Podcast 61 – When the French Quarter Was Sicilian

by nolahistoryguy | Oct 19, 2025 | 1880s, 1890s, 1900s - 1910s, 1920s-1930s, French Market, French Quarter, Live Talks, Podcasts, Sicilians in New Orleans

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Podcast version of our Third Thursday Sicilian talk.

Podcast 61 – When the French Quarter was Sicilian

Thanks to everyone who came out last Thursday night for our fourth talk in our “Third Thursday Lecture Series.” This talk is essentially a lecture, now podcast, version of part of my “down-river” French Quarter Walking Tour. We explore the part of the Quarter known as “Little Palermo” in the early part of the 1900s. From the riverfront to the French Market, up into the neighborhood, we talk about produce farmers, market vendors, grocers, bakers, organized crime, and a well-known ice cream guy.

As mentioned in the presentation, I am a volunteer tour guide for the Friends of the Cabildo (FOC). The FOC offers one of the best French Quarter Walking Tours, and I’m proud they let me do them! This presentation is more-or-less a verbal/image “walk” like my tour. When going “down-river” from Jackson Square, you just can’t avoid talking about the Sicilian influence in the French Quarter, beginning in the 1880s. You’re most welcome to join us on the tour–click the link for more information.

The Pod

PDF of the presentation here.

Creole Italian by Justin A. Nystrom (link to bookshop.org)

While there are several good books on the Sicilian influences and history in New Orleans, I really enjoy Dr. Nystrom’s. The book goes well beyond just Da Quarters, but his thoughts on “Little Palermo” are excellent.

Scenes

 Sicilian Lemons, which became part of the tariff issues in 1897.

Produce stall at the French Market, 1920s (colorized by NOLA History Guy)

Central Grocery

ca. 1926, New Orleans — Woman driving horse drawn wagon in New Orleans. — Image by © Photo Collection Alexander Alland, Sr./CORBIS

Central and Progress Groceries

While Progress Grocery ain’t there no more, Central Grocery is still selling muffulettas at 923 Decatur Street. The Peronne family closed their grocery at 1003 Decatur, but still operate as a wholesale business. You can buy Progress Grocery brand olive salad and other products at local supermarkets.