The “Historic Houses Society Gala” welcomed and honored the organization’s highest level of museum members. Their support allows the organization to maintain and preserve two 19th century historic house museums, which are National Historic Landmarks and important to the architecture, culture and history of New Orleans.
Poe and Guy Carpenter opened their historic home for the gala. The home was built in 1870 by cotton broker Willis Herndon Hogan and meticulously restored by the Carpenters, owners of Supreme Restorations. The marvelously restored home was decorated with flowers in rich fall colors.
The evening was catered by Ralph Brennan Catering & Events. The menu included two items from Creole Cookery, one of New Orleans’ oldest cookbooks, published by The Christian Woman’s Exchange in 1885. The historic dishes were courtbouillon redfish and turtle soup, and guests were gifted a copy of the original 1885 recipe of turtle soup as a favor. The signature cocktail was the Grima 57, inspired by a recipe found in a letter between two of the Grima brothers from 1857.
Guests were greeted on the front porch of the home by Brett Gardner, a single banjoist playing New Orleans’ Dixieland sounds. In the backyard, a trio of band members from Vivaz including Javier Gutierrez stole the show with their acoustic Latin jazz.
Sallee Benjamin and Grace Kaynor served as Event Chairs.
Event at a Glance
What: “Historic Houses Society Gala,” benefiting Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
When: Thursday, November 21, 2019
Where: Home of Poe and Guy Carpenter
Andrew and Betsey Todd with Hosts Poe and Guy Carpenter
Lise Kuhn, Julie Habetz and Erin Luetkemeier
