120. Dixon Hearne Update Interview

120.  We talk again with writer Dixon Hearne, who teaches and writes in the American South. In recent months, he has moved back home to Louisiana.  He's now in Sterlington, LA, near Monroe.  Much of his writing draws greatly from the rich images in his daily life growing up along the graceful river traces and bayous in West Monroe, Louisiana. After many years of university teaching and writing for research journals, his interests turned toward fiction and poetry—and the challenge of writing in a different voice. The Louisiana Anthology now has some of Dixon's stories for you to enjoy, and links to more.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 6, 1717. John Law's Company of the West chartered.
2. This week in New Orleans history. De La Sallle High School, operated by the Christian Brothers, opened the doors to 76 Catholic freshman boys on Tuesday, September 6, 1949 in an old house on Pitt Street.  The brothers added a new class level each year, operating in several other old structures on the property spanning the 5300 block of St. Charles Avenue, between Valmont and Leontine streets, which the Archdiocese of New Orleans had purchased in April 1949 for $312,000. On Sunday, February 17, 1952 at 2 p.m., Archbishop Rummel officiated the formal dedication of the current De La Salle high school building which had been constructed at a cost of $375,000 to accommodate 750 students. 
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Lydia Cajun Food Fest
   September 11 - 12, 2015
   Weeks Park - Lydia, LA 70569
   Cajun Food Cook‑off, Food Court, Carnival, Arts & Crafts, Poker Run, Refreshments, Music.
   Cajun food certainly has its followers. On menus nationwide, you’ll find things like “Blackened Chicken Salad” or “Cajun Popcorn Shrimp.” As a general rule, these things are usually pale derivatives of the real thing. If you’re interested in the real thing, you’d be wise to be in the small town of Lydia, Louisiana, in September for its annual Cajun Food Fest.

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80. Interview with writer Dixon Hearne.

80.  We interview writer Dixon Hearne, who teaches and writes in the American South. Much of his writing draws greatly from the rich images in his daily life growing up along the graceful river traces and bayous in West Monroe, Louisiana. After many years of university teaching and writing for research journals, his interests turned toward fiction and poetry—and the challenge of writing in a different voice. The Louisiana Anthology now has some of Dixon's stories for you to enjoy, and links to more.

1. This week in Louisiana history. November 28, 1729.  Natchez tribesmen in the Louisiana colony attack settlers and soldiers November 28, massacring more than 200 and taking several hundred women, children, and black slaves prisoner. The colonists had demanded that the Natchez give up their sacred burial ground.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Dixieland jazz pianist, clarinetist, and drummer Ollie "Dink" Johnson (October 28, 1892 – November 29, 1954) was a  was born in Biloxi, the younger brother of the bass player/bandleader William Manuel Johnson. He worked around Mississippi and New Orleans before moving out west in the early 1910s. He played in Nevada and California, often with his brother Bill. Most prominently he played with the Original Creole Orchestra (mostly on drums). He also played clarinet in Kid Ory's band. For many years he was based in Los Angeles where he led a band in the 1920s and later ran a bar called Dink's Place at 4429 Avalon Blvd. He was visited there in March 1946 by Bill Russell, who organised most of his piano and one man band recordings. Russell wrote in his diary that Dink had a room at the back for selling bootleg whisky, and kept a gun in a saucepan "because the police would never look there". He told Russell that he had "always lived outside the law." He made his first recordings in 1922 on clarinet with Kid Ory's Band. He made more recordings in the 1940s and 1950s, mostly on piano, although also doing some one-man band recordings, playing all three of his instruments through over dubbing.  Johnson's piano style was influenced by Jelly Roll Morton (his brother-in-law); his clarinet playing by Larry Shields. Johnson also wrote tunes, including "The Krooked Blues" (recorded by King Oliver) and "So Different Blues."
3. This week in Louisiana. Witches Brew Tours
   December 5th, 2012 - December 31st, 2014 Witches Brew Tours
   819 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116
   504-413-3120
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 28, 1814.  NO. XXIII-XXIV.  Letter from commodore Patterson to the secretary of the navy.
    Letter from commodore Patterson to the hon. Secretary at War.
   U. S. ship Louisiana, December 28, 1814.
   Sir,
   I have the honour to inform you that on the 23d instant, while at the bayou St. John, examining the batteries erecting there by the navy, under the superintendance of captain Henley of the Carolina, I learnt that information had been received by general Jackson that the enemy had penetrated through bayou Bienvenu with a large force, and had effected a landing at general Villeré’s plantation on the banks of the Mississippi, which upon application to the general proved to be true. The alarm was immediately given in town, and the troops put in motion; I repaired on board the United States’ schooner Carolina, with captain Henley, and after ordering the Louisiana, commanded by lieutenant-commandant C. B. Thompson, to follow me, at 4 P. M. weighed, and it being calm, dropped down with the current; at about half past six I received a request from general Jackson, through Mr. Edward Livingston, his aid-de-camp, to anchor abreast of the enemy’s camp, which he pointed out, and open afire upon them.
   I have the honour to be, &c.
   D. T. Patterson. 

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