New Orleans in the Last Century ~~ 1910

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December

New Orleans Show.
Los Angeles Times -  Dec 4, 1910
Automobile and Sports

December 7 -- Louis Prima is Born

Louis Leo Prima (1910--1978) Born in the French Quarter of Sicilian immigrants Angelina and Anthony Prima, Louis played at the Shim Sham Club four decades later.  A violinist (until 15) turned trumpeter (when he picked up older brother Leon's horn) as a young man played with Irving Fazola, with his brother Leon's band, and in the house band at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans (1931).   In this 1924 photograph (above we see (left to right) Leon Roppolo (playing the quitar), Louis Prima, Peck Kelly, Don (unknown). The Inscription reads: "Ropp hitting a few cords for the boys." The image was likely shot at the New Orleans lakefront. From the photo collection of Dr. Edmond Souchon.   During 1930s Prima worked with Red Nichols, before forming  a seven-piece jazz band called "Louis Prima's New Orleans Gang" which he formed in New York City  in 1934 where he played with fellow New Orleans musicians Eddie Miller (tenor sax and clarinet) and George Brunies (trombone).  Prima composed "Sing Sing Sing" (now in the Grammy Hall of Fame) in 1936 before it became one of Benny Goodman's most popular swing era tune.  Twenty years later Prima recorded "Jump, Jive and Wail" (1956). 
 
(Courtesy of the LSU Digital Museum).  http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/u?/JAZ,1713
 
This 1924 Photograph of (left to right) Leon Roppolo (playing the quitar), Louis Prima, Peck Kelly, Don (unknown). The Inscription reads: "Ropp hitting a few cords for the boys." The image was likely shotat the New Orleans lakefront. From the photo collection of Dr. Edmond Souchon http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/u?/JAZ,1713
 
 
Louis Leo Prima Born in the French Quarter musician (December 7, 1910) -- of Sicilian immigrants  Angelina and Anthony Prima played here four decades later.
Violinist (until 15) turned trumpeter (picked up older brother Leon's)  as a young man played trumpet with Irving Fazola, with his brother Leon's band, in the house band at the Saenger Theater (1931).  early 30s Prima worked with Red Nichols, before forming  seven-piece jazz band called 'Louis Prima's New Orleans Gang', .
moved to New York in 1934 -- played with fellow New Orleans musicians Eddie Miller (tenor sax and clarinet) and George Brunies (trombone)
 
http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/u?/JAZ,454
Leon Prima (1907-1985) older brother of Louis Prima -- trained as pianist but trumpet player/band leader
ran the Shim Sham Club (229 Bourbon) and the 500 Club (441 Bourbon?) whose house band was led by Sam Butera - before Butera joined Louis Prima's band in Las Vegas in 1954).  As a young man played with Leon Roppolo, Ray Bauduc, Jack Teagarden, Peck Kelley's Bad Boys (1925-27) in Texas. led The Melody Masters in New Orleans  late 1920s, was less active in the '30s and was with Louis' big band in New York from 1940-46. After returning to New Orleans, Leon headed his own combo until retiring from music in 1955.  Pictured is the Prima-Skarkey Orchestra in 1930 at the at the Little Club in New Orleans -- Front row: Charlie Hartmann (trombone), Sharkey Bonano (trumpet), Leon Prima (trumpet), Irving "Fazzola" Prestnoptik (clarinet and sax), Dave Winstein (sax and clarinet), Nina Picone (sax); back row: Augie Schellang (drums), Louie Mass

September1935 -- advertisement..."Opening Tonight -- Louis Prima and his New Orleans Five Orchestra Direct from the Famous Door in New York at Prima's Shim-Sham Club for Five Days Only featuring the Kind of Music that made him the Toast of Broadway -- Shim-Sham Review...Dimples Dalton, Princess of Blues...Shim-Shamettes, Beauty Chorus...Barron and Lynne"
 
1936 Louis wrote "Sing Sing Sing" (in the Grammy Hall of Fame) which became one of the most popular songs of the swing era (big hit for Benny Goodman)
Swing era "Jump, Jive and Wail"
 
 1938 New Orleans City Guide -- Prima's Shim Sham Club , 229 Bourbon St., is open
 
1938 -- "Under New Management" as the Swing Club
small sign "Proudly Presents 2 Shows Featuring Hi-Class Entertainment"
Larger sign "Formerly Prima's...Tantalizing Swing Music...A New Low Price Policy...No Cover Charge...No Miniumum...Under New Management"
Image Source: http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/u?/CLF,2348
 
 
 
"Bacciagaloop, Makes Love on the Stoop"
 
 
1950s with New Orleans saxophonist Sam Butera and the Witnesses (beginning 1954) and  a 16 year old Keely Smith (later his fourth wife).  Hits included "Just a Gigolo - I Ain't Got Nobody," "Buona Sera," "Black Magic," "Zooma, Zooma," "When You're Smilin',"
 
1967 voice of King Louis the oragnutan in Walt Disney's animated film The Jungle Book
 
 
Louis died in New Orleans August 24, 1978 -- brain tumor.  buried in Metairie Cemetery -- tomb statue of Gabriel, the trumpeter-angel. inscribed "When the end comes, I know, they'll all say 'just a gigolo' as life goes on without me..."
 
Louis Prima Street (ave?)
 
During the 1990s Ian Hardcastle, sole owner and shareholder of Bourbon Street Gospel and Blues, inc. and 227 Bourbon Street, Inc., owned the property from 227 through 235 Bourbon Street and sublet it for use as a jazz club.  By the turn of the century, Bourbon Street Entertainmen operated Utopia music club at this location where lighted trees and fountatins grace the large courtyard.  The company also owned the Jazz Parlor (125 Bourbon Street), the Ragin' Rooster (228 Bourbon Street), and partially owned Howl at the Moon (135 Bourbon).
 
Building later housed Boogie Woogie, Utopia and Rhythms music clubs and  Jazz Gumbo gift shop and an ATM machine
229 Bourbon Street --Louis and Leon Prima

New York Times - Dec 8, 1910
New Orleans. Philadelphia, and Paris papers please -opy. LAKE., on Dec. (5, 1910. Ann Augusta Lake, beloved mother of Louis N. Lake, in the 70th year of her ...

New York Times - Dec 9, 1910
8, 1910. members of this Society ore requested to attend the funeral services of their ... AHcia Beatrice, wife of the late Thomas Kearney lof New Orleans. ...

NO CARLOAD OF BABIES FOR NEW ORLEANS
Atlanta Constitution  Dec 18, 1910

Christian Science Monitor Dec 9, 1910
NEW ORLEANS--A monument to the memory of John James Audubon, the naturalist, who was a native of Louisiana, among the oaks in Audubon park was unveiled ...


THROUGH TRAINS TO NEW ORLEANS.
Los Angeles Times  Dec 10, 1910
Souther Pacific Railroad has leted arrangements for additional gh passenger train service is Los Angeles and New Oricans new Schedule will go into effect ...
 

JOY RIDE ENDS IN DEATH.

 Los Angeles Times Dec 14, 1910
Machine Plunges Into River Near New Orleans and One of Trio of Occupants is Drowned. JOY RIDE ENDS IN DEATH. Machine Plunges Into River Near New Orleans and ...

NO BOUTS FOR NEW ORLEANS.
 Los Angeles Times -- Dec 17, 1910
Acting Governor Orders Barry-Ross Go Stopped;Fight Set for Next SundayIs Called Off;Chances for Pug Game DoNot Appear Bright. More on LATimes.com. Partners ..

THE CLAIMS OF NEW ORLEANS

 Hartford Courant -Dec 17, 1910
In the extreme rivalry between the cities of New Orleans and San Francisco for the honor of being chosen the city to have the world's exposition planned for ...IN THE STRUGGLE FOR PANAMA EXPOSITION Arguments Meant For New England CLAIMS OF SOUTHERN CITY SET FORTH


NEW ORLEANS GETS GREAT RACES FOR MARDI GRAS
Atlanta Constitution  Dec 18, 1910
Entry blanks are out for the New Orleans Mardi Gras speed carnival, the third running of which will take place February 25, 26 and 27, 1911

GUNBOAT HORNET UNDER WATCH; HONDURAS REVOLUTION PENDING.

Los Angeles Times -Dec 19, 1910
Federal Officials at New Orleans Suspect Vessel Has Been Purchased to Aid in Revolt ... NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 18.--The for mer United States gunboat Hornet, ...
 
GUNBOAT HORNET UNDER WATCH; HONDURAS REVOLUTION PENDING. Federal Officials at New Orleans Suspect Vessel Has Been Purchased to Aid in Revolt Fomented by Former President Manuel Bonilla--Craft Ready to ClearPort at 10 O'clock Today.
 FORMER GUNBOAT TO SAIL AND JUNTA MEMBERS ARE EXCITED

Dec 19, 1910 Chicago Tribune Ad
Hotel Monteleone New Orleans'. Hotel Monteeone Newest Hostelry ... Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans,

THIRD DEGREE CHARGED BY MAN

Los Angeles Times  Dec 20, 1910
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 19.--[Exclu sive Dispatch.] Charging that two. Federal attorneys Francis W. Bird of New York and Frank L. Garbarino of Mt. Holly, N.J., ...Witness Asks Court to Hale in Prosecutors; Sensational Twist in Sugar Trust Case; Investigation to Halt New Orleans Trial.

THIRD DEGREE CHARGED BY MAN
 Los Angeles Times Dec 20, 1910
Witness Asks Court to Hale in Prosecutors; Sensational Twist in Sugar Trust Case; Investigation to Halt New Orleans Trial. NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 19. ..

FATAL END TO ANOTHER NEW ORLEANS JOY RIDE
 Atlanta Constitution - Dec 21, 1910

SENATE FAVORS SAN FRANCISCO.
 Los Angeles Times -Dec 25, 1910
Congress Will Decide Whether Northern City or New Orleans Secures ... ""Congress will decide between New Orleans and San Francisco as the place for holding the Panama-Pacific International Exposition between now and January 17 ......

DRAINING MARSHES OF NEW ORLEANS

Hartford Courant - Dec 27, 1910
New Orleans, Dec. 26.--The organization this week of the Louisiana Development League marks the second great step in the transformation of 1000000 acres of ...TO MAKE GARDENS AND FARMS OF THEM A Development League Organized TO TRANSFORM SURROUNDINGS OF CITY

AVIATORS ON GROUND FOR NEW ORLEANS MEET
Atlanta Constitution  Dec 22, 1910

JOY-RIDING EPIDEMIC HITS NEW ORLEANS
Atlanta Constitution - Dec 23, 1910
During Past 24 Hours Many Machines Stolen---No Accidents Reported

$1,000,000 ON IMPORTS LOST AT NEW ORLEANS
 Atlanta Constitution  Dec 30, 1910
Through False Weights and Improper Grading of Sugar


CHAMBERLAIN'S MOTHER DIES IN NEW ORLEANS
 Atlanta Constitution  Dec 31, 1910


December 31, 1910 - John B. Moisant Crashes

http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/u?/JNT,241

 
Aviator John B. Moisant was selected to organize an international aviation tournament in New Orleans in December of 1910 when flying was becoming a popular attraction.

On Dec. 30, piloting his Bleriot airplane, Moisant competed in a five-mile race around a local track against a Packard automobile.  A record for a mile was made at 57 seconds and at a record height of 7,125 feet. In a series of automobile-airplane races, the car consistently defeated the airplane piloted by John Moisant.


On Dec. 31, 1910, he left City Park and headed for a field near Harahan. His intentions were to attempt to win a $4,000 prize that went with the Michelin Cup for sustained flight. The record was 362.66 miles, and Moisant hoped to shatter this record.

As he flew his plane from City Park to the field from which he was to begin his flight, his aircraft encountered a windshear. The plane fell, and without seatbelts holding him in, Moisant fell from the aircraft and was killed. The area where he landed and died was named in his honor. John B. Moisant became the 30th fatality among pioneer airmen throughout the world.
 
Moisant International Airport (later named New Orleans International Airport and then Louis Armstraon International) was constructed and named for John B. Moisant,

December 31 - Two of America's premier pioneer aviators are killed on this day: John Moisant in New Orleans, and Wright pilot Arch Hoxsey in Los Angeles.

Date:31-DEC-1910
Time:
Type:Blériot Monoplane
Operator:private
Registration:
C/n / msn:
Fatalities:Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Airplane damage:Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:Kenner near New Orleans, Louisiana -   United States of America
Phase:Landing
Nature:Demo/Airshow/Display
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Narrative:
Crashed, while trying for the Michelin Cup, pilot John Moisant

 

World's Panama Exposition Company
In the early years of the twentieth century New Orleans, along with the larger region of the central United States attempted to secure a second "World's Fair" for the Crescent City. The proposed exposition would draw attention to the proximity of the local port, and the Mississippi River as a whole, to the new Panama Canal. Despite the best efforts of local and regional promoters, though, the Panama Pacific International Exposition opend its doors during the year 1915 in San Francisco, not New Orleans.  See photo at The http://nutrias.org/~nopl/monthly/august2005/august200512.htm

 

 

Louisiana Commemorative coin photo at http://www.expomedals.com/1915/

Kendall:

The approaching completion of the Panama Canal gave rise, in 1907, to a movement to hold in New Orleans a world's exposition which would fittingly celebrate that episode, fraught with so much significance to the commercial future of the city. The movement was unsuccessful, the National Government committing itself eventually to an exposition at San Francisco. The suggestion insofar as New Orleans was concerned was made by T. P. Thompson, in connection with his work as a commissioner from Louisiana to the Jamestown Exposition. Mayor Behrman endorsed the idea, and on May 4, 1907, called a conference at the city hall, at which it was fully discussed. Four days later a committee was appointed to develop the project, with T. P. Thompson as chairman and M. B. Trezevant as secretary. Although Governor Sanders gave the plan his approval, the opening of the state gubernatorial campaign p562about this time made it seem wise to suspend the work, in order that the statewide exposition tax which it would be necessary to levy if the project were to be successfully carried out, might not become a campaign issue and run the risk of defeat. The election took place in November, and almost immediately thereafter occurred the financial disturbances which, continuing through the following year, brought about a period of business depression in New Orleans as elsewhere throughout the country. But in July, 1909, the exposition idea was revived; John Barrett of the Bureau of Latin American Republics in Washington, was induced to visit New Orleans and deliver an address on trade relations with Latin America, with gratifying results. In March, 1910, the city sent a delegation to Washington to lay the matter before President Taft, and in the following month a public meeting was held in north of, at which plans were made to finance the preliminary work. On April 8 the World's Panama Exposition Company was formed, which secured promises for funds aggregating nearly $8,000,000. But for the determination of the national government to support San Francisco as the site of the exposition the project would undoubtedly have been carried through to a brilliant success in New Orleans.8

History of New Orleans
by
John Kendall

published by The Lewis Publishing Company,
Chicago and New York, 1922