379. Kit Wohl, part 1

379. Part 1 of our interview with Kit Wohl. This week we talk about her book Iron Lace, author Kit Wohl’s passionate guided tour to the city’s most historic, celebrated, ornate, imaginative and even mysterious iron works that adorn, beautify and protect so many of New Orleans’ most treasured physical properties. Since the very founding of the city, blacksmiths and iron workers established themselves as essential craftsmen of New Orleans’ most romantic and iconic architectural details. The grape vines, rose clusters, ivy and fleur-de-lis dance along balcony railings and climb our galleries. Whimsical faces of nature peer out from gateposts. Fences take the form of rows of cornstalks in a field. Latticework, filigree, architectural detail and decorative ornamentation. A personal touch or conformist requirement. The prideful flourish of an owner’s initials. An extravagant indulgence or vital security measure. It goes by many names and interpretations, but what the work of the iron foundry men, blacksmiths, craftsmen and artisans has created for the city over three hundred years is, at its essence, a drapery of iron lace meticulously laid out over the fabric of life in this most unique and unusual city.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 23, 1714. St. Denis begins his exploration of Red River Valley.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Riverfront Expressway Plan Abandoned. August 22, 1969. Known as the Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway, the plan was ill-received by New Orleanians who fought to prevent its construction through the French Quarter. The voice of the people was heard and the elevated expressway was never built. However, one component of the original plan, a six-lane tunnel, 690 feet long by 98 feet wide, under the Rivergate Convention Center (now Harrah's New Orleans Casino) was built and is presently used for valet parking. 
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   El Festival Español de Nueva Iberia
   
   August 28th, 2020 - August 30th, 2020
   Bouligny Plaza

   102 W. Main St.,

   New Iberia, LA 70560
   337-349-7343 | Fax
   Website | Email
   Celebrating New Iberia's Spanish roots with "Dave Robicheaux Running of the Bulls" 5K race, re-enactment of the arrival of the Spanish on Bayou Teche, paella/jambalaya cook-off, fais-do-do at the Pavilion, food demonstrations, original Spanish family genealogy, guest lectures, exhibits, the Downtown Art Walk featuring a Spanish artist and more. Bouligny Plaza, 102 W. Main St., New Iberia, 337-349-7343.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. BLM New Orleans Rally 7/11/2020.

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