Merry Moments
Gratitude
The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses requested the “pleasure of your company at the Historic Houses Society Gala.” The invitees (“your company”) were those who had purchased “an annual membership to the Museum at the Historic House Society level or higher.” Funds impact the preservation of not only the above two historic houses in the Vieux Carré, but also the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Respectively, the top two giving circles listed as donors Mrs. H. Mortimer Favrot Jr. (Kay), and Mary (board of managers president) and Justin Schmidt, for Fellows, and Beth and Clifford “Cliff” Favrot and Susan and Jimmy Gundlach, for Heritage.
Anne and Edmund Redd hosted the socializing in their Garden District home, which was florally embellished by Dunn and Sonnier. Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation provided the spirits; Ralph Brennan Catering and Events, the sumptuous buffet array; and John “Papa” Gros, the musical deserts.
Beth Favrot and Katy Roubion (with husband Dennis) were the gala chairs, along with Sybil Favrot, the honorary chair in memoriam. More notables were the Schmidts, board vice president Stacy Head with Jeremy, executive director Tessa Jagger, board treasurer Celeste and Curtis Eustis, secretary Marion Cage McCollam, Kay Favrot, Betsy (Nalty) and Dick Simmons, Lori and John Page, Sarah and Jeff Mecksroth, Amy and John Robertson, Katherine and Beau Raymond, Carol Markowitz and scores more from the board, the gala committee and the Preservation Circle. Houses made it a happening.
Royal (Street) Masking!
Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates presented “A Royal Masquerade: 85 Years Around the Sun!” at, most appropriately, Latrobe’s on Royal. The venue was the “host” and Peggy and Timber Floyd, the Presenting Sponsors. The next sponsorial tier was Champagne and featured the name of Ann Masson. Lynda "Lyn" Gladney rated raves as gala chair`
The fundraiser “helping Louisiana’s oldest historic preservation advocacy organization” — VCPORA, showcased a live auction with artwork by James Michalopoulos and, earlier, kick-off music by Mahmoud Chouki, followed by the lively Smoking Time Jazz Club. The silent auction enticed with local eateries, services and boutique gifts, while the live one included pieces by Michalopouols, Rodrigo Franzăo, a rare 1975 Jazz Fest poster, and a coveted stay in Sablé-sur-Sarthe, France. James Douglas Hislop sponsored the entertainment.
Headliners included the board’s officers, Nathan Chapman, Andy Gallagher, Mark Masor and Elizabeth Simpson; directors Chuck Bracht, Barry J. Cooper Jr., Rylan Domingue, Carol Gelderman, Lyn Gladney, Kathy Hebert, Annie Irvin, Anthony C. Marino, James Rolf, Jason Waguespack and Mercedes B. Whitecloud; and members of the 22-person gala committee. VCPORA executive director Erin Holmes and most of the above made rounds at the site, the 1822-completed Louisiana State Bank, which was named after its architect, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the “Father of American Architecture,” who is best known for the U.S. Capitol.
As for heeding the theme, dozens obliged. Every head at “Masquerade” turned ‘round at the sight of the costumes. They were amazing!
Feliz Navidad!
Sociedad Espaňola entertained once again with elegance and excitement at its Christmas Banquet in the Metairie Country Club, which was holiday a-glow with gorgeous decorations. In the banquet’s ballrooms, the Oak and Maple, red poinsettias and votive candles topped the tables. Large Spanish flags were on both the award and welcoming tables, while smaller flags adorned the wreaths throughout the ballrooms.
As for the pleasures of the dining table, a multicourse menu (featuring turtle soup, main course choices, cavatappi pasta, and cheesecake) was welcomed. Julio y Cesar purveyed the musical one and got enthusiastic response.
Sociedad Espaňola President Vivian Coutin (with Gustavo) introduced this year’s society awardee, William “Bill” de Marigny Hyland, who has worked assiduously to promote the love and culture of Spain, and is interviewed regularly about the Isleňos of St. Bernard. He received a crystal octagon with the SE emblem.
Applauding him were Honorary Consul of Spain Maria Isabel Page with John, Cielo and James Alleyn, Ben Crowe, Lil and Gerardo Viera, Bertha and Francisco Merchan, Graziela and Andima de Ayerdi, Helen (Mrs. Alfredo) Lopez, Fred Lopez and Nora Oates Lopez, the Ramon Vallejos, Alfredo and Sofi Botero, Janet and Jim McGrew, Theresa and Bill Daly, Ana Maria Canas, Elizabeth and Rodolfo Revuelta, Max Moreno, Juana and Hugo Varela, Maria Bonilla, Robert Freeland, and San Franciscans Evangeline and William Abriel.
Fall Courts
The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Louisiana and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Louisiana held a Joint Fall Court at the Garden District residence of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Montfort Ripley, Craig and Louise “Weesie.” Cocktails, supper (quite delicious!), a program and combined bonhomie were the attractions, as was the home, the historic 1849 Briggs-Staub House. The party flow was both inside and outdoors in the lush gardens and patio areas.
Dames President Meg Charbonnet (with Hunter) and Governor of the Warriors Peter McEnery (with Martha) issued welcoming remarks. A highlight of the formalities was the introduction of four new Warriors: John Henry Murphy of Monroe, Raymond Alley of Shreveport (who also received the General Society’s War Cross to recognize his service to our country in the armed services) and, Crescent City denizens Stephen Kepper and James J. “J.J.” Morrison.
Former Society Governor Pierre McGraw and nephew Marvin mingled, as did former president Jane Middleton, Elder and Millie Brown, Bob and Alma Pettit, Dick and Betsy (Nalty) Simmons, Pat Morrison with J.J., Jimmy and Jo Nelle Kepper, Hy and Libba McEnery, Rich and Mary McConnell and Rosemonde and Carlo Capomazza di Campolattaro.