In 1980 and again in 1983, a Mobile, Ala. writer named Frank Daugherty interviewed Thelma Toole, mother of the late John Kennedy Toole, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Confederacy of Dunces. A short excerpt of the interviews was published in the Mobile Press-Register in 2002 but the lions’ share of the material and Frank’s photos have never before been published. We've also included a short compilation of clips from Frank’s interview tapes, in which Thelma plays original music and performs an impression of Miss Trixie. - interview and photographs by Frank Daugherty
For nearly two centuries a public ferry has crossed the Mississippi between the French Quarter and Algiers. Now sleek new catamarans zip back and forth, making the passage faster and more reliable. - by Kim Ranjbar - photographs by Ellis Anderson
Exactly what are the regulations for walking tours? Are they being changed? What about enforcement of existing ordinances? A French Quarter resident, local tour guide and a Loyola tour guide instructor takes an in-depth look. - by Frank Perez - photos by Ellis Anderson
The French Quarter paid homage to entertainer Chris Owens who died April 5, in both the parade that is her namesake and the 21st Annual Gay Easter Parade. - photos by Jackie Haze
Meet some of the folks who came out in the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods to help make this historic Mardi Gras extraordinary in all the right ways.
- photos by Ellis Anderson psst: see someone you recognize? Use the"Share" button at the top of the page and tag them. If you're in one of these web-sized photos, feel free to copy and use them on your own social media - please just tag or reference French Quarter Journal.
The historic building that's often referred to as "The Little Red Schoolhouse," may soon dismiss classes permanently, despite protests from many parents and neighbors. - by Frank Perez
This classical printmaker keeps evolving, as her latest retrospective show proves. - by Saskia Ozols
Are you nuts?
The overwhelming majority of NOLA's District C voters live on the West Bank and no East Bank candidate has won the council seat in more than four decades. Despite the odds, a French Quarter resident, writer and activist throws his signature hat in the ring. - by Frank Perez
When a honeymoon lark turned into a musical endeavor, the young bride couldn't have imagined the reverberations that would beat on after her passing. - by Nan Parati
A fascinating new book by long-time resident Macon Fry explores life along the last batture community in New Orleans. - by John Sledge - photos courtesy Macon Fry, Betsy Shepherd and University Press of Mississippi
If you spot clouds of smoke billowing from a certain Royal Street balcony in the months leading to Twelfth Night, it might be the signal that the Lord of Misrule has chosen the new monarch for the Krewe de la Royale Revelers. - by Frank Perez
Chef and restaurateur Eric Cook breathes new life into a historic French Quarter space with the launch of Saint John, a Lower Decatur Street restaurant offering “haute Creole” cuisine. - by Kim Ranjbar
"Money before coin, jewelry before gems, art before canvas": This delightful new book by environmental writer Cynthia Barnett explores the fascinating world of seashells. -by John S. Sledge
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1000 block of Royal Street, September 1, just two days after Ida roared through. A few people on the street - mostly residents, business owners and workman – starting cleanup. Lots of garbage bags on the street from emptied refrigerators, but thankfully not a lot of major damage apparent! Parts of the French Quarter had electricity restored later that night. photo by Ellis Anderson
Hurricane Ida rampaged across South Louisiana, slamming New Orleans with a glancing blow that wreaked unprecedented damage to the power grid. Follow us through the French Quarter just two days later.
- photos by Ellis Anderson, Betsy Fabry and Bill Huls
Poetry editor Skye Jackson names the winners of the first French Quarter Journal poetry contest and introduces their compelling entries.
In 1981, a young woman moves to the French Quarter and lucks into a job at the Toulouse Theatre, home of the hit show One Mo' Time.
- by Nan Parati
Step into the “organized chaos” of Arcadian Books & Prints, where the love of the written word and two languages has reigned for 40 years.
- by Matt A. Sheen - photos by Ellis Anderson
New owners transform a familiar Quarter restaurant location with a swank makeover and a menu offering both Thai and Chinese dishes. - story and photos by Kim Ranjbar
A North Carolina mother and daughter claim Jean Laffite faked his death and lived to a ripe old age in the Tar Heel State.
-by John S. Sledge |
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