A Secret Salon in New Orleans

Submitted by Christi

The French Quarter in New Orleans has so many secret little courtyards and hidden jewels. One such jewel, that I am showing you today, is Le Petit Salon. If you have visited in New Orleans, you probably have walked right past and never knew it existed. Le Petit Salon is a ladies organization that was formed in 1924 to “keep alive the love of the old traditions of New Orleans.” The building where Le Petit Salon meets is four stories high. The top two stories are rented out as apartments and the bottom two floors are where the ladies meet.

sketch

Built in 1838 by Victor David, Le Petit Salon as it was then from the watercolor by Boyd Cruise

Recently, I was honored to be invited as a guest, along with my husband, to a rare night time event at Le Petit Salon (also referred to simply as “the salon”). It was a Valentine evening where men were welcomed.

Le Petit Salon is located on St. Peter’s street just off Jackson Square. Let’s step in the gate to the carriageway. It is a bit dark this evening in the carriageway. I can imagine the fair evenings so long ago.

carriageway

From the carriageway, we’ll go through a hallway and out into the courtyard, where I will introduce you to the lovely June Aiken whose guest we were.

june

Both she and the courtyard are fabulous. As the sun began to go down, the lanterns in the courtyard came on.

lantern

In the courtyard, we were served briny, raw oysters, tea sandwiches, chocolates and champagne. The oysters were shucked by the #1 oyster shucker, Mike Rogers who is a 5 time champion oyster shucker.

oyster-shucker

The oysters were served in this fabulous wooden bowl/boat.

oysters

What a lovely evening it was. The moon was out and the temperature was fair. Inside, we can hear the piano and flute being played.

moon

A nice gathering before the program began.

courtyard-full

Let’s step inside to take our seats for the program.

chairs

People are beginning to take their seats. The program is a performance of poetry and prose. Some familiar selections such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning and some that are written by one of the performers, Nel Nolan, who is the society editor for The Advocate in New Orleans. The other performer is Max Williams, who is the artistic directory at Le Petit Theatre.

max

After the performance is over, we’ll sneak upstairs to take a peek. Here we are in the upstairs hallway, outside of the drawing room.

upstair-hall

Next, we’ll make our way into the drawing room. Lots to see here. An incredible, ornate mirror.

drawingroom2

A painting of one of the founding members.

dix

This alcove is frames with incredible woodwork.

good-alcove

Another beautiful mirror.

fireplace-mirror

An incredible hanging tapestry.

tapestry

Even the lighting is special.

lights

Take a closer look at the mantle.

mantleclock

What a beautiful room. Let’s take one more peek at the downstairs.

library

Looks like everyone is having a wonderful time. I know I did. Thanks for coming along!

Today, I’m joining Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch.

2 Responses to “A Secret Salon in New Orleans”

  1. Cathey Thomas Says:

    I can’t get the pictures to load, and I’d love to see them. My father’s great Aunt, Judith Hyams Douglas, was one of the founders of the salon. As an attorney, she took care of the paperwork involved. The family always called her “Judo”. I only vaguely remember her because she died when I was 5, but she was like a grandmother to my father and his brothers. Her late sister was their grandmother. How can I find those images that don’t load?

  2. Christi Says:

    Hope you can see them now.

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