YHC changed up the traditional route for a few Christmas stops. Text gathered below from various sources. Letmegooglethatforyou.com
WWII MUSEUM – Andrew Higgins Blvd.
From 1944 the true story of how American and German soldiers actually spent the night together in a tiny cabin in the Ardennes Forest, along the German-Belgian border, on Christmas Eve during the Battle of the Bulge. The senior german soldier said, “It is the Holy Night and there will be no shooting here.” The next morning he gave a compass and a map to the Americans to find their way home.
ON TH LEVEE by the Aquarium
Quick stop for the bonfires. Intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey to the area. Or, according to some sources, the bonfires may have also been a way of lighting the path to the nearest Catholic church for Midnight Mass. The origins of the bonfires tradition is unclear. They may date back to French Marist priests who came to Louisiana just after the Civil War to teach at local cottages, and adapted an ancient tradition that’s found throughout western Europe. Oral histories dating to the 1880s include mention of these fires.
Then up Canal Street and all the glowing palm trees and the center of New Orleans Christmas tradition for over 100 years.
DH Holmes 819 Canal (founded 1842, 800 block)
What is now the Hyatt. The DH Holmes Christmas display was a must-see during the holidays. Also the clock which hung over its entrance was a favorite place for friends to arrange a meeting. All you had to say was “I’ll meet you under the clock” and everyone knew what you meant. A statue of Ignatius Reilly now stands under that clock.
Maison Blanche (921 Canal)
Now the Ritz Carlton. This department store was founded in 1897 by Isidore Newman, an immigrant from Germany. Maison Blanche is perhaps best remembered for introducing the locally popular Mr. Bingle (1948) Christmas mascot and for its landmark flagship store on Canal Street.
We ran by the Roosevelt and YHC for a moment contemplated running through it’s bright and shiny foyer, but thought better of it.
SEARS ROEBUCK 201 Baronne St.
From the 1940s through 1979, Sears and Roebuck had a 4 story santa over the entrance, and it was a must stop and must see during the shopping rush along canal.
Fast pace back the flag. Thanks for joining the nostalgic celebration and my birthday Q.
