Louisiana Anthology Podcast: 650. Nathalie Dessens.

650. Nathalie Dessens is returning to her work on Gentilly and Creole New Orleans through the recent publication of Gentilly: A New Orleans Plantation in the French Atlantic World, 1818-1851 (a book she co-edited and translated with Virginia Meacham Gould. It features letters from the manager of the Gentilly plantation, providing insight into 19th-century plantation life and its connection to the city. Dessens is a historian who has previously written on the topic in her book Creole City: A Chronicle of Early American New Orleans. Nathalie Dessens is professor of history at the University of Toulouse.

Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today!
This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Katharine B. Judson. Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley. "The Hunter and the Alligator." ALL the hunters in a village killed many deer one winter, except one man. This one saw many deer. Sometimes he drew his bow and shot at them; yet they escaped.
   Now this hunter had been away from his village three days. He had seen many deer; not one had he killed. On the third day, when the sun was hot over his head, he saw an alligator. Alligator was in a dry, sandy spot. He had had no water for many days. He was dry and shriveled.
   Alligator said to the hunter, “Where can water be found?” The hunter said, “In that forest, not far away, is cold water.”
   “I cannot go there alone,” said Alligator. “Come nearer. Do not fear.” The hunter went nearer, but he was afraid.
   “You are a hunter,” said Alligator, “but all the deer escape you. Carry me into the water, and I will make you a great hunter. You shall kill many deer.”
    The hunter was still afraid. Then he said, “I will carry you, but first I must bind you so that you cannot scratch me; and your mouth, so that you cannot bite me.”
   So Alligator rolled over on his back and let the hunter bind him. He fastened his legs and mouth firmly. Then he carried Alligator on his shoulders to the water in the forest. He unfastened the cords and threw him in.
   Alligator came to the surface three times. He said, “Take your bow and arrow and go into the woods. You will find a small doe. Do not kill it. Then you will find a large doe. Do not kill it. You will meet a small buck. Do not kill that. Then you will meet a large, old buck. Kill that.”
   The hunter took his bow and arrow. Everything happened just as Alligator had foretold. Then he killed the large, old buck. So he became a very great hunter. There was always venison in his wigwam.
This week in Louisiana history. November 1, 1966. New Orleans Saints become 16th NFL football team.
This week in New Orleans history. Second TV station in New Orleans goes on the air on Sunday, November 1, 1953. What is currently known as WVUE-TV FOX 8 began life on All Saints Day, 1953, as the second television station to sign on in the city of New Orleans — originally under the call letters WJMR-TV on the dial position Channel 61 (The Crescent City’s first UHF signal), broadcasting live TV programs from CBS, ABC and DuMont networks.
This week in Louisiana.
31^st Annual Holy Ghost Creole Festival.
November 7-9, 2025
600 N Oak St, Hammond, LA 70401
Phone: (985) 345-3360
Creole Festival Raffle
Drawing Sunday, November 9, 2025
Donations $2.00/ticket
Tickets are available after all weekend masses and at the Parish Office
Creole Festival Parade
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Dinner Tickets
Friday, Nov 7
Fried Fish
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 8-9
BBQ Pork Steak or Chicken
Pork Stew
Beat the ticket line and get your tickets early.
Tickets are available at the church office or after all weekend masses.
Postcards from Louisiana. "Walking to New Orleans." Brennan's brunch band.