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George Schmidt, Honoree Patty Gay, Sandra Stokes and Michael Duplantier
Despite the threat of thunderstorms, “Fête du Jardin,” held at the circa 1799 Pitot House on Bayou St. John, welcomed patrons to a stunning bayou sunset as they gathered to celebrate preservation advocacy in action. The Pitot House was saved from demolition and moved to its current location by Louisiana Landmarks Society in 1965, with a 10-year restoration by a Landmarks Society founding member, Sam Wilson, and his business partner Richard Koch of the architectural firm, Koch and Wilson.
Patricia H. Gay was this year’s honoree, celebrated for her decades-long commitment to historic preservation and New Orleans culture. In July, Gay retired after 26 years as Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center.
Ten outstanding New Orleans restaurants provided food, accompanied by specialty cocktails and French wines.
Guests were entertained by the Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, who performed traditional jazz in sync with the Landmarks Society’s “Jazz in the Garden” theme, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first jazz recording.
The event is the society’s major fundraiser of the year, and supports ongoing preservation advocacy activities and maintenance of the Pitot House, the organization’s home on Bayou St. John.
Event at a Glance
What: “Fête du Jardin,” benefiting Louisiana Landmarks Society
When: Sunday, October 22
Where: Pitot House
