394. Hans Sternberg & James Shelledy, part 1

394. Part 1 of our interview with Hans Sternberg & James Shelledy. We Were Merchants.The words “Goudchaux’s / Maison Blanche” conjure up a wealth of fond memories for local shoppers.

At this landmark Louisiana department store, clerks greeted you by name; children received a nickel to buy a Coke and for every report-card A; families anticipated the holiday arrival of the beloved puppet Mr. Bingle almost as much as Santa; teenagers applied for their first job; and customers enjoyed interest-free charge accounts and personal assistance selecting attire and gifts for the most significant occasions in life—baptisms, funerals, and everything in between. In We Were Merchants, Hans Sternberg provides a captivating account of how his parents, Erich and Lea, fled from Nazi Germany to the United States, embraced their new home, and together with their children built Goudchaux’s into a Baton Rouge legend that eventually became Goudchaux’s / Maison Blanche — an independent retail force during the golden era of the department store and, by 1989, the largest family-owned department store in America.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 7, 1851. Archbishop Blanc blesses new (current) St. Louis Cathedral.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Born in New Orleans on December 5, 1925, Alvin "Red" Tyler began playing saxophone when in the Navy, and by 1950 had joined Dave Bartholomew’s R&B band. He also played jazz in club jam sessions. He made his recording debut on Fats Domino’s “The Fat Man” and went on to play on sessions for Little Richard, Lloyd Price, Aaron Neville, Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, and numerous other rhythm and blues artists. 
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   94th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival
   November 21st, 2020 - January 6th, 2021
   Since 1927, we are home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. ChesterNOLA sketch artist.

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