83. O. Henry's "Whistlin' Dick's Christmas Stocking"

83.  Bruce and Stephen talk about O. Henry's short story, "Whistlin' Dick's Christmas Stocking."  In this story set in the early 20th centrury, Henry takes us down the levee from New Orleans to a hobo jungle, where Boston Harry and his gang of tramps are plotting, like the Grinch, to steal Christmas.  Will Whistlin' Dick be able to foil their evil scheme?  Tune in to find out!

1. This week in Louisiana history. Dec. 20 1803 United States Commissioners W.C.C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson formally receive possession of Louisiana for the United States for $15,000,000.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Governor James Albert Noe, born on December 21, 1890, served in World War I as a first lieutenant of the 369th Infantry in France. He was active in the Democratic party and served in the state senate from the 29th Senatorial District (Ouachita and Jackson parishes).  In 1932 he was the floor leader for Huey Long's administration and was appointed lieutenant governor in 1934. He became the Governor of Louisiana, serving from January through May 1936, following the death of Gov. O. K. Allen. He later returned to the senate until 1940. Noe made unsuccessful runs for governor in 1940 and 1959. He was active in the oil and gas industry, with operations in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, both as producer and overriding royalty owner. He owned and operated farms in Indiana and Ouachita and Tensas parishes, most notably, the Whitehall Plantation in Monroe. In 1936 Noe founded WNOE-AM and FM radio stations in New Orleans, established Monroes KNOE-AM and FM radio stations in 1944, and KNOE-TV in 1953.  In 1971 he was awarded an honorary LL. D. degree from Northeast Louisiana University.  He died died in Houston on October 18, 1976.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 28, 1814.  NOS. XXVI-XXVII.
   
   Copy of a letter from captain Henley, commanding late United States’ schooner Carolina, to commodore Patterson, dated
   New Orleans, December 28, 1814.
   Sir,
        At daylight, on the morning of the 27th, the enemy opened upon the Carolina a battery of five guns, from which they threw shells and hot shot; returned their fire with the long twelve-pounder, the only gun on board which could reach across the river, the remainder of her battery being light twelve-pound carronades.
        The air being light aid at north, rendered it impossible to get under way; the second shot fired by the enemy lodged in the schooner’s main-hold urder her cables, and in such a situation as not to be come at, and fired her, which rapidly progressed; finding that hot shot were passing through her cabin and filling room, which contained a considerable quantity of powder; her bulwarks all knocked down by the enemy’s shot, the vessel in a sinking situation, and the fire increasing, and expecting every moment that she would blow up, at a little after sunrise I reluctantly gave orders for the crew to abandon her, which was effected, with the loss of one killed and six wounded; a short time after I had succeeded in getting the crew on shore, I had the extreme mortification of seeing her blow up.

Listen in iTunes.           

Listen in Stitcher.

The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.