From the Streetcar

One Story – Canal and Esplanade

“And, they’re off!” Today we roll out Issue Number One of “From the Streetcar,” the weekly newsletter from NOLA History Guy. The idea is to present a short, interesting selection of things to read about New Orleans. The newsletter’s title has its roots in riding public transit in the metro area. We hear things on the streetcar and bus. Most we let go in one ear and out the other. Some catch our attention for the duration of the ride, and a few of these send us down unexpected rabbit holes.

So, our One Thing to start off From The Streetcar is riding streetcars and buses. November 1st is not only the middle of the All Hallows, All Saints, All Souls events. It’s more than the official birthday of our NFL Team, the Saints. For generations, November 1st was the “sigh of relief” day. While we’re recovering from Halloween and cleaning the family tomb, it dawns on us that another hurricane season has come and gone. Our local meteorologists caution us that climate change extends hurricane season into November, but everyone loves a milestone.

Canal-Esplanade

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority offers a day-pass that allows you to ride all buses and streetcars for one price. Use that to re-create a ride on the old Canal-Esplanade Belt. If you’re in town, catch the Route 47 red streetcar going to the Cemeteries terminal. Transfer to the Esplanade bus line, Route 91. Ride Esplanade back into town. On both routes, get off and walk a few blocks. Take in a quick look at St. Louis Cemetery Number 3, on Esplanade near Bayou St. John. You see a house that catches your eye, stop and check it out! You’ve got a day pass.

Of course, the old belt service had two lines running in opposite loops. Start your journey at Canal and City Park Avenue. Take the Route 47 streetcar inbound from Cemeteries. Ride it down Canal Street. Stop and check out Mid-City architecture, churches, schools. When you get downtown, switch to the Esplanade line. Explore Faubourg St. John and the Esplanade Ridge. Check out the Vaccaro house at 2821 and the Cresson house at 2809 Esplanade. Have a coffee at the CC’s Coffee House across the street. Outside, naturally–it’s November!

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Two Updates

1. Bywater! The Friends of the Cabildo, famous for their quality French Quarter Walking Tours, have developed a Bywater Walking Tour. It’s in the test phase now, so we’ll keep an eye on its progress.
2. ​AMTRAK‘s City of New Orleans, running from New Orleans to Chicago, returns to its regular schedule after two months of early departures. Beginning 1-November, the train will depart at its usual 1:45PM time.

Three Recommendations

1. ​Baldwin & Co. Bookshop will host Ta-Nehisi Coates in conversation with Joy Ann Reid, 15-November-2024. The book and coffee shop is at 1030 Elysian Fields Avenue, just off St. Claude. Even if you can’t make the talk, it’s a great place to stop for a coffee. It’s on Route 66 (Elysian Fields).
2. “Above New Orleans: Roofscapes of the Crescent City” by Marco Rasi and Richard Campanella is now available at local Dirty Coast shops. Support local authors and stores!
3. Say hello! NOLA History Guy (Edward Branley) is a regular at the PJ’s Coffee at 5555 Canal Blvd., most weekdays. If you see me there, feel free to introduce yourself.

Four Ways to Support NOLA History Guy

1. ​Buy my books! Edward Branley is the author of six books on New Orleans history. They’re available from local booksellers and all the usual online suspects.
2. ​Book NOLA History Guy to speak at your event – Edward speaks to groups ranging in size to local groups like Kiwanis and Rotary to major conventions and trade shows.
3. ​Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi dot com. I just love this concept as a way to say thank you/tip creators you enjoy. Our idea of monetization is buying books and having us come to speak. If you see me at a coffee shop, stop and say hi. Otherwise, I’ll raise coffee cup to you if you treat me.
4. ​Become a patron. Yes, we’re on Patreon. A lot of creators use the platform for direct monetization, and that’s great for them. We don’t have “exclusive content” for patrons. Still, if you think our history stuff is worth a dollar a month, go join!