ABOUT THE LADIES
A glimpse into the histories of the most influential ladies that shaped the city of New Orleans
presented by HISTORICAL CHARACTERS OF LOUISIANA
presented by HISTORICAL CHARACTERS OF LOUISIANA
BARONESS PONTALBA
(1795-1874) performed by Diana Shortes AP, the initials of Baroness Micaela Almonester Pontalba, are cast into the iron railings of the Pontalba Apartments which flank Jackson Square, undeniably the heart of the city of New Orleans. As proprietress of the square, Baroness Pontalba undertook a beautification of the Place des Armes and then commissioned the statue of General Andrew Jackson, savior of the City of New Orleans. Her intention was to bring her native city up to par with Paris and that she did accomplish. |
MARGARET HAUGHERY
(1813-1882) performed by Claudia Baumgarten Margaret's statue, at Camp and Prytania Streets, is the first dedicated to a woman in the United States. It honors this impoverished Irish immigrant who created Orphanages for the feeding, care and education of the City's many orphaned children. She became the proprietress of the popular Margaret's Steam and Mechanical Bakery. A plucky woman, she stood up to General Benjamin 'Beast' Butler during his occupation of New Orleans during the Civil War. Her will was signed with an X, surprising many, and she bequeathed her substantial estate to orphanages of different faiths. |
MARIE LAVEAU
(1801-1881) performed by Kenetha Lanee A leading spiritual figure, Marie Laveau was also a sought-after hairdresser who serviced the most esteemed and wealthy clients of the city. While being celebrated for being a Voodoo Queen, she was faithful to her Catholic roots and lived by the works of mercy to feed the hungry, minister the sick and bury the dead. Her marriage certificate to Jacques Paris is preserved in St. Louis Cathedral. |
MADAME BEGUE
(1831-1906) performed by Jennifer Pagan Elizabeth Kettering Begue, the first celebrity chef of New Orleans, operated Begue's Exchange across from the old French Market. The butchers started work at dawn and were finished and hungry by 11am. So Madame Begue served them a "second breakfast" and created BRUNCH! Her cooking became so famous that people worldwide wrote months in advance for reservations. Mme. Begue's recipes and spirit live on at its original location, known today as Tujaques Restaurant. |
FOR BOOKINGS, PLEASE CONTACT
Claudia Baumgarten
(504) 259-8787
missclaudia2@gmail.com