Author Archives

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A French Quarter stalwart passes on

Gerald (Jerry) Grant Wiley III passed away at home in the French Quarter on July 24, 2011 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife June Barrios Wiley, daughters Lisa Wiley, Lisa Jewell, Dana Brown, son-in-law Michael Brown, step-daughters Angel McCready and Darlene Wolnik, and grandchildren Brian, Lisa, Jessie, and Conner. Beloved stepson Richard Wolnik preceded him in death.
Mr. Wiley was employed for 25 years for the Delta Steamboat Company, working on all three of their New Orleans steamboats over that period. He served as chief electrician on the American Queen Steamboat from its construction until his retirement in 2007.
He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, but moved to Lakewood, Ohio as a young boy and was in the first graduating class of the “new building” at Lakewood High School. He attended Miami University of Ohio and UCLA for architecture. He proudly served two tours in the Marine Corps stationed in Vietnam and sailed the world in the Merchant Marines.
His generous nature brought him many admirers and his unfailing high humor kept him as many friends. He will be missed on the river, throughout the French Quarter and among his friends and family. No one ever bought more rounds and few told a better story.
He requested that there be no services and will be cremated according to his wishes.

Johnny White's Bar pays tribute to their friend Jerry Wiley on July 25, 2011

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Looks like Le Petit will be halved

I am not sure what I would do if I had to save it, but I do wonder how a restaurant can coexist in that small space with a theater, AND that tight corner at Jackson Square AND getting deliveries AND the noise and Square life right there…

I wish everyone well with this endeavor, but there is no turning back once done. I think the Brennans know what they are doing most of the time. I hope this is one of those times.

Story

Original post:

First story
FAQ about the sale from Le Petit Theatre website:

FAQs

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The library in the Quarter

The Iron Rail Anarchist Library and Bookstore is now at home in the French Quarter. It has fully moved into its excellent location at Barracks near Decatur (behind Gnome) and is open for business. As proud member #77, I have been involved since its beginnings as I was with Crescent Wrench before this iteration. The need for more collectives, more shared open space and more literary places is dire so support those who stick it out and do it with humor and openness by attending Iron Rail’s benefit on July 28th.

And by coming by and using the Rail.

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Upstairs Lounge Fire June 1973

There is a plaque embedded in the sidewalk remembering the victims of the fire at Iberville and Chartres. If memory serves me, it was Councilperson-at-large Oliver Thomas who made it happen. Unfortunately, he ended his political career serving time for kickbacks from Pampy Barre over French Quarter parking lot contracts.
He is again doing good deeds with different non-profits since his release.

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Tales of the Cocktail raises spirits in the summer

One of the most successful and useful events on the New Orleans social calendar, this serious homage to the drink runs from June 20th-24th in the French Quarter. In under 10 years, Tales of the Cocktail has elevated the drink back to its pre-hippie state and found a reason for summer visitors to pack their pint glasses and head south.
In the organizers’ words, success can be measured easily:

Tales of the Cocktail® 2010 used 207.2 gallons of bitters, 2800 Driscoll’s blackberries, 1305 cucumber slices, 1320 egg whites, 1760 lemon twists, 2902 mint sprigs, 995 orange wheels, 475 ginger slices and 18,750 sets of taste buds that were delighted during the five-day festival.

Filled with events, tours and competitions there is something for the casual, serious or historical fan of the cocktail. And that its headquarters remains the beautiful Hotel Monteleone is another testament to the organizers’ savvy. The events are just about sold out for 2011, so visit it online and mark it down for next year.

Tales

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Joy returning to Canal Street sooner or later

As a French Quarter teenager, I might have been the last of those who saw first-run movies at the Joy Theater. It gave downtown living another facet, long before Canal Place and even way before Black Pearl’s now-defunct Uptown Square movie house. Yes we had Prytania, but that was about it.

I welcome more activity to the American Sector to build more everyday life for the French Quarter.

WWL story about Joy

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Get Away

Register to win a “Get Away in the Vieux Carre”

The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to participate in the French Quarter Business Association’s third “Get Away in the Vieux Carre.”

The promotional campaign, which started in June, inspires people to be French Quarter tourists for a few days. Each prize package consists of complimentary hotel accommodations and meals, as well as entertainment gift certificates.

Winners will be chosen at random at the end of the month in July and August. In addition to The Collection, other participating businesses include Hotel Monteleone, Westin New Orleans Canal Place, Bienville House, Acme Oyster House, Antoine’s Restaurant, Cafe Beignet, Palm Court Jazz Cafe, Court of Two Sisters, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Pat O’Brien’s, House of Blues, Gray Line Tours, Steamboat NATCHEZ, Creole Delicacies, Feet First, Adler’s Jewelry, and Audubon Nature Institute.

Registration is free and winners will be notified by the FQBA.
Contest