november-december 2012 issue of inside northside magazine

PONTALBA HAUTE HOSTS LADIES FOR LIBERTY ROC PAUL$450 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012VOL. 27, NO. 6

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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


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


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.


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


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.

[email protected].

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.

>>


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


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


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

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.


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. >>


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

[email protected].


Association. Puccini Bar at Four Points By

Sheraton (formerly The Inn on Bourbon), 541

Bourbon St., New Orleans. 7-8:30pm. Free. (504)


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

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


30 SSA Royalettes Dance Team Dance

Party. 122 S. Massachusetts, Covington.

6:30-10pm. $30 ($20 for each additional sibling).

[email protected].

30 The Nutcracker. Special school showing.

Ballet Apetrei. St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River

Rd., Covington. 10am. $8/student. 624-3622 or

[email protected].

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

[email protected].>>

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

or [email protected].

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

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


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


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 >>


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


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.


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.


Support Group. Pastoral Conference Center

of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 69090 Hwy.

190 E. Service Rd., Covington. 7-9pm. Free.


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


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

[email protected].

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.


Association. Puccini Bar at Four Points by

Sheraton (formerly The Inn on Bourbon), 541

Bourbon St., New Orleans. 7-8:30pm. Free. (504)



Support Group. North Oaks Health System, E.

Brent Dufreche Conference Center, Rm. B, 15790

Paul Vega, MD, Dr., Hammond. 7-9pm. Free.


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


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.

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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.

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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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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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


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.

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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.


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

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.

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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.>>


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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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

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co

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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. >>

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.

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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;

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,


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.

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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

november-december 2012 issue of inside northside magazine

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