Hi Julia,
Which is it, “poor boy” or “po-boy”?
– Fred St. Claire, New Orleans
It depends if you’re a purist concerned about the historic integrity of the language or if you are content with the devolution of words. The terms “poor boy” originated from Martin Brothers Coffee Stand which opened in the French Quarter in 1922. The bothers, Benny and Clovis, had previously been streetcar conductors a fact that would be critical to the story to follow. In 1929 there was a contentious strike by streetcar workers. The brothers were sympathetic and began offered sandwiches, served on a loaf, for free to the strikers. Why? Because they were “poor boys.” Hence the name was applied to the sandwich.
Overtime, however, the bastardized version of the name began to dominate. One theory was because that was how the name sounded when spoken in the local dialect. Poydras thinks it was because the blackboard type menu signs did not have much space, so “po-boys” became the shortened version. Unfortunately, overtime the wrong term began to dominate. That’s a shame because the true term is much more applicable to the sandwich’s history.
To its credit Parkway Bakery (located at 538 Hagan Street at the corner of Toulouse near Bayou St. John) still uses the term “poor boy.” The place also makes a damn good sandwich, perhaps the city’s best. Bless them. Preserving historic accuracy can be a lonely vigil. While waiting, a shrimp poor boy can be good for nourishment—also the roast beef.
Hi Julia,
Other than saints or other religious figures what would you say are the most important local statues of women?
– Greta O’Keefe, Metairie
Ahem!!! I am too modest to suggest that I should be, but I am sure my day will come. There are two statues that come to mind; one that is most famous for the sculptor the other Is best know for the person.
The latter would be Margaret Gaffney Haughery (1813-1882) who was known as the” bread woman of the orphans.” The Irish immigrant would open several orphanages in New Orleans by the late 19th century. She too had been orphaned at an early age. A blessing for her would be a failing bakery that she took over and made into a success. That gave her income; much was donated to charities. She also provided bread for the orphanages. Margret died on February 3, 1882. Her life was deemed to be so remarkable that she was given a state funeral. The bishop, the mayor and the Lt. Governor led the procession. Children from the orphan asylums were also in the procession. Eventually a movement was started to create a statue of her. A site was located at the intersections of Clio, Prytania and Clio streets. The statue shows Margaret seated with children around her. IT was unveiled July 9, 1884. This year is the 140th anniversary. Margaret’s monument is recognized as the first publicly erected statue of a woman in the United States, and also the first monument to an American female philanthropist and is, of course, and the only known statue to a baker.
The other statue is that of a composite character, Molly Marine. The statue was sculpted by Enrique Alferez, the great Mexican artist who was responsible for much of the city’s outdoor deco outdoor art, especially in City Park. Molly is out of character with Alferez’s other work but is nevertheless a fine piece of art saluting members of the Marine Corp’s women Reserve. The statue, which has been located on Canal Street at Elk’s Place, was the first sculpture in the nation of a woman in a military uniform. It was dedicated in November 1943. Because of war time restrictions it was made from concrete. Later a bronze replica was made of the original.
An inscription on the base says: “Dedicated To The Women Who Have Earned The Title, Marine.” Molly’s influence would spread, replicas of the New Orleans statue were made and now stand at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia and at the Marine base in Parris Island, S.C.
Molly’s influence would spread.
She would be a classic. So was Alferez. He did his work on Molly for free.
