free. 1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
8 Free Child Safety Seat Inspections.
STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida Street,
Ste. B, Covington. 9am-noon. Karen Supan, 898-
4435. stph.org.
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november-december 2012 25
8 Ribbon Cutting. Oil and Vinegar, 611
Pinnacle Pkwy., Covington. 11am. 809-1693.
oilandvinegarusa.com.
8 St. Tammany Photographic Society
Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association Art
House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm.
892-8650. stphotosociety.org.
8 Upper School Open House. Christ
Episcopal School Gym, 80 Christwood
Blvd., Covington. 7pm. 871-9902.
christepiscopalschool.org.
8, 9 Adobe Acrobat Class. St. Tammany
Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 West 21st
Ave. 9am-5pm; arrive at 8:45am. Free. Register
at lajacc.org/training or 1-888-487-2700.
8-11 History and Heritage. Behind the scenes
at The National WWII Museum and tour points of
interest in New Orleans. National WWII Museum,
945 Magazine St., New Orleans. 1-877-813-
3329, ext. 257. ww2museumtours.org.
8, 15, 22 Lamaze Childbirth Class.
Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge
Tanner Blvd., Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. Call
to register, 1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
Y 8, 15, 29 Cuddle Buddies. Parents/caregivers and infants 8-15 months. STPH
Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. 10:30-11am. $12/month; members,
$6. 898-4435. stph.org.
9 Envision Our Library. Informational meeting
sponsored by the St. Tammany Library Foundation.
602 Yupon Place, Mandeville. 11am-1:30pm. 845-
8727. sttammanylibraryfoundation.org.
9 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon.
Vintage Court, 75082 Hwy. 25, Covington.
10am. Reservations required. 792-4926.
9 Symphonic Brass Concert. Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra Brass. First Baptist
Church Covington, 16333 Hwy. 1085. 7:30pm.
$20-$37. (504) 523-6530. tickets.lpomusic.com.
9, 10 Kids Shopping Day. Let your daughter
make her Christmas wish list. Blossom Girl, 22 St.
Ann Dr. No 1, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat,
10am-5pm. 626-6280.
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26 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
9-11 Oil and Vinegar Grand Opening.
Special deals every day. 611 Pinnacle Pkwy.,
Covington. Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, noon-6pm.
809-1693. oilandvinegarusa.com.
9, 16 Corks and Cooking for Adults!
Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway App.,
Mandeville. 6:45-8:30pm. $49/person.
Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
Y 10 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents. Techniques and strategies to enhance parenting skills. STPH
Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. 9:30am-10:15am. $25/memebers,
$35 non-members; $15 addl for spouse.
Includes book. 898-4435. stph.org.
10 Cajun Dance. Dance lessons, live Cajun
music, food and drinks for sale. Abita Springs
Town Hall, 22161 Level St. 7pm. Free. (504)
583-8603.
10 Family Dinner Night! Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 5-6:30pm.
$12/person. Reservations required. 727-5553.
culinarykidsns.com.
10 Fleur-de-Fall. Auction for Mary, Queen of
Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway
App., Mandeville. 7pm. Tickets 1/$50; 3/$100;
8/$200. maryqueenofpeace.org.
10 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street in
Old Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340.
madisonvilleartmarket.com.
10 Sibling Class. For children ages 3-12.
Includes a tour of Labor and Delivery. Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd.,
Covington. 10am-2pm. Free. Call to register,
1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
10 Unleashed! Moonlight Gala. St.
Tammany Humane Society Fundraiser. Music,
food, silent auction, dog adoption and more.
Castine Center. 7-11pm. $100. sthumane.org.
10-11 Three Rivers Art Festival. Featuring
200 artists from more than 25 states in a
juried show of original works. Downtown
Covington. 10am-5pm. Three Rivers Run 5K
and 1-mile races on Sat. Free. 327-9797.
threeriversartfestival.com.
10-30 Crazy Eights. STAA member show.
St. Tammany Art Association Art House, 320
N. Columbia St., Covington. Tue-Fri, 10am-
4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. Free. 892-8650.
sttammanyartassociation.org.
10, 17 Hammond Farmers/Crafts
Market. W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave.,
Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-
5680. dddhammond.com.
10, 30 Rick Samson. Live at K. Gees
Restaurant and Oyster Bar. 2534 Florida St.,
Mandeville. 626-0530.
11 Sunset Sundays. Evening concert.
Sgt. Pepper Beatles Tribute. Mandeville
Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Mandevilletrailhead.org.
12 Holy Ghost School Golf Tournament.
Carter Plantation. $100/player; $400/team; gold
sponsors, addl $100. 345-0977.
12-17 Silver Plums Customer Appreciate
Week. Free Kids Craft on Sat. Silver Plum & 1,2
Buckle My Show, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville.
674-4343.
Inside Scoop
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13 NAMI St. Tammany Family to Family
Support Group. Pastoral Conference Center
of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 69090 Hwy.
190 E. Service Rd., Covington. 7-9pm. Free.
Martha Benson, 626-6372.
14 Bon Operatit! Puccini Bar at Four Points
By Sheraton (formerly The Inn on Bourbon),
541 Bourbon St., New Orleans. 7-9pm. Free.
bonoperatit.com.
Y 14 Helping Children Through Grief. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste.
B, Covington. 6-7:30pm. $10; members, free.
898-4435. stph.org.
14-16 Francos Holiday Market. Open to
the public. Fashions, home dcor, accessories
and gift vendors. Francos, 100 Bon Temps
Roule, Mandeville. 792-0270. myfrancos.com.
15 Chamber after Hours. Networking.
Hosted by the Villas at Carter Plantation and
Organize and Redesign. 5:30-7pm. Ponchatoula
Chamber of Commerce, 386-2536.
15 NAMI St. Tammany Family to Family
Support Group. North Oaks Health System,
E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, Rm. B,
15790 Paul Vega, MD, Dr., Hammond. 7-9pm.
Free. Martha Benson, 626-6372.
15 Philanthropy Day Luncheon. AFP
Greater Northshore Chapter; speaker Jim
Henderson. Benedicts Plantation, 1144
N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 11:30am-
1:30pm. $40. Alison Greffenius, agreffenius@
christepiscopalschool.org.
16 Concerts in the Courtyard. Jayna Morgan
& the Sazerac Sunrise Jazz Band. The Historic
New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., New
Orleans. 6-8pm. $10; members, free. hnoc.org.
16 Home is Where the Art Is. Gala art auction
and 20th anniversary celebration for East St.
Tammany Habitat for Humanity. Dinner, open bar
and live entertainment. Northshore Harbor Center,
100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. 7:30-10:30pm.
$50/person, $75/couple. 639-0656. esthfh.org.
16 Nutcracker Tea. Cast members from Ballet
Apetreis The Nutcracker serve and entertain
patrons. Viannes Tea House, 544 Girod St.,
Mandeville. 624-3622 or [email protected] for
more information.
17 Abita Opry. Tenth anniversary show. Abita
Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. 7-9pm. $18.
Kathy Armand, 892-0711. abitaopry.org.
17 An Intro to Oils and Vinegars. With
Pemmie Sheasby of Oil and Vinegar. Culinary
Kids, 3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville.
6-7pm. $30/person. Reservations required. 727-
5553 or culinarykidsns.com.
17 Brain Injury Connections. STPH
Conference Center 1202 S. Tyler Street
Covington. 9:30am. Ann T. Mejia, 640-0498.
stph.org.
17 Holland Grill Demonstration. Outdoor
Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy. 190, Covington.
9am-5pm. Free. 893-8008.
17 Santa Arrives. Center Court, Northshore
Square Mall, 150 North Shore Blvd., Slidell. 646-
0661. northshoresquareonline.com.
17 Thanksgiving Servolution. Churches
partner with community civic organizations,
student groups and volunteers to distribute aid in
the Hammond area. 543-0600. >>
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28 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Y 19, 20 Safe Sitter-Babysitting Training. 2-day program. STPH Parenting Center, 1505
N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 19, 9am-4pm;
20, 9am-4:30pm. Members, $70; non-members,
$80. 898-4435. stph.org.
19-21 Holiday Camp. Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 9am-3pm
(extended care available 8am-5pm). $190 for
3-day session. Reservations required. 727-5553
or culinarykidsns.com.
Y 21 Cancer Connection Support Group. STPH Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Hwy
1085, Covington. Free. 7pm. 898-4481 or
21 Opera on Tap. New Orleans Opera
Association. Puccini Bar at Four Points By
Sheraton (formerly The Inn on Bourbon), 541
Bourbon St., New Orleans. 7-8:30pm. Free. (504)
267-9525. neworleansopera.org.
22 North Shore Turkey Day Trot.
Benefitting the M.D. Anderson Network.
Terra Bella, 100 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington.
Registration 7am; 1 mile fun run, 8am; 5K
to follow. Mike Dugger, 845-1948 or Marc
Lombardo, 966-0659.
23 Black Friday Camp. Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 10am-2pm. $55,
includes meals. Reservations required. 727-5553
or culinarykidsns.com.
23-Dec 9 A Christmas Story. Directed
by Joel Rainey. The Slidell Little Theatre, 2024
Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm.
slidelllittletheatre.org.
23-Dec 16 A Christmas Carol. Southern
Rep play with music featuring John Spud
McConnell as Scrooge. Contemporary Arts
Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans. For
showtimes and ticket info, call (504) 522-6545 or
visit southernrep.com.
24 Crafts and Cookies Workshop! Kids get
a head start on making holiday gifts and cookies!
Noon-2pm. $30 per child. Reservations required.
727-5553 or culinarykidsns.com.
24 Country Market Open House. 10 E. Pine
St., Ponchatoula. 9am-4pm. Free. 386-9580.
ponchatoulacountrymarket.org.
Inside Scoop
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25 Musica da Camera. Free concert. St.
Joseph Abbey Church, 75376 River Rd.,
Covington. 867-2299.
Y 26 Infant/Child CPR. Skills needed for choking and breathing emergencies. Not CPR
certified. 6:30-8:45pm. STPH Parenting Center,
1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. Members,
$20; non-members, $25; addl couple, $10. 898-
4435. stph.org.
26 Microsoft Office Powerpoint Class.
St. Tammany Parish Library, Causeway
Branch, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 9am-
5pm; arrive at 8:45am. Free. 1-888-487-
2700. lajacc.org/training.
27 Microsoft Office Excel Class. St. Tammany
Parish Library, Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Blvd.,
Slidell. 9am-5pm; arrive at 8:45am. Free. Register
at lajacc.org/training or 1-888-487-2700.
28 Holiday Open House and Trunk Show.
Hand-carved and painted Russian Santas,
cocktails, hors doeuvres and holiday cheer.
Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Dcor, 3902 Hwy.
22, Mandeville. 5-8:30pm. 727-9787.
28 Ladies Night. Fill out wish lists and view
new merchandise for Christmas. Champagne
Jewelers, 1344 Corporate Square Blvd., Slidell.
6-8pm. champagnejewelers.com.
Y 29 Active Parenting for Stepfamilies. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste.
B, Covington. 6-8pm. $50/members, $75/non-
members. Includes book. 898-4435. stph.org.
30 Christmas Lighting Ceremony.
Downtown Ponchatoula. 6pm. Free. Ponchatoula
Chamber of Commerce, 386-2536.
30 SSA Royalettes Dance Team Dance
Party. 122 S. Massachusetts, Covington.
6:30-10pm. $30 ($20 for each additional sibling).
30 The Nutcracker. Special school showing.
Ballet Apetrei. St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River
Rd., Covington. 10am. $8/student. 624-3622 or
30-Dec 1 Madrigal Feast. Northlake
Performing Arts Society. Benedicts Plantation
Restaurant, Mandeville. Wassail and seating,
6:30-7pm. Dinner, 7pm. $50. 792-1392 or
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30-Dec 24 Christmas in Zemurray.
Zemurray Park, Hammond. 5-9pm. Rose
Caprera. 277-5630.
December1 Cajun Dance. Dance lessons, live Cajun
music, food and drinks for sale. Abita Springs
Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7pm.
Free. (504) 583-8603.
1 STAA Art Market. Bi-monthly art market.
Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St.
9am-1pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.
1-2 The Nutcracker. Ballet Apetrei. Bennett
Hall at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Rd.,
Covington. Sat, 2 and 7pm; Sun, 2pm. Reserved
seating, $25; general admission, $15. 624-3622
1-2 The Nutcracker. The Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra and Delta Festival Ballet.
Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center
Blvd., Slidell. 2pm. $30-$50. (504) 523-6530.
tickets.lpomusic.com.
1-24 Christmas in Zemurray. Zemurray Park,
Hammond. 5-9pm. Rose Caprera, 277-5630.
1-29 Covington Farmers Market. Wed
and Sat; Wed, Covington Trailhead, 419 N.
New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N.
Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 892-1873.
1-Jan 5 Juried Watercolor Show.
Louisiana Watercolor Society. Christwood
Retirement Community Atrium, 100 Christwood
Blvd., Covington. 9am-5pm. Free. 554-1015.
louisianawatercolorsociety.org.
1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-23 The Roosevelts
Teddy Bear Tea. The Roosevelt New Orleans,
123 Baronne St., New Orleans. 10am, 1 and
4pm seatings. Children under 3, free; 4-11,
$39-$54; all ages 11 and up, $59-$74. (504)
335-3129.
1-Sep 2013 Newcomb Pottery Exhibit.
The Palm, the Pine, and the Cypress. Louisiana
State Musuem. Madame Johns Legacy, 632
Dumaine St., New Orleans. Tue-Sun, 10am-
4:30pm. Free. (504) 568- 6968. crt.state.la.us.
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Camellia City Market.
Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon.
Free. camelliacitymarket.org.
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mandeville Trailhead
Community Market. 675 Lafitte St. Sat, 9am-
1pm. Free. mandevilletrailhead.org.
Y 1, 15 New Family Center Open House. Tour facility and meet staff. STPH Family Center,
1202 S. Tyler St., Covington. 10am-noon. Free.
stph.org.
2 Hanukkah Workshop! Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App. Mandeville. 12:30-2pm.
$30/child. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
2 Hammond Ballet Nutcracker Tea.
Michabelle Inn and Restaurant, 1106 S. Holly St.,
Hammond. 2-4pm. $25-$35. hammondballet.
com. 429-1654.
2-16 A Christmas Carol. Southern Reps
adaptation with music featuring John Spud
McConnell as Scrooge. Contemporary Arts
Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans. Showtimes
and ticket info, (504) 522-6545. southernrep.com.
Inside Scoop
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2, 9, 16 Carpentry Class. Primitive
woodworking demonstrations. Otis House
Museum, 119 Fairview Dr., Madisonville. 1-3pm.
Free, with $1 park admission; 62 and up and
children under 3, free. 792-4652.
Y 3 Positive Discipline-Whos the Boss? Interactive workshop. STPH Parenting
Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington.
10:30am-noon. Free/members, $10/non-
members. 898-4435. stph.org.
3-6 History and Heritage. Behind the scenes
at The National WWII Museum and tour points of
interest in New Orleans. National WWII Museum,
945 Magazine St., New Orleans. 1-877-813-
3329, ext. 257. ww2museumtours.org.
3-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month.
Mandeville Winter on the Water banner contest
winners. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway
App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. 626-3144.
3, 10, 17 Cooking Class for Kids! Culinary
Kids, 3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 5:15-
7:15pm. $25 drop-in, $75/month. Reservations
required. 727-5553 or culinarykidsns.com.
3, 10, 17 Microderm Mondays. Azure Spa,
2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited
appointments available. $69. 727-7676.
3, 10, 17 Mommy and Me! Culinary Kids,
3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 10am-
11am. $25 drop-in, $75/month. Reservations
required. 727-5553 or culinarykidsns.com.
Y 4, 11, 18 Play and Learn. Parents/caregivers and children 16 months to 4 years. STPH
Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. 9:30-10:15am. Members, $15/month;
nonmembers, $24/month. 898-4435. stph.org.
5 Lakeview Regional Blood Drive. Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, Magnolia Room, 95
Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. 10am-4pm. Free.
1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
Y 5 Single Parenting Workshop. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. $5/members, $10/non-members.
898-4435. stph.org.
5 Tom Ford Trunk Show. Emmas Shoes and
Accessories 3904 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 10am-
6pm. 778-2200. emmasshoes.com.
Y 5, 12, 19 Bereavement Counseling. Hospice of STPH, 725 W 11th Ave., Covington.
10am. Free. 871-5746. stph.org.
5, 19 Total Joint Replacement. Class.
Conducted by a physical therapist. Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd.,
Covington. 1-2pm. Free. 1-866-4LAKEVIEW.
5, 12, 19 Botox Wednesdays. Dr. Kelly
Burkenstocks SkinBodyHealth, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited appointments
available. $265/area, $665/whole face. 727-7676.
Y 6 Breastfeeding Support Group. Breastfeeding your child. STPH Parenting Center,
1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. Noon-
1pm. Free. 898-4435. stph.org.
6 Sip and Shop. Shop the latest in fashions
and dcor while enjoying cocktails, light hors
doeuvres. Free gift wrapping! Arabella, Emmas
Shoes, EROS and H20 Salon. 3900 Hwy. 22,
Mandeville. Noon-8pm.
6-9 Fostering Angels Holiday Classic.
Tennis tournament. Food, festivities and a silent
auction to benefit foster children. Francos Athletic
Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. Jenn >>
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32 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Thompson, 373-8223. fosteringangels.org.
Y 6, 13 Cuddle Buddies. Parents/caregivers and infants 8-15 months. STPH Parenting Center,
1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10:30-
11am. $12/month; members, $6. 898-4435.
stph.org.
Y 6, 13, 20 Active Parenting for Stepfamilies. STPH Parenting Center, 1505
N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 6-8pm. $50/
members, $75/non-members. Includes book.
898-4435. stph.org.
Y 6, 13, 20, 27 New baby support group. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida Street,
Ste. B, Covington. Free. 11:15am-noon. 898-
4435. stph.org.
7, 8 Mistletoe Market. Shop for crafts, jewelry,
art and gifts. Christ Episcopal School Gym, 80
Christwood Blvd., Covington. Fri, noon-6pm; Sat,
9am-4pm. 871-9902. christepiscopalschool.org.
7-8 The Nutcracker. Hammond Ballet
Company. Columbia Theatre for the Performing
Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7pm. $20-
$32. 543-4371. hammondballet.com.
7-8, 14-15 Holiday of Lights. Light up
the Tammany Trace Trailhead. Kiddie rides,
pictures with Santa and live music. 21490 Koop
Dr., Mandeville. 6-9pm. Free. Tammany Trace
Foundation, 867-9490. tammanytrace.org.
7-9 Holiday Home Tour. Preservation
Resource Center tour features seven Garden
District homes. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329
Jackson Ave., New Orleans. Fri, patron party (call
for ticket info); Sat and Sun, tour. $30-$40. (504)
581-7032 or prcno.org.
7, 14 Friday Night Lights. Shopping and
Christmas lights. Downtown Ponchatoula. Stores
open until 8pm. Free. Ponchatoula Chamber of
Commerce, 386-2536.
7, 21, 28 Parents Night Out. Culinary Kids,
3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 6-9pm. $30
per child. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
8 Ballet Hispanico and the Afro Latin Jazz
Orchestra. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419
Basin St., New Orleans. 7:30pm. $20. NOBA
(504) 522-0996, ext. 201 or visit nobadance.com.
Inside Scoop
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november-december 2012 33
8 Christmas Parade. Floats, marching bands,
throws and Santa. Downtown Ponchatoula.
5pm. Free. Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce,
386-2536.
8 Glitz, Glamour & Giving Gala. Benefitting
United Way of Southeast La. St. Tammany.
Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center
Blvd., Slidell. 6:30pm. $75, advance; $100, door.
778-0815. unitedwaysela.org.
8 Holiday Dinner Ideas. Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 6-7:45 pm. $30/
person. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
8 Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast. New
Covenant Presbyterian Church. 4375 Hwy. 22,
Mandeville. 8-11am. $5. Steve Jacobs, 630-
3456. northshore-kiwanas.org.
8 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street.
10am-4pm. 643-5340.
8 Santa at the Silver Plum! Visit with Santa
and receive a free Santa photo; enjoy treats and
giveaways. 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 674-
4343.
8 Winter on the Water. Lakefront gazebo,
Mandeville. Starts at 4pm; lighting at dark;
boat parade from harbor to gazebo. Free. Alia
Casborn, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.
8-28 Golden Jubilee. Slidell Art League 50th
Anniversary members-only show. Slidell City Hall
Cultural Center Gallery, 2055 2nd St. Reception.
Dec 8, 7-9pm. Wed-Fri, noon-4pm; Sat, 9am-
noon. Free. slidellartleague.info.
8-Jan 12 Wax On. Invitational exhibit of
encaustic works. St. Tammany Art Association
Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tue-
Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. Free. 892-8650.
sttammanyartassociation.org.
8, 15 Hammond Farmers/Crafts Market.
W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave.,
Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-
5680. dddhammond.com.
9 Christmas at TerraBella. Free family
event featuring Santa Claus, train rides, cookie
decorating and more. TerraBella Village, Hwy.
1085, Covington. 3-6pm. terrabellavillage.com.
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34 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Inside Scoop9 Christmas on the Northshore. St.
Timothy on the Northshore UMC. 335 Asbury Dr.,
Mandeville. 3 and 7pm. Free. 626-3307.
9 Holiday Tour of Homes. Junior Auxiliary of
Slidell. $20 in advance, $25 on day of tour. Nancy
Arce, 290-8219 or jaslidell.org.
9 Teddy Bear High Tea. The English Tea
Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 2-4pm.
Call for reservations. 898-3988.
9, 14-16, 21-23 Royal Teddy Bear Tea.
The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St.,
New Orleans. 11am and 2:30pm seatings.
Adults, $58-$68; kids, $43-$53; includes Royal
Christmas Bear. (504) 553-2328. sonesta.com.
Y 10, 17 Children in the Middle. Simultaneous two-night sessions for divorcing
parents and their children. STPH Parenting
Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington.
7-9pm. Adult series: non-members, $35/person
or $45/couple; members, $30/person or $40/
couple. Childrens series: $10/child (max $20/
family). 898-4435. stph.org.
11 NAMI St. Tammany Family to Family
Support Group. Pastoral Conference Center
of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 69090 Hwy.
190 E. Service Rd., Covington. 7-9pm. Free.
Martha Benson, 626-6372.
Y 12 Infant/Child CPR. Skills needed for choking and breathing emergencies. Not CPR
certified. 6:30-8:45pm. STPH Parenting Center,
1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. $20/
members, $25/non-members, $10/addl per
couple. 898-4435. stph.org.
13 Chamber after Hours. Regions Bank, 301
W. Pine St, Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. Ponchatoula
Chamber of Commerce, 386-2536.
Y 13 Free Child Safety Seat Inspections. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste.
B, Covington. 9am-noon. Karen Supan, 898-
4435. stph.org.
13 NAMI St. Tammany Connection. Family
support group for adults living with mental illness.
Conference Center, Slidell Memorial Hospital,
1025 Florida Ave. 6:30-8pm. Martha Benson,
626-6372.
13 St. Tammany Photographic Society
Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association, 320
N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm. 892-8650.
stphotosociety.org.
14 Dew Drop Jazz Hall Concert. Christmas
show with Spencer Bohren. Dew Drop Social &
Benevolent Jazz Hall, Lamarque St., Mandeville.
6:30-9pm. $10. 624-3147. dewdropjazzhall.com.
14 LPO Baroque Christmas Symphony.
St. Timothy on the Northshore UMC, Mandeville.
7:30pm. $20-$37. (504) 523-6530.
tickets.lpomusic.com.
14 Northlake Newcomers Christmas
Luncheon. Entertainment by the Mary Queen
of Peace childrens choir. Beau Chne Country
Club, 602 N. Beau Chne Dr., Mandeville.
10am. Reservations required. 792-4926 or
14 Wine Pairings for the Holiday
Menu. Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway
App., Mandeville. 6:45-8:30 pm. $49/
person. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
14, 15 Moms Day. Fulfill your daughters
-
Christmas wish list. Blossom Girl, 22 St. Ann Dr.
No. 1, Mandeville. Fri., 10am-7pm; Sat, 10am-
5pm. 626-6280.
14-16 A Covington Native in King Arthurs
Court. Written and directed by Frank Levy.
Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd.,
Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. $8. 893-
1671 or playmakersinc.com.
Y 15 Brain Injury Connections. STPH Conference Center, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington.
9:30am. Ann T. Mejia, 640-0498. stph.org.
15 Christmas Workshop. Culinary Kids,
3441 E. Causeway App., Mandeville. Noon-2pm,
$40/child. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
15 Monte the Lions Childrens Holiday
Party. Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., New
Orleans. 10am, 2pm. Children, $40; adults, $55.
Reservations, (504) 681-4452. hotelmonteleone.
com/monte.
16 Holiday Home Tour. Patio Planters of the
Vieux Carr. 1 and 4pm. Tickets $20 (children
under 12, free). Available pre-tour at Creole
Delicacies, 533 St. Ann St. on Jackson Square.
patioplanters.org.
16 Caroling in Jackson Square. Patio
Planters of the Vieux Carr. Jackson Square, New
Orleans. 6:30pm. Free. patioplanters.org.
16 Nutcracker High Tea. Music and
costumed servers. The English Tea Room,
734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 2-4pm. Call for
reservations. 898-3988.
19 Cancer Connection Support Group.
STPH Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Hwy.
1085, Covington. Free. 7pm. 898-4481. stph.org.
19 Opera on Tap. New Orleans Opera
Association. Puccini Bar at Four Points by
Sheraton (formerly The Inn on Bourbon), 541
Bourbon St., New Orleans. 7-8:30pm. Free. (504)
267-9525. neworleansopera.org.
20 NAMI St. Tammany Family to Family
Support Group. North Oaks Health System, E.
Brent Dufreche Conference Center, Rm. B, 15790
Paul Vega, MD, Dr., Hammond. 7-9pm. Free.
Martha Benson, 626-6372.
21 Winter Day Camp. Culinary Kids, 3441
E. Causeway App., Mandeville. 9am-3pm
(extended care available 8am-5pm). $70
single day. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
26-28 Winter Camp. Culinary Kids, 3441 E.
Causeway App., Mandeville. 9am-3pm (extended
care available 8am-5pm). $190 for 3-day
session. Reservations required. 727-5553 or
culinarykidsns.com.
27-28 Creole Christmas Home Tour. Visit
five historic homes dressed in traditional Creole
Christmas decorations. Friends of the Cabildo,
523 St. Ann St., New Orleans. 10am-4pm. $25.
(504) 523-3939. friendsofthecabildo.org.
Y 29 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents. Techniques and strategies to enhance parenting skills. STPH
Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,
Covington. 9:30-10:15am. $25/members, $35
non-members; $15 addl for spouse. Includes
book. 898-4435. stph.org.
-
36 InsIde northsIde
ALTHOUGH BRACES ARE A COMMON adolescent
rite of passage, Bristie Smith underwent more than
basic orthodontic treatment at age 20. A junior at
Louisiana State University, Bristie is being treated
for a severe underbite by Dr. Jessica Brown Ulmer at
Brown Family Orthodontics.
I have had an underbite my whole life. Before
treatment, my bottom jaw protruded. I had frequent
headaches and problems chewing. I had jaw
discomfort, grinding, clicking and popping in my
jaw, Bristie says.
Bristies underbite was so severe that her teeth
could not be straightened with orthodontic treatment
alone. Dr. Jessica determined Bristie would also need
surgery to properly align the bones in her jaw.
The first step was braces to prepare Bristies
mouth for surgery. In August 2011, Dr. Jessica put
braces on Bristie. Because I had such a big gap,
for me to be able to chew, my bottom teeth sunk
in to try to meet my top teeth, Bristie says. The
braces were intended to straighten and level her
teeth to make them as close to perfect as possible
before the surgery.
After Bristie wore the braces for several
months, Dr. Jessica added surgical hooks in
preparation for the next stepsurgery. Through
recommendations and personal research, Bristie
chose Dr. Michael Block at the Center for Dental
Reconstruction as her surgeon.
Dr. Jessica had worked with Dr. Block before,
and she knew he was great, says Bristie. Both
doctors were very accommodating and very flexible.
They were constantly conversing with each other
about my case. I was happy knowing they were in
sync with my procedures and my overall plan.
The six-hour surgery required an overnight
hospital stay and an eight-week liquid diet during
recovery. After healing completely from surgery,
Bristie returned to Dr. Jessica for the remainder of her
orthodontic treatment. With Bristies jaws properly
aligned, the final step was fine tuning her teeth with
rubber bands and power chains. Dr. Jessica used both
to help close the slight gap remaining between her
top and bottom teeth.
Bristies treatment turned out beautifully. We
followed our timeline, and she healed up excellently
from surgery. She is a different person. You can tell
in her personality when she comes into the office.
She is a gorgeous girl, absolutely beautiful, Dr.
Jessica says.
My life has completely changed since treatment
began, says Bristie. My face looks different now,
IN Better Health
with Bristie Smith
Health Concern:
Underbite; jaw pain and headaches.
Treatment: Braces and
jaw surgery.
p
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by Kaley Boudreaux
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november-december 2012 37
for the better. My jaws are correctly
aligned. I have absolutely no clicking or
grinding of my jaws and no jaw pain.
I havent had one headache since the
surgery, which is unbelievable to meI
had headaches almost every single day
leading up to the surgery. I am extremely
happy with the progress so far.
Bristie has formed a friendly
relationship with her orthodontist. It
feels like you are going to visit some
friends when you go to the office. After
her surgery, Bristie visited Dr. Brown to
show her pictures. She appreciated it.
it is obvious she really cares about my
case. I dont feel like I am just another
number to her, says Bristie.
Serious surgery and heavy dental
work are not easy for anyone to face
alone. Fortunately, Bristie had the
support of her parents every step of the
way. I am blessed that I have parents
who could afford the treatment, she
says. My mother has become an
expert smoothie maker. She stayed by
my side throughout the entire recovery
process. Im extremely grateful to both
of my parents.
Bristie is still wearing her braces,
power chains and rubber bands. The
surgical hooks were removed after her
surgery. Dr. Jessica expects to take
Bristies braces off in four to eight
weeks. Once this is over, the entire
process will have lasted a little over a
year. I know it will definitely be worth
it, Bristie says.
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38 InsIde northsIde
Repurposed elements make this Tchefuncta home unique.Old and NewTODAYS TCHEFUNCTA CLUB ESTATES and
Tchefuncta Country Club are located on land
that was originally a Spanish land grant. The
land eventually passed into the hands of the
Suter family. In the 1950s, businessmen Kent
McWilliams, Charles Cary, Bill Vice, Sandy Saer
and Damon Wingfield spearheaded the acquisition
of the land and began developing what would be
the first phase of Tchefuncta Club Estates.
On Aug. 20, 2005, just days before Hurricane
Katrina, a second phase of Tchefuncta began,
along with plans to build a new clubhouse.
Charlie Barnett, Brian Storm, Ricky Thomas, Jim
Harp and Brian Pellissier put together a package
to buy 167 acres from the Slaughter family. The
new phase has the security of the Tchefuncta
neighborhood, three new golf holes and 124 home
sites, all with beautiful views.
Charlie Barnett was the first to complete his
house and move in as part of Phase 2. At the same
time, the new clubhouse was under construction.
Architect George Hopkins was the architect on
both projects.
Charlie was very hands-on in the building
of his house, which is a combination of old and
new elements. He found an old church, c1840, in
Bogalusa that was originally built by the Goodyear
family. All the wood for the new house came from
this church. Charlie crawled up and down the house,
determining if and how he could use the cypress
beams, floor boards, rafters and joists. The floor
joists were so thick he had them milled to make
two boards out of one. Back in those days, 2 x 10s
were 2 inches thick and over 10 inches wide, says
Charlie. The underside was left rough.
The bricks were procured from a World
War I parachute factory in Columbia, Miss. When
you look closely, you can see a purplish hue (patina)
to the bricks, which tells us they were made in Slidell
at the Chamale Brickyard around 1870, says Charlie.
All of the bricks, both inside and out, are from the
factory. I hand selected the queen-sized bricks instead
of the purple patina for the inside to be able to use a
creamier color. The stucco on the house was left the
original, un-tinted color to age outside and retain its
cream color inside.
Time-worn European antiques and classic
antique oriental rugs fill every room, but because
Charlie and his wife, Mary, have four children
between them and always entertain lots of guests for
38 InsIde northsIde38 InsIde northsIde
Right: View of
the exterior of the
Barnett house, built
with bricks from a
parachute factory in
Mississippi. Opposite:
The dining room is a
mix of antiques and
reproductions with
solid cypress beams
and monumental
stone pillars. >>
by Poki Hampton
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november-december 2012 39
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THE
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CH
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40 InsIde northsIde
football games, these spaces must be
comfortable. In the entrance, a marble-
topped burled chest, c1860, beneath
a gilded mirror holds two gold-leaf
candlestick lamps with stenciled brown
silk shades and an antique marble clock.
Two Empire pedestals are topped with
bronze urns. An antique Hamadan rug
lies on the brick floor.
Huge cypress beams run across
the 12-foot-high ceiling in the main
living areas, making a big impact. In the
dining room, a Welsh dresser, c1840,
is filled with antique pewter plates and
antique china. A French buffet holds
two contemporary glass-and-bronze
lamps. Charlie could not find an antique
table to seat his many guests, so the
expandable walnut table is from EMB
Interiors. Surrounding the table are
chairs upholstered in a floral-patterned
chenille. Moss-green leather armchairs
Above: Charlies
man cave is a study
in masculinity. Right:
The kitchen cabinets
are of old cypress
from a church,
c1849, in Bogalusa.
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42 InsIde northsIde42 InsIde northsIde
sit at either end. The room is anchored
by a semi-antique Heriz rug. Two
monumental stone pillars create a divide
between the living and dining areas,
while still leaving an open feeling.
The wine cellar is every
oenophiles dreamjust large enough
to hold 600 bottles of red wine, with
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a wine cooler for white wines. An antique Kazak
oriental runner covers the brick floor.
On a near wall between the living and dining
rooms is a bibliotheca, which houses books behind
its wire mesh doors. On top is a collection of antique
pewter wine stoppers, a cut-glass wine bucket filled
with corks and a collection of vintage vintners tasting
cups. A Michalopoulos painting hangs above. On the
floor stands an iron Boston bulldog.
The living rooms view of the new golf course
creates an expansive horizon that does not call for
window coverings. The seating area is centered on
a large brick fireplace with a pecky cypress mantel.
Comfortable chairs upholstered in velvet and a
moss-green sofa make a cozy area. An antique hand-
carved duck sits on an antique chest of burled yew
beneath another Michalopoulos painting.
The kitchen cabinets are cypress with oiled
bronze hardware and granite countertops in
Absolute Black and Tropical Brown. A mosaic of
elongated sandstone tiles forms the backsplash. A
Wolf gas stove sits beneath a custom stucco vent
hood. The refrigerator sports custom-designed
panels in cypress. Two topiaries and an antique
dough bowl are on the bar. We entertain a lot,
and this house is perfect for guests, says Mary.
Charlies man cave holds several trophies
from his many safaris in Africa. Audubon prints
hang above an antique English chest. A tufted
leather Lancaster chair, two upholstered French
arm chairs and a sofa with Kilim throw pillows
make for a cozy retreat.
The rear entrance to the house is paneled in
pecky cypress on the walls and up the staircase.
In the alcove next to the stairs, a blue wildebeest
november-december 2012 43
Opposite, top: In
the stairwell hangs
a mounted blue
wildebeest trophy
from an African
safari. Opposite,
left: A James
Michalopoulos
painting hangs over
an antique English
burl yew chest.
Above: View of the
front courtyard,
a great place to
entertain in cooler
weather. Left: The
cypress-paneled
wine cellar holds 600
bottles of red wine,
with a wine cooler
for white wines.
p
ho
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THE
HO
PKIN
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PAN
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AR
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CH
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CH
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PHO
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THE
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AR
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TS;
CH
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PHO
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trophy hangs above a leather-and-copper-
framed mirror. Beneath the console table is
a Plexiglas box with mounted Chinese wood
ducks. An antique Kazak runner covers the
floor. Up the cypress stairs, an iron railing
leads to a grouping of Gould and Gould prints
hanging at the stair landing. Two bedrooms
on the second floor are for Charlie and Marys
college-aged children.
Leading into the master bedroom
is a small library with a French chair,
upholstered in a tapestry fabric and painted
glazed cabinets, which hold books and
carnival memorabilia. A Garland Robinette
portrait and a Robert Cook landscape hang
in the room. A zebra rug, shot by Charlie,
lies on the antique cypress floor.
The master bedroom showcases a king-
size bed in carved walnut, reminiscent of
the Mallard beds that were so popular in the
early 1800s. Two small chests with gold-leaf
lamps flank the bed, which is covered in
sage-green chenille accented with a rust-and-
copper pillow. The kudu-hide pillow is also
from Charlies trip to Africa. A walnut writing
desk sits beneath the shuttered windows. At
the end of the bed is a richly textured tribal
antique Sarouk rug made of camel hair.
Charlie and I got married recently, says
Mary. My friends have asked what I would
change in the house, and I say nothing at all.
Charlie put it all together, and it reflects who
he isand that is wonderful.
44 InsIde northsIde44 InsIde northsIde
Top: The master bedroom
showcases a king-size bed
in carved walnut. Bottom:
Books and memorabilia fill the
painted-and-glazed bookshelves
in the library adjacent to the
master bedroom.
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46 InsIde northsIde
Pontalba
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The incredible story behind Americas oldest
apartment buildings.
by Stephen Faure
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SAY NEW ORLEANS to just about any person
around the world and you can bet their minds eye
immediately conjures up a vision of Jackson Square,
with the cathedral as its glittering crown, the Cabildo
and Presbytere its strong shoulders and the two
massive red-brick Pontalba Buildings on either side as
the squares defining foundationits soul.
Corralling the up- and
down-river sides of Jackson
Square, the Pontalba
Buildings represent the
culmination of one familys
public building spree that
spanned two generations.
Don Andres Almonester
y Roxas and his daughter
Micaela parlayed their
talents as shrewd real estate
investors and developers
with a sincere sense of civic
duty to become, for all
practical purposes, solely
responsible for the vision of
the city we see today.
As noted in INs
previous feature stories on the St. Louis Cathedral,
Cabildo and Presbytere, Almonester donated a new
church and the Presbytere, intended to serve as
home for the citys clergy, and provided financing
for a new government building, the Cabildo, in
the 1790s. Almonesters goal was to help the city
recover from the devastating fire of 1788. The three
structures facing the river, on the Chartres St. side of
the then Plaza de Armas, as the square was known in
Almonesters day during Spanish rule over Louisiana,
became a welcoming sight to travelers at the end of
their journey to the international seaport.
The land along the squares side streets, St. Peter and
St. Ann, was originally owned by the colonial government.
Almonester persuaded the town fathers to give him the
ownership of both blocks in return for his promise to
improve and maintain the
streets and sidewalks in
front of the buildingsat
his expense, of course.
The St. Peter and St
Ann blocks presented a
mixture of commercial
buildings, shops and
rooming houses. The
rents collected from these
buildings over the years,
along with those from
properties all over New
Orleans that Almonester
owned or had an interest
in, provided a handsome
income to his family after
his death in 1798.
Architecturally speaking, those two city
blocks were quite mundane and run-down, when,
in 1849, Micaela Leonarda Antonia Almonester,
Baroness de Pontalba, arrived for her last visit to
the city of her birth. Before her departure in 1851,
she revitalized the old square by enveloping it
with her vision of Parisian elegance. In what was
becoming more and more an American city, the
Baroness also spearheaded an effort to name the
Drawing courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Co
urt
esy
of
the
Co
llect
ion
s o
f th
e Lo
uis
ian
a St
ate
Mu
seu
m.
Opposite: The
Baroness Micaela
Almonester
Pontalbas stately
mid-19th century
design has stood
the test of time and
remains a defining
element of the
French Quarters
mystique.
Left: Portrait of
the Baroness from
the Louisiana
State Museums
collection.>>
november-december 2012 47
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48 InsIde northsIde
square Jackson Square and transform it from a
military parade ground to a formal garden.
An Extraordinary LifeThe Baroness life story, literally the stuff of
legends, has inspired plays, operas and novels.
Her biography, written by Christina Vella and
appropriately entitled Intimate Enemies, tells the tale
in astonishing detail.
Young ladies who dream of a fairytale life
of marrying a handsome nobleman and being
swept away to a Disney-esque castle in the French
countrysidemight want to learn from Micaelas
story and think again.
Micaela had just such a fairytale beginning. At
the age of 15, on Oct. 23, 1811, she married Clestin
Delfau de Pontalba in the most Creole of weddings
in St. Louis Cathedral, which her father had built
a decade before. Attended by the cream of Creole
society, the ceremony was performed by Pre Antoine,
and the bride was given away by Bernard de Marigny.
Micaela and Clestin arrived at his familys
chateau, Mont-lvque, near Senlis, France (about
50 miles east of Paris), in July 1812. She and Clestin
had a relatively happy marriage, having four sons and
a daughter together over the years. But, rather than
an evil stepmother shattering this fairytales pleasant
plot, it was her father-in-law who guaranteed that an
atmosphere of misery and despair would surround
Micaela until the day of his death.
It was all about money. As with many marriages
between noble families, the union of Micaela
and Clestin was developed more as a business
transaction than a love affair. Micaela had inherited
a tidy fortune from her father, and, as the only
surviving child, she was also set to come into even
greater wealth upon her mothers death.
Clestins father, Baron Joseph Delfau de Pontalba,
was never satisfied with the dowry. Although Micaela
had agreed to turn over one-quarter of her inheritance
to the Pontalba family, he would not rest until the
remainder of her fortune, and that of her mother, who
48 InsIde northsIde
The 1850 House,
an exhibit of
the Louisiana
State Museum,
preserves one of the
buildings residential
apartments as it
would have been
furnished by its
well-to-do tenants
in the years just
following their
construction.
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november-december 2012 49
died in 1825, became his. Wives had few property
rights in early 19th century France, and for years, the
Baron attacked his daughter-in-laws estate through the
courts in both Louisiana and France.
It all ended when, on a fall day in 1834, the
Baron confronted Micaela. She was suing for a legal
separation from Clestin and was living in one of the
many properties in Paris she inherited from her mother.
Micaela was visiting the chateau when the Baron,
wielding an elegantly matched pair of dueling pistols,
shot her four times. It is reported that she screamed,
Dont! Ill give you everything! after the first shot.
He is said to have replied, No, you are going to die,
before shooting her again and again and again. He then
locked himself in his study and, after several hours
alone there, committed suicide, shooting himself twice
in the chest with the same pistols.
Micaela miraculously recovered, although one hand
and her chest suffered disfiguring wounds, and she
continued for years to fight for her separation and control
over her estate. She did build a spectacular home in Paris
after the tragedy, the Htel de Pontalba, which today is
the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador
to France. She was personally involved in all
aspects of building the mansion, experiences
she took with her to New Orleans in 1849
when she began revitalizing her properties
on the old Plaza de Armas.
Revisiting and RevitalizingThe French political climate
became increasingly restless leading
up to the Third French Revolution. In
1848, Micaela (now the Baroness de
Pontalba) made plans to return to New
Orleans. Part of her plan was to deal with
diminishing rents from deadbeat tenants
living in the decaying structures that comprised her
properties.
When she and her sons Alfred and
Gaston arrived in 1849, she was armed
with a full set of set of architectural
drawings, which she intended to see
realized as soon as was practicable.
First, there was a matter of getting some
concessions from the city. She asked
the city for tax incentives, a common
practice for developers today and, it
turns out, not uncommon back in her
day, either. She negotiated a 20-year
waiver for paying property taxes for the
apartments.
Within a year, the buildings
were completed. Micaela supervised Draw
ing
co
urt
esy
of
the
Lib
rary
of
Co
ng
ress
, Pr
ints
an
d P
ho
tog
rap
hs
Div
isio
n.
Photographer Louis
Sahucs career
has been spent
documenting New
Orleans and the
French Quarter. His
apartment, above
his art gallery on
the first floor of
the Lower Pontalba
Building, is an
example of modern
living in the historic
structure. >>
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50 InsIde northsIde
From the top: The
1850 House piano is
regarded as the first
piano sold by the
Werlein Music Co.
in New Orleans; on
exhibit in the 1850
House is a porcelain
tea set made for
John Slidell; an early
toothbrush is part
of a bath set found
in the childrens
room; detail of an
ornately carved
sideboard found
in the 1850 House
dining room.
the construction and acted as her
own vigilant general contractor,
often fighting with the builder over
materials and costs. Her use of
visually appealing lacy decorative
wrought iron railings set the style
for balconies throughout the
French Quarter. Famously, the railings feature the
intertwined letters A and P signifying the two
families, Almonester and Pontalba, who were so
responsible for the face New Orleans presents to
the world.
Her dual-use buildings anticipated new urbanism
design by a century. Each building had 12 commercial
spaces on the first floor and 23 apartments on the
second and third floors. They quickly became the most
fashionable and desirable rental properties in the city.
The Baroness and her sons promptly moved into No.
5 St. Peter St., in the up-river or, as its known today,
Upper Pontalba building.
The matching red-brick buildings faced each
other across the square, soon to be re-named Jackson
Square after much influence by the Baroness. She
also provided some of the funding for Jacksons
planned monument in the center of the square, for
which Old Hickory himself had laid the cornerstone
in 1840 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of
the Battle of New Orleans. Micaela fought with the
Creole politicians over its landscaping. She prevailed,
of course, and a double-row of trees that blocked
the view of her new buildings was removed and the
paved circular walkways we see today were put in.
The Baroness took advantage of a celebrity
visit to garner a tremendous amount of buzz for
her investment. When Jenny Lind, the Swedish
Nightingale, visited New Orleans, she was the guest
of the Pontalbas, who gave the singer use of one
of the apartments during her one-month stay. The
Baroness then auctioned off all of the furniture and
household items Lind had used. Not long after, the
family traveled back to France in 1851, and Micaela
never visited New Orleans again. She died in 1874.
The 1850 HouseThe Pontalba Buildings have stood since their
completion, although they themselves eventually
became old and unfashionable, faded in their
grandeur. Passing out of the
Pontalba family in the early
20th century, the Lower
Pontalba is now owned by
the Louisiana State Museum
and the Upper by the City of
New Orleans.
50 InsIde northsIde
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The State Museum maintains its
visitors welcome center and gift shop at
523 St. Ann. The 1850 House consists of
the apartments above the shop, which have
been preserved and furnished to reflect
Creole life during the 1850s.
Before the renumbering of the citys
addresses during the 1890s, the address
of the 1850 House was No. 8 St. Ann.
A few different families were known to
have occupied the apartments. While the
individual furnishings on display did not
belong to the occupants, Tony Lewis,
Ph.D., curator of visual arts, says, The
effort was to make sure that everything
would be consistent with what would
have been here in 1850.
Weve researched similar locations,
and everything here dates from the
1830s to the 1870s. You wouldnt
necessarily start with things bought in
1850, because people kept things, adds
Katie Hall Burlison, curator of decorative
arts. She notes the arrangement of the
living quarters roughly corresponds to
the way the Cammacks lived, from 1853-
1856. Amelia Cammack was a widow
living with her son and four daughters.
Lewis paints a picture of what life
would have been like for merchants,
such as the Soria family, and for the
banker and railroad president William
G. Hewes, who also resided at No. 8 St.
Ann during this time period. He says,
Most of the merchant and bankers
likely had their offices over on Canal St.
Every day, theyd get up and take their
constitutional walk up to the office. I
think that was the Baroness whole vision
to anchor the citys revitalization. To
make it a modern city, attract the most
modern and up-to-date merchants.
Royal St. was the most fashionable
shopping district and home to many
of the citys wealthiest citizens. Just
as in Paris, the walk up Royal St. was
characterized by a sort of fashion show;
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you took your time, you saw your friends and said
hello, Lewis says.
Visitors ascending the charming staircase from
the ground floor shop to the 1850 House first
view the formal dining room, with its grand table
setting under a large, elaborately decorated gasolier,
evidence of the Baroness wish for the most modern
of conveniences. The difference between it and a
chandelier is that the chandelier would have been
lit by candles. You can see the little knobs [on
the gasolier] to turn on the gas to each light. This
building was fitted out with gas lines when it was
built, says Burlison. That definitely represented
something very modern.
Of special note in the dining room is a porcelain
tea set that belonged to John Slidell. While typical of
the china sold on Royal St., the gilt monogram S on
each piece is indicative of a custom order, says Burlison.
A lot of things that were sold on Royal St. or Chartres
St. were sent over from France. Many advertisements
from shops of this time period boast of the best in
European fabrics or the best European furniture.
When not attending the opera, theatre or balls,
the Creoles spent their evenings calling on their
peers, perhaps for coffee and sweets, conversation,
some music or a game of cards. The 1850 House
parlor reflects this. You have these separate areas for
entertainment and activities, says Lewis.
Near the front of the parlor, Burlison notes,
november-december 2012 53
Left: A postcard-
perfect view from
Louis Suhacs
Pontalba balcony.
Below: Detail of
the balconys
design, featuring
the intertwined
letters A and P,
signifying the union
of the Almonester
and Pontalba
families.
Dra
win
g c
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rtes
y o
f th
e Li
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ry o
f C
on
gre
ss,
Prin
ts a
nd
Ph
oto
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s D
ivis
ion
.
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oto
: TH
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54 InsIde northsIde
Here is an area for musical entertainment with
the harp and piano. She points out an elaborately
carved piano and says, Its called a cocked-hat
grand piano, which refers to the way the strings are
arranged inside. (The piano was made by Timothy
Gilbert of Boston and is reputed to be the first piano
sold by Werleins in New Orleans, in the 1840s. The
music store would become part of life for generations
of New Orleanians, with the last Werleins location
closing in 2000.)
Paintings are Lewis forte, and the dining room
and formal parlor walls of the 1850 House display
a mixture of decorative landscapes and the finest
examples of Creole portraiture. Artists Jacques Amans
and Jean Joseph Vaudechamp were the premier
portrait painters of Creole New Orleans. Having a
portrait done meant you had arrived. Vaudechamp
supposedly made $30,000 his first year painting
Caroling in Jackson SquareFor 66 years, crowds have flocked to Jackson Square to celebrate the
holidays with shimmering candles and a hearty round of Christmas carols under
the bedecked balconies of the Pontalba Buildings.
Caroling in Jackson Square is sponsored by the Patio Planters du Vieux
Carr, a volunteer organization of French Quarter residents and property
owners. Member Julie Hunt-Juneau says, Its a great event and lots of fun.
Many families come y