70. Interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives. Part 1.

70.  Part 1 of our interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives.  She and her co-writers have traveled through Iowa interviewing African-American women who moved there from the South and worked as domestics -- maids, cooks, etc.  We focus on the women from Louisiana who moved there and discuss the ways their lives changed and the ways they didn't.  We especially talk about Irene Williams, who moved to Iowa from the North Louisiana towns of Springhill and Minden.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 20 1885 Birthday of pianist Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton in New Orleans, Louisiana. MORE
2. This week in New Orleans history.
   "City of New Orleans" Writer
   Steven Benjamin Goodman Dies
   September 20, 1984
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 24-28
   Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival A midway of treats, games of chance, rides, shows of arts and crafts, flowers and photography. Admission: Free for many events. Cover charge for some dances. New Iberia, 337.369.9323.
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 21, 1814. NO. XV.
   At a meeting of the committee of public defence on the 21st September, 1814,
   On motion, resolved, that a sabre, with a suitable inscription and proper emblems, be presented to major W. Lawrence, as a testimonial of the sense which is entertained of his skill and gal-, lantry in the defence of fovt Bowyer, and in the repulse of the enemy's squadron and forces before that place.
   Ordered, that the chairman communicate a copy of this resolution to major Lawrence, with a request that he will convey to the brave officers and men under his command, the expression of gratitude which is felt for the important service they have rendered to this state, as well as to the United States.   Edward Livingston, chairman.

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69. Interview with Max Johansson, creator of the Below Board podcast

69.  Interview with Max Johansson, creator of the Below Board podcast. Max lives in Sweden, and he has collaborators in Louisiana to create this old-fashioned police drama set in the New Orleans of yesterday.  Max has created an alternate history line that is somewhat different from ours, and has allowed us to post his first episode script at the Louisiana Anthology.  Read it and look for the clues to solve the crime and the clues to what makes this world different.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 12, 1719 Superior Council set up with 12 members MORE
2. This week in New Orleans history. Dixieland jazz clarinetist Lawrence James "Larry" Shields was born in uptown New Orleans on September 13, 1893.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 18-21
   New Orleans Burlesque Festival
   Drawing talent from around the world, the festival features performances, workshops, panel discussions, a competition, and appearances by legendary stars from the past. Admission: $22-$50. Harrah's New Orleans, 8 Canal St., and House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., New Orleans, 504.975.7425, email neworleansburlesque@yahoo.com.    
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 19, 1814.  NO. I. Vice-admiral Cochrane to the secretary of state. His B. M. ship Tonnant, in the Chesapeake, Sept. 19, 1814.
   Sir — I had the honour to receive your letter of the 6th inst. this morning, in reply to the one which I addressed to you from the Patuxent.
   As I have no authority from my government to enter npon any kind of discussion relative to the points contained in your letter, I have only to regret that there does not appear to be any hope that I shall be authorized to recall my general order; which has been further sanctioned by a subsequent request from lieutenant-general sir George Provost.
   A copy of your letter will this day be forwarded by me to England, and until I receive instructions from my government the measures which I have adopted must be persisted in: unless remuneration be made to the inhabitants of the Canadas for the injuries they have sustained from the outrages committed by the troops of the United States.
   I have the honour to be, &c.     
   Alex. Cochrane.

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68. Discussion of Elizabeth Custer's Memoir, Part 2.

68.   Part 2 of our discussion of Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer, the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. The Custers spent some time in Louisiana immediately after the end of the Civil War, and we discuss the portion of the book that covers their adventures in the Pelican State.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 1, 1715. King Louis XIV died
2. This week in New Orleans history. Elks Approve First Truck Parade.  September 6, 1934
    Story by Buddy Stall.  As early as the 19th century, people decorated carriages, wagons, milk carts and other rolling stock, donned costumes, and with liquid refreshments and food to sustain them for the day headed for the crowded streets to join fellow revelers.
          The year 1933 was a bleak one for the citizens of New Orleans. Like most Americans, New Orleanians were suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, which followed the stock market crash of 1929. So the approach of Mardi Gras that year filled the city with great anticipation. Perhaps it would get people’s minds off the unpleasant conditions, if only for a day.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 12-14, 2014
   Shrimp Festival
   The second annual fete features shrimp prepared a multitude of ways, plus other food, music, games, and sports. Admission: $2 for attendees age 12 and older. Shrimp Festival Grounds (Meraux), 2501 Archbishop Hannan Blvd., Meraux, 504.278.4296.
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 8, 1814. NO. XI.  Militia general orders, head-quarters,  New Orleans, September 8th, 1814.   A hope is still cherished that the pending negociation between the United States and Great Britain may eventuate in a peace honourable to both parties; but there is too much reason to apprehend that the enemy feeling power may forget right. Indeed from the information before us, we shall act wisely in preparing for the worst. At this moment a fleet of the enemy is hovering on our coast, and he is assembling a force at Apalachicola, Pensacola, and elsewhere, avowedly for the invasion of Louisiana. We must be prepared to meet him; to dispute every inch of ground; harass him on his march; make a stand at every favourable position, and finally to triumph or lose with our country, our lives. Every individual, therefore, attached to the militia will be in constant readiness for active service — officers of every grade at all times be prepared to repair to their posts, and assume the command which may be assigned them — non-commissioned officers and privates will put their arms, whether muskets, rifles, or shot-guns in the best possible condition, furnish themselves with six flints each, as much powder and ball as can conveniently be carried, and pack in their knapsacks one blanket, one shirt, and one pair of shoes, being the necessary clothing on a march. The greatest vigilance will be observed, and every precaution taken to guard against surprise. Captains and subalterns will keep their field officers advised of every occurrence which interests the public safety, and colonels or officers commanding regiments will communicate the same to the generals of their respective brigades and division, and the general officers to the commander-in-chief. Strong patroles will be ordered on every night, particularly within the city and suburbs of New Orleans and the adjacent counties. 

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67. Discussion of Elizabeth Custer's Memoir, Part 1.

67. Part 1 of our discussion of Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer, the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. The Custers spent some time in Louisiana immediately after the end of the Civil War, and we discuss the portion of the book that covers their adventures in the Pelican State.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina makes landfall in the New Orleans/Biloxi area causing an est. $25 billion dollars worth of damage and displacing over 1 million residents.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Causeway Opens
   August 30, 1956 The original Causeway was a two-lane span (now the southbound span), measuring 23.86 miles in length which opened on this date in 1956 at a cost of $30.7 million. A parallel two-lane span, 1/100th of a mile longer than the original, opened on May 10, 1969 at a cost of $26 million. Each span was the longest over-water bridge in the world when completed.
3. This week in Louisiana. Creole Renaissance Festival The annual fete honors the Creole language, food, community, dance and music. Admission: $5-$15. Yambilee Fairgrounds, 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas.
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 4, 1814.  NO. V. 
   Letter from Mr. Laffite to Mr. Blanque Barataria.
   4th September, 1814.
   Sir,
   Though proscribed by my adoptive country, I will never let slip any occasion of serving her, or of proving that she has never ceased to be dear to me. . . . I may have evaded the payment of duties to the custom house; but I have never ceased to be a good citizen; and all the offence I have committed, I was forced to by certain vices in our laws. In short, sir, I make you the depository of the secret on which perhaps depends the tranquillity of our country; please to make such use of it as your judgment may direct. I might expatiate on this proof of patriotism, but I let the fact speak for itself. I presume, however, to hope that such proceedings may obtain amelioration of the situation of my unhappy brother, with which view I recommend him particularly to your influence. It is in the bosom of a just man, of a true American, endowed with all other qualities that are honoured in society, that I think I am depositing the interests of our common country, and what particularly concerns myself.  I have the honour to salute you,  J. Laffite.

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66. Interview with Jason France (Crazy Crawfish), Part 2.

66.   Interview with Jason France (Crazy Crawfish), Part 2.  August 23,  2014.  We interview Jason France, the creator of the Crazy Crawfish education blog.  Jason is a former Louisiana Department of Education Employee and nationally recognized privacy and public education activist.  Jason is also running for a seat on the BESE board. You can also read some of his blog posts at the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 26, 1895 'Uncle' Earl Kemp Long born
2. This week in New Orleans history.  August 24, 1973.  John Schwegmann was in hot water for fighting a "milk war" between his grocery stores and the "orderly milk marketing law" also known as a price-fixing law. Schwegmann promised his customers rebates if the law was enacted.  The First Circuit Court of Appeals ordered him to cease what it interpreted as illegal acts.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 29-30.  Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run Zydeco music, motorcycle events, dance contests and more.
   Downtown Natchitoches
   318.471.9960 or 318.652.0079.
4. Battle of New Orleans. August 26, 1814.  NO. XII.  Head-quarters, Pensacola, August 26, 1814. Order of the day for the first colonial battalion of the royal corps of marines.
   You are called upon to discharge a duty of the utmost danger, of the utmost peril. You will have to perform long and tedious marches through wildernesses, swamps and water-courses; your enemy from long habit inured to the climate, will have great advantages over you. But remember the twenty-one years of toil and glory of your country, and resolve to follow the example of your glorious companions, who have fought and spilt their blood in her service. Be equally faithful and strict in your moral discipline, and this, the last and most perfidious of your enemies, will not long maintain himself before you. A cause so sacred as that which has led you to draw your swords in Europe, will make you unsheath them in America, and I trust you will use them with equal credit and advantage. In Europe, your arms were not employed in defence of your country only, but of all those who groaned in the chains of oppression, and in America they are to have the same direction. The people whom you are now to aid and assist have suffered robberies and murders committed on them by the Americans. 

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65. Interview with Jason France, Writer of the Crazy Crawfish Blog

65.   We interview Jason France, the creator of the Crazy Crawfish education blog.  Jason is a former Louisiana Department of Education Employee and nationally recognized privacy and public education activist.  Jason is also running for a seat on the BESE board. You can also read some of his blog posts at the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 16, 1814 US gunboats attack Barataria, destroying all ships and pirate contraban. A few months later, they would be allies in the Battle of New Orleans.
   
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Mayor Mitchell Joseph "Mitch" Landrieu born August 16, 1960 is the former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 21-22  Fete Rouge A celebration of food and wine hosted by Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. Thursday's 7-course award dinner (paired with wines) features live entertainment, and Friday's Food and Wine Fete includes over 200 wines to taste plus a chef's competition, raffles and live entertainment. Admission: $200 Thursday; $50 Friday.
   Crowne Plaza Hotel
   4278 Constitution Ave.,
   Baton Rouge,  LA
   225.773.4889.
4. August 15 No. I.  Copy of a letter from vice-admiral Cochrane to Mr. Monroe
   August 19 No. III.  By lieutenant-colonel Edward Nicholls, commanding his Britannic majesty's forces in the Floridas.
   Natives of Louisiana! on you the first call is made to assist in liberating from a faithless, imbecile government, your paternal soil: Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled or residing for a time, in Louisiana, on you, also, I call to aid me in this just cause: the American usurpation in this country must be abolished, and the lawful owners of the soil put in possession. 

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64. Interview with Carolyn Files, Niece of Writer Maude Files Zimmer

64.  We interview Carolyn Files, the niece of Maude Files Zimmer.  Maude wrote a series of books focused on her early life in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, a small town a few miles outside of Bastrop.  The books are collections of articles that were first written for newspapers.  These stories catch the flavor of the small-town America of yesterday; somewhere between Tom Sawyer and Mayberry.  Files wrote the following books:

• A Time to Remember
• A Village so Small
• Door Without a Lock
• Writer's Harvest  

These books are out of print but still available from vendors like Amazon.  In addition to discussing her books with Carolyn, we also talk about Maude's adventurous life, living and working in far-flung places far away from Oak Ridge, Louisiana.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 11, 1856 A hurricane kills more than 200 people vacationing at Isle Derniere (Last Island).  Hearn's Chita is based on that hurricane.
   
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Lee Harvey Oswald contacted the FBI on August 9, 1963 after he was arrested in New Orleans for disturbing the peace, asking to speak with an FBI agent.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 14-16.   Le Cajun Awards and Music Festival Cajun music, dancing, food, arts and crafts. Events Thursday (Aug. 14) will take place at La Poussiere Cajun Dancehall, 1301 Grand Point Ave., Breaux Bridge. Admission: Free Thursday, $5 Friday, and $10 Saturday.
   Rayne Civic Center
   210 Frog Festival Drive
   Rayne, LA
   337.344.2494
4. August 15  Extract of a letter from general Jackson to governor Claiborne.  No. IX. 
   
   Extract of a letter from major-general Jackson to governor Claiborne, dated fort Jackson, August 15th, 1815.
   Information this moment received by express from Alabama Heights, bringing me a letter from Pensacola, added to the intelligence received by captain Gordon, who was the bearer of a letter from me to the governor of Pensacola, makes it necessary, that all the forces allotted for the 7th military district, should be held in a state of preparation to march to any point required at a moment's warning.

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