95. Interview with Cari Lynn about Madam, Part 2

95. Part 2 of our interview with Cari Lynn about Madam: A Novel of New Orleans. "Follow the rise of young, scrappy Mary Deubler, an alley whore who uses her looks and gumption to morph herself into Madam Josie Arlington, one of the most successful, influential, and feared women of the time. Set in 1900, Madam is based on the true story of New Orleans's 20-year experiment with legalized prostitution that turned castaway, dirt-poor women and free women of color into celebrity madams with unprecedented power and wealth.  But Storyville was about more than just sex.  These whores-turned-madams flipped Southern aristocracy on its head: singlehandedly, they created the diverse cultural and music mecca that we know today as The Big Easy." Read an excerpt at the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history. March 13, 1815. Gen. Andrew Jackson declares the end of martial law in New Orleans at the end of War of 1812
2. This week in New Orleans history. This notice was published in the March 14, 1891 edition of the Times-Picayune.  What followed, on the same day, was the largest mass lynching in American history, which was precipitated by the murder of Police Chief, David C. Hennessey.  Ironically, on this date in 1889, Hennessey was appointed the city’s first Superintendent of Police. On October 15, 1890, Hennessy was shot a half-block from his home. The following day, as he was dying, he allegedly informed Captain William O’Connor that he had been shot by "Dagos", an insulting term for Italians.  250 Italians were arrested. On October 18, Mayor Shakspeare appointed a "Committee of Fifty" to investigate the crime. On December 13, a grand jury indicted 19 Italians.  Many of them had been identified by the Committee of Fifty. The grand jury foreman and one other juror were also members and financial contributors to this group.  When the jury trial didn't find enough evidence to convict, a mod assembled.  Shouting "Kill the Dagoes," a large crowd stormed Parish Prison. Eleven of the 19 men who had been indicted for Hennessy's murder were shot and killed. According to witnesses, the "cheers were deafening".  The killings were allegedly carried out by a 12-man "Execution Squad" led by Parkerson.
3. This week in Louisiana.Blue Dog Comes Home
   January 15th, 2015 - April 11th, 2015
   Bayou Teche Museum
   131 East Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560
   337-606-5977
   Website  

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