Bachelors’ Bounty
Sleeping Cupid! And that is exactly what is depicted on various items associated with the Bachelors’ Club of New Orleans. For generations, members have worn the image of the small, chubby, winged boy, fast asleep, with a bow and arrow next to him. So the mythological god of love is not looking for targets for lovers. There are bachelors among them.
The Bachelors’ Club, founded in the Crescent City in the 1930s, has always held a debutante presentation on Thanksgiving Eve. To welcome the young women and make new acquaintances, the bachelors meet in the summer.
At the recent summer party, held in the club rooms on St. Charles Avenue, President William Henry BreauxOfficers and other members. The respective Vice Presidents of Entertainment, Membership and Public Relations are Blake Lawrence Ecuyer, Raymond Andrew Walker And Andrew Carrere Dodenhoff, while David Gerard Trepagnier Jr., Cooper Hughs Jordan, William Watson Ellinghausen And Daniel Glynn Leithman They, in turn, report to the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Historian and the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Several of the debutantes, who will be honored at the Bachelor Cotillion in November, were present with their parents. They were chatted with by former presidents of the club, Jordan Platt, Ryan Ellinghausen And Trevor Thompson.
The two-hour summer party was opened at 5:40 p.m. by President Breaux, who introduced himself to those in attendance, thanked those present, and recognized the officers. He also drew attention to the club’s 85th anniversary, adding, “Since then, we have had the honor of presenting beautiful and intelligent young ladies.” That was the cue to draw attention to the debutantes in attendance. Each was introduced by name as she took the stage.
As a final formal part, William Breaux toasted the smiling six and said, “We look forward to the presentation on Thanksgiving Eve.”
A sumptuous buffet beckoned, and guests headed to the dining area to enjoy sliders, crab cakes, deviled eggs, a vegetable platter, and small sandwiches, just a few of the offerings.
But the socializing didn’t end there. Camaraderie was the main focus and most of the party guests headed to Fat Harry’s for “after-party fun.”
All the king’s men and women
Traditionally, the British monarch’s birthday is also officially celebrated, usually in nicer weather. The current monarch, Charles III, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was born on November 14, 1948. However, his official state birthday was celebrated just before the start of summer.
The English-speaking Union New Orleans Branch 2024 gathered members and guests in the Oak and Maple ballrooms of the Metairie Country Club to celebrate the official birthday of King Charles III. and the alliance of the ESUUS (founded in 1919) with the ESU of the Commonwealth (1918). The tables in the Country Club were decorated with large Union Jack flags and gold crowns, Prince of Wales plumes and small US and UK flags on mirrored panes. A literary accent was the books of Agatha Christie, whose novels and unique characters formed the theme of the brunch.
A highlight was the annual hat competition and the best Christie character outfit. Barbara Arras, Haydee Mackey And Kathy Singleton were the winners of first, second and third place, while Laura Jordan was awarded as best character ensemble for the role of the aviator Beryl from “Death in the Clouds”. The honorable mention went to David Grissett And John Flemingboth portray Captain Arthur Hastings, the companion of Christie’s famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.
During the event, a special tribute was paid to Malachi White from Covington High School, who took first place in the 2024 ESU National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center in New York. The members from New Orleans were thrilled. “Some of our participants have made it to the national finals in previous years, but this national place is a first!” explained David Grissett, president of the ESUUS branch in New Orleans. He was joined by his wife ShaunaWith Malachi came his mother, Ebonyand teachers Gary Mendoza.
Other headlines were Branch Treasurer Leonard Caruso with JulieChairman of the Membership Julie Jardine with DrewBoard member Rennie Culver, Kevin Mackey and Haydee, Diane and Chuck Zatarain, Katherine de Montluzin, Courtney-Anne Sarpy, Michael Harold, Benjamin Karp, Elaine and Douglas Grundmeyer, Lucie Whitleynew grandparents Lois and Jay Van Kirk, Jane Kahn, Paula Dickey and dozens more who raised their voices to the patriotic anthems. Dr. Jazz was the music maker.
They also held out shiny silverware to enjoy the numerous and delicious brunch bites, which were complemented by wine, champagne and a specialty cocktail, Pimm’s Cup. When it was time for dessert, no one could resist the chocolate chip cookie from Screamers Cookie Monster. Hey, that kind of sounds like a Christie title!
Awards
Gallier Hall provided an impressive setting for the Louisiana Landmarks Society’s 2024 Awards of Excellence in Historic Preservation, a ceremony co-sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Industries. Bryon Cornelison and team, who provided the use of the landmark for the award ceremony, moderated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Landmarks Society René Fransen and Managing Director Stacey Pentecost presented the awards to 10 deserving project winners.
Among the notable attendees in a crowd of well over 200 people was the Chairman of the 2024 Awards Sandra Stokes, Greg Feirn, Gary Solomon Sr., Anne Teague Landis, Howard Moses, Richard AlbertDean of the Tulane School of Architecture, Iñaki Alday, Pat O’Brien with Peter Patout, CJ Blanda with Sammy Steele, Melissa and John Rome, Michael Duplantier, Jim Logan with Jenny Cromer, David Campbelland LLS board members Michael Mancuso, Margot Hammond, Michael Reid, Sonny Shields, Keith Hardie, Jeff Bernard, Ed Deano, And Peter Wolf.
Pigeon Catering fed the flock, Sazerac provided the libations, James Kelly, Jr. and his company provided the bartending and the music was provided by the celebrated composer and producer from Chicago, Eddie Torres, played lively melodies on the Steinway piano.
