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Coordinates: 29°57′37″N 90°06′19″W / 29.96028°N 90.10528°W / 29.96028; -90.10528
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Gert Town
Neighborhood
Blue Plate Mayonnaise factory
Blue Plate Mayonnaise factory
Coordinates: 29°57′37″N 90°06′19″W / 29.96028°N 90.10528°W / 29.96028; -90.10528
CountryUnited States
StateLouisiana
CityNew Orleans
Planning DistrictDistrict 4, Mid-City District
Area
 • Total0.73 sq mi (1.9 km2)
 • Land0.73 sq mi (1.9 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total1,545
 • Density2,100/sq mi (810/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
70125
Area code504

Gert Town is a neighborhood in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is the home to Xavier University of Louisiana and is a part of the Mid-City District. Gert Town’s boundaries are as follows:

  • North: Palmetto Street, South Carrolton, and the Pontchartrain Expressway
  • East: South Broad Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Eve Street, Jefferson Davis Parkway, and Colapissa Street
  • South: South Carrolton Avenue and Fig Street
  • West: Joliet Street and Cambronne Street.[1]

Its neighboring neighborhoods include:

This neighborhood is named after Alfred Gehrke. In 1893, he opened Gehrke’s Grocers on Carrollton and Colapissa. Gehrke is considered the founder of Gert Town because he bought an abundant amount of its land. The neighborhood played a major role in industrialism, containing streetcar lines and railways that contributed to the residential and community growth of the area. The Blue Plate Mayonnaise Factory, Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, Sealtest Dairy building, and Thompson-Hayward Chemical Company were all fundamental manufacturing bases of the neighborhood. In addition, Gert Town was also well known for being the center of development for jazz and other music genres. Musicians such as Buddy Bolden, John Robichaux, Merry Clayton, Bunk Johnson and Allen Toussaint all shaped the musical influence of Gert Town.[3]

This area was negatively effected during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Due to its low elevation, Gert Town had a high risk of being damaged. Because many homes and buildings were destroyed during this natural disaster, the neighborhood's population took a negative shift.[4] Today, Gert Town continuously undergoes redevelopment and local reinforcement in order to fully recover from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Restaurants such as Five Happiness, Dunbar's Famous Creole Cafe, LA Smokehouse, Gracious Bakery+Cafe, Kin, are all small, locally-owned restaurants that contribute in the rebuilding of the neighborhood. Furthermore, its new natatorium and New Orleans Police Department station also aid in strengthening its community redevelopment and reinforcement.[5]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the district has a total area of 0.73 square miles (1.9 km2), all land.

File:GERTTOWN MAP.jpg
Map of Gert Town created by the City of New Orleans in 1978.

Gert Town has a total area of .73 square miles, an elevation of 0 feet, and is located at , 29° 57′ 37″ N, 90° 6′ 19″ W.[6]Gert Town is bordered by several neighborhoods including: Holly Grove, Mid-City, Fountainbleau and Gravier.[7]

Before Gert Town became home to the Historically Black College, Xavier University of Louisiana, Gert Town was part of the Jeanne de McCarty plantation. This plantation was purchased by the New Orleans Canal and Banking Company in the 1830’s.[8] The New Orleans Canal and Banking Company bought the area to extend the New Basin Canal. During this time much of Gert Town was undeveloped and major streets of New Orleans were cut off from Gert Town.[9] The New Basin Canal was eventually replaced by the Pontchartrain Expressway.    

Gert Town did not start to establish independence as a neighborhood until the 1900’s. During this time street cars ran near Gert Town which fostered the growth of the neighborhood. The development of Gert Town was also greatly aided by Lincoln Park a popular spot for blacks in the community.[8]

Today Gert Town is located in the center of New Orleans.[8]Gert Town’s streets run parallel to the Mississippi River, causing the streets to curve and wind.  

The City Planning Commission defines the boundaries of Gert Town as these streets: Palmetto Street, South Carrollton Avenue, the Pontchartrain Expressway, South Broad Street, MLK Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Eve Street, Jefferson Davis Parkway, Earhart Boulevard, Broadway Street, Colapissa Street, South Carrollton Avenue, Fig Street, Cambronne Street, Forshey Street, Joliet Street and Edinburgh Street.[10]    

Migration Pattern and Elevation

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The “vertical migration” patterns in New Orleans, based on topographical elevation appeared to have a specific trend from 1920 to 2000. There is no evidence suggesting that race was a factor of the vertical migration pattern, but as time went on, the New Orleanians appeared to move from areas of higher elevation to lower elevation. Between the years 1920 and 1930, areas of low elevation such as Gentilly, Lakeview, and especially Gert Town experienced great increases in population while areas of high elevation such as Marigny, Treme, and Lee Circle simultaneously experienced decreases in residential populations. The above-sea-level population in New Orleans decreased from approximately 90 percent in the early 20th century to approximately 38 percent in the start of the 21st century[11]. Post-Katrina, there was an increased percentage of the New Orleans population living at higher elevations, but it was more so due to slow re-population of more drastically affected low-elevation areas in opposed to social preference of high elevation living[12] . Gert town is one of the points of lowest elevation in New Orleans and currently ranges from 0 to -4 meters below sea level [13].

Cityscape

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A prominent figure in the community is Xavier University of Louisiana, located in the northern corner of the neighborhood.

A commercial strip lies along the section of Carrollton Avenue running through the neighborhood. In the 1990s, a portion of the facade of the Sealtest Dairy building was preserved and incorporated into a new post office.

Other small businesses are scatted along Washington Avenue; until Hurricane Katrina, Ultrasonic Studios was one of them.

In the mid 20th century, a manufacturing district developed around Jefferson Davis Boulevard, including the local Coca-Cola bottling plant and the Art Deco landmark Blue Plate mayonnaise factory. Manufacturing in this area declined in the late 20th century, and was largely ended in the Katrina flooding disaster. The businesses along Jeff Davis Parkway that have succeeded in rebuilding include the studios of television station WVUE.

Other neighborhood landmarks include the Gert Town Pool, a public swimming pool in a domed structure run by the New Orleans Recreation Department. The Gert Town Pool was demolished by Mayor Landrieu's administration for Xavier University to eventually make way for a tennis court. The legality of the pool demolition is questionable as it was not approved by the Neighborhood Conservation District Committee.

Blue Plate Mayonnaise Factory

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The Blue Plate Mayonnaise Factory, which closed down following Hurricane Katrina, is now known as the Blue Plate Artist Lofts. Blue Plate was one of the primary mayonnaise manufacturers in the country.[14] The creation of Blue Plate mayonnaise was influenced by Amelia Schlorer because Schlorer created her own mayonnaise recipe under a company named Schlorer Delicatessen Company. The success of her mayonnaise motivated the Wesson-Snowdrift Company to produce Blue Plate mayonnaise. The mayonnaise was originally produced in the city of Gretna until they moved the location to 1315 S Jefferson Davis Parkway in the small Gert Town neighborhod in 1941. Some people believe that the production of the mayonnaise came to a halt because of Katrina, but the factory stopped producing Blue Plate mayonnaise in 2000. Reily Foods Co. who was in partnership with Blue Plate found a more up to date factory in Tennessee which is why they stopped production in New Orleans.[15] Although the building suffered some damage in the hurricane, and was shutdown, its historic architecture has been replenished. Years after Katrina, the Blue Plate building was transformed into an artist apartment complex. The historical and cultural impact that the Blue Plate Factory has left on New Orleans is much deeper than the surface. The original structure of the building still stands so that everyone can be reminded of the influential impact that the Blue Plate factory left on the city. The once New Orleans' made gourmet condiment is now sold in Walmart and enjoyed by people all over the United States.


Blue Plate the mayonnaise factory was designed in 1941 by architect August Perez; it was the very first structure in New Orleans, Louisiana to be built in an Art Moderne style(an international style of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. It was inspired by aerodynamic design). However after the flood that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2006, the Blue Plate Mayonnaise Factory was renovated into a loft-style apartment complex. The building was renamed Blue Plate Lofts and was rehabilitated by HRI Properties and JCH Development. It’s design was built with an all-white exterior and rounded glass-block corners. The exterior was fitted with solar panels a top its roof and a community gallery for its residents. It’s residential status has been made up of a mostly mixed-income community. It has become a gated community for its residents, with ADA (American Disability Act) accessible for people with disabilities. The building itself covers a total of 1,058 sq ft, while containing 72 apartments that hold up to 1-2 fully furnished bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms. The interior design of the building was constructed by Eclecitc Home, with the intention to stay true to the buildings original Art Moderne style. The furnishing is made up of mid-century modern pieces. Most of the other aspects of the interior designs are devoted to paying homage to New Orleans culture, with many of the pieces having written poetry and art designs. It’s rent varies from $1,150-$1,475 a month which is high compared to the surrounding areas rent price average of $864.

Lincoln and Johnson Park

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The two historical parks that are found in Gert Town are Lincoln Park and Johnson Park.  They are adjacent to each other and are located near Earhart Boulevard, where Carrollton Avenue intersects. Since the parks were so close they were nearly referred to as the same. From 1902 to 1930 both parks they were considered to be amusement parks. Together they both consisted of a skating rink and hot-air balloon rides available on occasional weekends. However in present time Lincoln Park is seen as Larry Gilbert Stadium and Johnson Park has transitioned to Cuccia-Byrnes Playground, both of which are for youth recreation.[16]  In the early 1900's Lincoln and Johnson Park designated for the African American population.[17]  Although the parks did only seem to be of recreational purposes, their main attractions were for entertainment; jazz music specifically. Both parks have had great significance in terms of jazz music in New Orleans and the genre of music in entirety. [18] 

Famous jazz musicians who performed at Lincoln and Johnson Park were Buddy Bolden, Bunk Johnson, and Freddie Keppard.  Many other featured performances were done by the orchestra of John Robichaux. The most notable performer of the parks was Buddy Bolden, often battled against other musicians at Lincoln and Johnson Park. [17] The contributions of the parks to Gert Town and jazz music still remain in how jazz music evolved using a unique improvising style, which was first exhibited at Lincoln and Johnson Park.

Waldo Burton Memorial Boy's Home

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The Waldo Burton Memorial Boys Home is located on 3320 S Carrollton Avenue, very close to the campus of Xavier University of Louisiana. The Waldo Burton Memorial Boys Home was built by William L. Burton in 1918, who named the Home after his son William Waldo Burton. This Home was originally a home/orphanage for young orphaned boys in the 1920s till the 21st Century. Now it has been transitioned into a retirement home for the elderly. The Waldo Burton Memorial Boys Home is still standing to this day surrounded by trees, and lots of nightlife, even through Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters to hit Gert Town.[19] Currently community service is provided to the elderly whenever high school or college students apply to help. In Gert Town there aren’t many landmarks that stand out and that are known around Louisiana and or the New Orleans area. So in this immediate vicinity of Gert Town, this is one of the few old and historic places that is known to this community. There were many names for the home such as the Orphan Boys Asylum, or Asylum for the Relief of Destitute Orphan Boys.[20]

Xavier University of Louisiana

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The infamous hurricane Katrina that struck Florida, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. The worst flooding occurred in 9th ward of New Orleans, the storm killed approximately 1,836 people[21]. Economically a lot of people lost their jobs and homes after Katrina, a New Orleans town by the name of “Gert Town” was also affected. Gert Town’s most prominent landmark is Xavier University of Louisiana damage from the hurricane sent Xavier in a downward spiral. Xavier University of Louisiana was established in 1925 and was celebrating their 80th anniversary year. In the fall semester of 2005 is when Katrina struck leaving Xavier was under 6 feet of water[22]. [23]The storm was a category 5 storm and it decimated Xavier’s student enrollment, from 4,100 students Katrina dropped the student population to 3,000 students[24]. The campus was flooded with water for 2 weeks. With all the damage done, it took nearly 5 months and $80 million donated from the federal government and private donors to help reconstruct the campus. Important buildings such as the Norman C. Francis Academic Science Complex(NCF) and the University Center (UC) had to go under demolition to repair the buildings. The whole community of Gert Town came together to rebuild their landmark. In the spring semester of January 2006 Xavier University opened back up.

Adjacent neighborhoods

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History

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The most commonly accepted explanation for the neighborhood's name is that it is a corruption of "Gehrke's Town," Gehrke's being a general store formerly located at Carrollton & Colapissa streets which around 1900 was a local gathering place and had the area's only telephone.

Before the neighborhood of Gert Town was called what it is today, it was given the title of Gehrke Town. [25]Originated after the man himself Alfred Gehrke who in 1893 contributed to the community by providing a convenient store, which during this time was located at the corner of Carrollton Avenue and Colapissa Street, for the residents. Alfred's corner store was also considered a "hot spot" at the time, this because it was more of a meet and greet where many people of the community can come and socialize. The store was also the only area that had a accessible telephone.

In 1900 the "Tulane St. Charles Belt" streetcar line opened including the Gert Town section of Carrollton Avenue in its route, spurring development. Starting in 1902, Lincoln Park and adjacent Johnson Park were popular with African Americans in the era of racial segregation; the parks featured a skating rink, balloon ascent exhibitions, and dancing to the music of such notables as Buddy Bolden and Bunk Johnson.

Gert Town's odd street pattern is the result of earlier land development that reflected the bends in the Mississippi River. With a lower elevation than other areas, the area was once part of the swampy "Back of Town," and major streets stopped before entering the area. After some marginal residential development in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, older Uptown streets that were perpendicular to the river tended to meet in Gert Town and Mid-City. Many of the narrow side streets in Gert Town remained unpaved longer than those in other neighborhoods.

This fairly small area was further cut off by the New Basin Canal, which was located where Interstate 10 is today. Because of its location, in some ways Gert Town seems to have been overlooked throughout its history; poverty and crime have been recurrent problems, particularly in the later twentieth century.

Like the majority of the city, Gert Town flooded from the levee failures in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Except for a few sections along major thoroughfares like Carrollton Avenue and Davis Parkway, recovery remained slow five years later, but was improving by the end late 2010s.

Gert Town is now one of several strategic zones designated by the city for redevelopment and community reinforcement.

Thompson-Hayward Lawsuit

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In 1931 one acre of land in Gert Town was purchased by the Thompson-Hayward chemical company. The facility opened a year later producing wet pesticides and wet and dry herbicides. Because this was an important piece of land, many people wanted to control this area. From 1931 to 1986, three corporations purchased this land. It went from the Thompson-Hayward chemical company to the TH Agriculture and Nutrition Company and finally, the Harcos Chemicals Inc. This plot of land went from housing wet pesticides and herbicides to only dry products to storing chemicals and several cleaning supplies[26]. This chemical factory provided jobs despite the odor and dust. As the years progressed the factory was told to cease production and the release of chemicals outside by Louisiana Department of Environmental quality (DEQ). This resulted in the building being torn down, but the toxic chemicals seeped into the bricks. The toxic chemicals escaped through water and air ventilation. This caused many people to develop several symptoms from minor headaches to death[27]. This angered many people, and they filed a lawsuit. This lawsuit went on for months until a settlement was agreed on. The defendants were forced to "pay $51.575 million into a single fund that would compensate the plaintiffs"[28].Overall, Gert Town was affected greatly by the addition of the chemical factory.

Demographics

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Overview

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Gert Town is a small, densely populated area in the middle of New Orleans. Between the years 2012 and 2016, approximately 54% of the neighborhood population was living in poverty. [2] Although the area is heavily impoverished, of the 3,614 people living in the area, 41.6% of Gert Town's residents are employed,[3] on the contrary to the 34.1% employment before Hurricane Katrina.[1] The small area of Gert Town, New Orleans is occupied by a large young demographic.[4] In this small town, a majority of the employed are teens and young adults, working in food services,[2] but before the 2005 hurricane, the Gert Town neighborhood was known for its contribution to the cities electrical industry. [5]

Pre-Katrina Population

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The population of Gert Town has been of low numbers since its founding around 1900. On the other hand in regards to the race and ethnic population of the city, the numbers have been slightly different based on the majority of race within the area. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population of Gert Town was predominately African American with very few other ethnicities in the area.[29]African Americans accounted for more than 90 percent of Gert Town's population.[30] Whereas, all other ethnicities aside from African Americans were below about three percent. Following the destruction that occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the percentage of African Americans became about 80 percent.[31]Other ethnic groups rose to approximately ten percent of the overall population. These other ethnic groups include Caucasians, Hispanics, and Asians.[32] There was a decrease in the majority percentage population of African Americans within the Gert Town community following Hurricane Katrina which allowed for the leveling out of ethnic groups to begin to live in the area. Gert Town is a city considerably small in number, but as the economy begins to grow so does the amount of different ethnic groups that reside in the city.[33]

This information is mainly about pre-Katrina population numbers. Before Katrina, Gert Town was at its highest population in the 1940's with about 8,700 people.[34] However; the census of 2000 shows the population declined to 4,748 people. The reason for this decline in population is unknown. Gert Town, in particular, doesn't appear to have a lot of information about population changes between the years of 1950 to 2000. [35] However; records have shown that after Katrina, the population experienced another decline and has not gotten back to the pre-Katrina numbers since. The vertical migration patterns explain in more detail how the population changes and when and where people were moving to. Gert Town was not completely renovated after Hurricane Katrina. Sources say that this may be the reason for Gert Town's population decrease. More information about post-Katrina population will be provided below, along with households, ethnic groups, educational status, and ages of the general population. More detailed information about how Katrina affected Gert Town will also be provided. The Post-Katrina subsection will provide more recent population data from the years 2010 to 2016.

According to American Community Survey, there are three primary races reside on Gert Town: Black or African-American -78,9%; White -9,2%; Hispanic (any race) -6,8% and also, Asian diversity (2,1%) as well. The percentage of married households is-13%, and one-person owner composes -47%[36]. The total number of households, in obedience to 2010 in Gert Town is 1,060[37]. When evaluating the development of house hold characteristics and population in the Gert Town area, specificity of the terms is important.  According to the Census, family is understood as people who live together in relation to one another. Whereas household are all individuals that occupy a housing space.[38] Prior to Hurricane Katrina, household characteristics in Gert Town were more abundant than now.  According the Southeast Louisiana Data Center, the number of people who lived in the Gert Town area in 2000, pre-Katrina, was 4,748 people, compared to the 4,221 people between the years of 2012 and 2016.[39] The data implies that the events of Hurricane Katrina influenced a decrease in population. It is also clear that there were social changes with in the town. For example, prior to Hurricane Katrina, there were only 8.0% of households that fit the American standard, which represents a married couple with children.[40] In those households, the children were under age 18. After the events of Hurricane Katrina, a house fitting the American standards only made up 7.0% of the Gert Town households, as of 2010. Data also suggest that the total housing units decreased from 1,876 in the year 2000, to 1,524 between the years of 2012 and 2016.[41]

Post-Katrina Population

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Gert Town is a small, densely populated area in the middle of New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2005,Hurricane Katrinastruck the city of New Orleans, and because of Gert Town’s low elevation and its previous pre-Katrina damages, the neighborhood was vastly affected.[42]Prior to the hurricane, Gert Town was inhabited by 4,748 people,[43]since then, there has been a decline in the neighborhood population to about 3,614 people due to the destructive natural disaster that hit the city of New Orleans. [44]

Between the years 2012 and 2016, approximately 54% of the neighborhood population was living in poverty. [45]Although the area is heavily impoverished, of the 3,614 people living in the area, 41.6% of Gert Town's residents are employed.[46]This is an increase from the 34.1% residential employment before Hurricane Katrina.The small area of Gert Town is largely occupied by a young age demographic.[47]A majority of the employed residents are teens and young adults, working in food services,but before the 2005 hurricane, the Gert Town neighborhood was known for its contribution to the cities electrical industry. [48]In the 1999 planning of this neighborhood, a majority of the land was to be turned into a commercial light industry so that it could not only help the city of New Orleans but also provide jobs for the area.[49]

The population of Gert Town after Hurricane Katrina were affected and decreased by non-functional and destroyed houses around 24%[50]. The percent of housing units has changed from before Katrina (2000) and after (2010) on an average -20%.  As of 2016, the total number of the population is 4,221, which includes male-41,1% and female-58,8%. The age of people, who are living in Gert Town constitute: 5-9 years old -5,5%; 18-34 years old -50,9%; 50-64 years old -10,1%; 75-84 years old -0.9%. According to American Community Survey, there are three primary races reside on Gert Town: Black or African-American -78,9%; White -9,2%; Hispanic (any race) -6,8% and also, Asian diversity (2,1%) as well. The total number of households, in obedience to 2010 in Gert Town is 1,060[51].

As of 2016, there are 4,221 people in Gert Town with 41.1% being male and 53.1% being female. There are 1,149 households and 565 of those are families.[52] 18.6% of the residences are owned and 81.4% are rented. Age wise, 19.7% of the population is under 18. 63.9% of the population falls between the ages of 18 and 50.[52] The remaining 15.9% of the population is above 51. The town is racially divided with 78.9% of the population being African American, 9.2% being White, 6.8% being Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Native American and 2.8% from 2 races.[52] 94.6% of the Gert Town population speak fluent English. 4.5% speak Spanish but not much English and the remaining 0.9% speak languages other than Spanish and English.[52]

In Gert Town, 27.8% of people do not have a high school diploma. That being said, 32.4% of the population has a High school diploma or equivalent of one, 39.2% have attended college but have not earned a degree, 4.9% have an Associate’s degree, 4.0% have a Bachelor’s degree and 1.3% have a Graduate degree.[52]

The population of Gert Town after Hurricane Katrina were affected and decreased by non-functional and destroyed houses around 24%[53]. The percent of housing units has changed from before Katrina (2000) and after (2010) on an average -20%.  As of 2016, the total number of the population is 4,221, which includes male-41,1% and female-58,8%. The age of people, who are living in Gert Town constitute: 5-9 years old -5,5%; 18-34 years old -50,9%; 50-64 years old -10,1%; 75-84 years old -0.9%. Population density (sq mi) is about 5,322[54].

According to The Data Center, 54.5% of the population is considered to be in poverty. The remaining 45.5% are not in poverty.[55]

As of the censusof 2010, there were 3,614 people, 1,060 households, and 564 families residing in the neighborhood.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina Household characteristics in Gert Town where more abundant than now. According the Data Center, the population of people who lived in the Gert Town area in the year of 2000, pre-Katrina, was 4,748 people. (Data Center) Compared to the 4,221 population between the years of 2012 and 2016. (Data Center) The context of the data exemplifies that the events of Hurricane Katrina influenced a decrease in population. It can be seen in the data that there were effects on the structure of households. Prior to Hurricane Katrina there were only 8.0% of households that fit the American standard, married couple with children. (Data Center)In those families the children were under age 18.

Music

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Influence on Hip-Hop and Jazz

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Second Line Jazz had originated in places where racism and poverty with the addition of a high crime rate was overwhelming; places like Gert Town. In They're Tryin' to Wash Us Away,[56] it focuses on how inspiring Second Line Jazz is in Gert Town and how it motivates the citizens for a better tomorrow for both themselves and their community, despite their challenging daily realities such as poverty. A passage from the article describes how Second Line Jazz is a passage of opportunity for not only the Jazzworld (Culture of Jazz), but for people living in the streets trying to make a dollar.

Anthropologist Helen Regis states how Second Line Jazz parades in neighborhoods such as Treme, Central City, and Gert Town generates dancing in the street and is inviting for everyone in the area to join.  She also states how Second Lines in communities such as Gert Town that are affected by racism, poverty, and high crime and mortality rates assist in promoting and maintaining hope in spite of the harsh daily realities they have faced, such as Hurricane Katrina, or continue to face to this day. [57]

In addition to there being Second Line Jazz as a motivating anthem for Gert Town, there is also Hip Hop. Hip Hop had originated from many urban places around the United States, but the most influential style of the music genre came from poverty-stricken neighborhoods such as Gert Town. From these neighborhoods arose bounce DJs whom represented the neighborhoods of where the foundation of Hip-Hop came from by calling out their names in specific songs. In addition to being recognized by numerous people came the appreciation from each respectable area from around the district of Gert Town. Hip-Hop of all other things brought fame and even fortune to the area by representing what hope and desire Gert Town has for its communities, people, and its future as a historical area filled with musical culture. [58]

Bounce DJs, specifically Partners ‘N’ Crime, had songs such as “New Orleans Block Party" that represented their communities of where they were from – one of them being Gert Town. In the song they specifically called out their hometowns, projects, and wards that were predominantly African American neighbor-hoods in New Orleans with a single song; they called out the following neighborhoods: the seventeenth ward, Gert town, the tenth ward, the St. Thomas projects, the fourth ward, the Iberville projects, the third ward, the Calliope projects, the ninth ward, the Desire projects, the seventh ward, the St. Bernard projects, the fifteenth ward, the Fischer projects, the sixth ward, Hollygrove, the Melpomene, and Pigeon Town. [59]

Local Musicians

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Willie "Bunk" Johnson was a jazz trumpeter from Gert Town, a neighborhood in uptown New Orleans, Louisiana, whose contributions left a significant impact on the Jazz genre. Johnson started his musical career at age six and continued until he began his professional music career at age fifteen.[60] Johnson’s first professional job was under jazz pioneer Charles "Buddy" Bolden, and he later went on to play professionally in numerous bands that toured Japan, Australia, and South America. Beginning in the 1920’s, Johnson held most of his music operations in Southwestern Louisiana, and he eventually moved from New Orleans and settled in New Iberia. After settling, Johnson's career took a turn in 1932 after being involved in a bar fight that left him jobless because he lost his teeth and destroyed his trumpet. So, he began to rely on manual labor jobs so that he could provide for himself. This left him off the scene of Jazz until 1938 when Jazz enthusiast/historians found him toothless with no musical output in New Iberia. The historians revived his career as they established relations with the former musician and gave him donations that led him to return to New Orleans, acquired a set of false teeth, and play professionally again. After rectifying his career, he produce over fifty recording and achieve both musical and cultural celebrity status[61]. The status he received was a direct impact of his style of play which ignited the New Orleans Jazz revival(in the U.S and around the world in countries such as the UK). But Johnson’s impact on the genre occurred even after his death(July 7, 1949) as a New Orleans band he assembled, which was later led by, George Lewis(Clarinetist), as they played the style of Jazz that he played that reflected the musical and cultural traditions that led to the birth of Jazz. In the U.S., this revival led to the creation of commercially- viable style called Dixie Land, and in England, it led to a a hybrid genre called skiffle which was seen in later bands such as the Beatles.[62]

Charles "Buddy" Bolden was a pioneer of the early sound of jazz. Buddy was a prominent trumpeter and is hailed as the king of jazz. Born in 1877 dying in 1931[63] in New Orleans very little is know for sure about his early life. In the early years of his playing with his band fusing the styles of music he heard ragtime blues and gospel creating the culmination of these genres to create jazz. A lot of credit with the founding of the jazz art form was his iconic playing in Lincoln Park. Was iconic meeting ground for people in early Gert Town. This is where we see the concrete connection to Gert Town. Lincoln park[64] was located at Carrollton Avenue and Fern, Forshey, and Oleander Streets with located near another iconic park for African american. It is said the buddy would play his trumpet or cornet and would call crowds from Johnson park and the surrounding areas of Gert town and New Orleans to him playing in Lincoln park making him a true icon for gert town inspiring a Jazz and the people of New Orleans

Allen Toussaint was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 14th of January in 1938. He is a notable music producer, musician, and songwriter. Toussaint died at the age of 77 in Madrid, Spain in 2015 on the 9th of November. Toussaint had actually been raised in Gert Town and played as studio musician all over the city. He recorded for the first time in 1957 acting as a stand-in for Fats Domino for the record "I Want You to Know." He played piano while Domino sung over his pre-recorded vocals. In 1958 he released his first album called "The Wild Sound of New Orleans." Later in life Allen realized his true passion was for writing and arranging music, and being an accompanist for different artists. Since Toussaint lived in New Orleans, he was affected by hurricane Katrina just like any other family. He had to move to New York temporarily. While living there, he worked with Elvis Costello to make the album The River In Reverse, which was released in 2006. The collaboration helped him become more recognized as a musician. This isn't the only artist that Toussaint has collaborated with. He has been with Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, and even Patti LaBelle to record her disco hit "Lady Marmalade." Those artists have all used the production company he created along with Marshall Sehorn. Their company was made after Toussaint had finished serving in the army from 1963 to 1965. Allen Toussaint was known to be a great musician and producer who was born in New Orleans, but spread his musical talent all over the world..

Culture

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Food

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Dunbar’s Creole Cuisine is a native Louisiana, family run restaurant re-established by Celestine Dunbar in 2017. Before its location at 7834 Earhart Boulevard, the restaurant was originally called Dunbar's Creole Cooking and found on Freret Street; however, the roots of the establishment started at a local deli off of Oak Street before the big move 1986. [65]

During the 1970s, Mrs. Dunbar took over the duties and responsibilities of the deli across the street from her home when the owner fell ill. Each day she would cook the meals needed at home and bring them over to the deli. As time passed the business gained more traction and consistent customers who knew of Dunbar and her home-cooked meals. Consequently, she finally decided to open up a bigger restaurant of her own. This establishment would open in 1986 on Freret Street and be called Dunbar’s Creole Cooking. It didn’t take long for the restaurant to receive praise and recognition not only from native New Orleans residents, but also from supporters world wide. Dunbar’s Creole Cooking was featured in various magazines such as Southern Living and the Gourmet.[66]

Just as many other places, the restaurant was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Dunbar lost her entire business and didn't have the insurance needed to cover the expenses to rebuild and replace all that was wiped out. Fortunately, Dunbar remained hopeful and chose to take her business mobile and go to Loyola Law School's food court in 2006. At this location, she grew her clientele with university students and faculty.[66] She even participated in numerous festivals and other events until she finally found a new location to rebuild her restaurant.[65]

The final and current location Dunbar found was on Earhart Boulevard, on the edge of Gert Town. After an extensive process, the new and improved Dunbar's Creole Cuisine had its grand opening on April 7, 2017. Countless loyal supporters were ecstatic about the return of the beloved restaurant and now it has become a hot spot for many.[66] Dunbar's Creole Cuisine still stands in Gert Town and continues to draw people in from far and wide with its unique fusion of modern Creole cuisine and home-made country Louisiana meals. [65]

Gert Town Festival

[edit]

After Katrina, Gert Town was torn apart. Many residents were forced to leave and the community itself was lacking resources. Schools, churches, and other businesses were abandoned. To rebuild Gert Town, many residents gathered under tents and booths, on a hot Saturday, to hold their first Gert Town Festival in 2010. The festival was a way to start reforming the community, and to raise awareness for the needs of the community. The community made "strong relationships with adjacent neighborhoods, which include Hollygrove and Fontainebleau, among others."[67] Families from all over were welcomed and taken in.

The events still go on to this day, hosted by the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission and Fit NOLA Parks. The parks hoped to "increase the use of neighborhood parks and provide access to healthy foods in underserved areas." Giving the families a chance to have a fun day, while also helping the community get back on their feet. One Saturday, in June, the people of Gert Town gather for a second line in the park. The second line is led by Da Truth Bass Band and then the fun begins. [68]Many community organizations, students, and local artists, such as Dj Captain Charles provided entertainment. Free food, drinks, and games for all ages are provided. Gert Town's festival brings back the joy the community once had.

Mardi Gras Indians

[edit]

Larry Bannock(February 16, 1948- April 30, 2014), also known as “Big Chief Larry Bannock”, is a Mardi Gras Indian from Gert Town who grew up on Edinburgh St. Bannock began Indian masking with the Gert Town crew “Golden Star” in 1972. He continued rising in rank where he eventually became Big Chief of the tribe in 1979 and renamed it the Golden Star Hunters who he also referred to as the 17 Hounds. [69] Big Chief Bannock and his tribe were Mardi Gras Indians, one of the oldest cultural traditions brought to New Orleans from African tribes. [17] As the chief, Bannock lead his crew and demonstrated his creativity through the indian costume designs and performances that he exhibited. Bannock knew how to bead and sew Indian suits, often teaching and sharing his skills with others in his community.[8] In the 1980’s he became one of the first indians to receive a grant to teach the sewing tradition of Mardi Gras Indians. His costume designs were heavily influenced by African Americans. Indian suits are preservations of African American folk art and are representations of New Orleans’ complex culture.[17] These colorful beaded suits are hand-sewn all year long before they are paraded around the streets of New Orleans and shown off while singing, dancing, and chanting folk songs. Bannock received national notoriety in 1980 when he toured the world with one of his hand sewn suits selected by the Smithsonian Institution to represent the culture of Mardi Gras Indians. [8] Bannock was the past president of the The Mardi Gras council where he shared  his knowledge on Indian traditions and culture. [70] The African drumming traditions in the indian tribes combined with the traditions of the New Orleans brass bands have had an influence on jazz in New Orleans. Many Indian gangs support the bands of traditional second-line parades or jazz funerals with percussion instruments. [17] Bannock and The Golden Star Hunters were annual performers at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, until he passed away three days after his appearance at the festival in 2014. [8]Bannock also represented Gert Town by being a voice for political and social issues in his community. In 2012, Bannock was interviewed for a piece called “Outsiders Prey on Gert Town” where he reflected on how the results of paying taxes is not felt in the Gert Town area. When Bannock died, the impact he had on his community was felt through the large audience that was present, and his display of Indian costumes.

Notable people

[edit]

In addition to the musicians described above, other notable New Orleanians from Gert Town include the comedian Garrett Morris and the singers Merry Clayton and Tami Lynn.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Gert Town Neighborhood".
  2. ^ "Overview of Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana (Neighborhood)".
  3. ^ "Location Spotlight: Zion City".
  4. ^ "Gert Town Statistical Area".
  5. ^ "Gert Town gets a new indoor pool, NOPD station".
  6. ^ "State of Louisiana Census Tracts - 2010 Census - Data as of January 1, 2010". tigerweb.geo.census.gov. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  7. ^ "Gert Town Neighborhood". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Location spotlight: Zion City". ViaNolaVie. Retrieved 13 February 2019. Cite error: The named reference ":1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ Kailas, Mohan (16 February 2018). "New Orleans Neighborhood Series: Gert Town". Mohan Kailas. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  10. ^ Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. "Gert Town Neighborhood". Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  11. ^ Campanella, Richard (2008). Bienville's dilemma : a historical geography of New Orleans. Lafayette: Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. p. 189. ISBN 978-1887366854. OCLC 232257578.
  12. ^ Campanella, Richard (2008). Bienville's Dilemma: A Historical Geography of New Orleans. Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette/Garrett County Press. ISBN 978-1887366854.
  13. ^ "Reference Maps | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  14. ^ https://neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/1424.
  15. ^ https://www.nola.com/300/2017/07/mayonnaise_new_orleans_blue_pl.html
  16. ^ Orleans, Mailing Address: 419 Decatur St New; response, LA 70130 Phone:589-4841 For best; Us, please call during business hours Contact. "A New Orleans Jazz History, 1895-1927 - New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 12 February 2019. {{cite web}}: |first3= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b c d e "New Orleans Neighborhood Series: Gert Town". Cite error: The named reference ":0" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  18. ^ Orleans, Mailing Address: 419 Decatur St New; response, LA 70130 Phone:589-4841 For best; Us, please call during business hours Contact. "A New Orleans Jazz History, 1895-1927 - New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 12 February 2019. {{cite web}}: |first3= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ "Waldo Burton Boys Home Special Collections". Howard-Tilton Memorial Library.
  20. ^ Stokes, Tom. "Waldo Burton Boys Home". Sports Plus Show.
  21. ^ Amadeo, Kimberly. "Why Was Hurricane Katrina so Damaging to New Orleans, and the World?". The Balance. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  22. ^ "Hurricane Katrina". www2.xula.edu. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  23. ^ Pope, John (12 March 2012). "Xavier University being transformed by influx of money following Hurricane Katrina". nola.com. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  24. ^ Contributor. "From Storm To STEM: Rebuilding Xavier University". Forbes. Retrieved 26 February 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  25. ^ "Where is Gert Town and why is it named that?". The Advocate. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  26. ^ Hensler, Deborah R.; Pace, Nicholas M.; Dombey-Moore, Bonita; Giddens, Beth; Gross, Jennifer; Moller, Erik K. (2000). [www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mr969icj Class Action Dilemmas]. RAND Corporation. ISBN 9780833026019. JSTOR 10.7249/mr969icj. {{cite book}}: Check |url= value (help)
  27. ^ Hensler, Deborah R.; Pace, Nicholas M.; Dombey-Moore, Bonita; Giddens, Beth; Gross, Jennifer; Moller, Erik K. (2000). [www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mr969icj Class Action Dilemmas]. RAND Corporation. ISBN 9780833026019. JSTOR 10.7249/mr969icj. {{cite book}}: Check |url= value (help)
  28. ^ Hensler, Deborah R.; Pace, Nicholas M.; Dombey-Moore, Bonita; Giddens, Beth; Gross, Jennifer; Moller, Erik K. (2000). [www.jstor.org/stable/10.7249/mr969icj Class Action Dilemmas]. RAND Corporation. ISBN 9780833026019. JSTOR 10.7249/mr969icj. {{cite book}}: Check |url= value (help)
  29. ^ http://www.datacenterresearch.org/pre-katrina/orleans/4/62/people.html
  30. ^ http://www.datacenterresearch.org/pre-katrina/orleans/4/62/people.html
  31. ^ https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Race-and-Ethnicity
  32. ^ https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Race-and-Ethnicity
  33. ^ https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Race-and-Ethnicity
  34. ^ "District 4 Gert Town" (PDF).
  35. ^ "Gert Town Neighborhood". Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  36. ^ statisticalatlas.com https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Household-Types. Retrieved 27 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  37. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  38. ^ Bureau, US Census. "Census.gov". www.census.gov. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  39. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  40. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  41. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  42. ^ "Katrina's Wake" (PDF).
  43. ^ [(http://www.datacenterresearch.org/pre-katrina/orleans/4/62/people.html "Gert Town Neighborhood: People & Household Characteristics"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  44. ^ Buchanan, Susan (17 October 2012). "Gert Town Overlooked As New Orleans Redevelops". Huffington Post. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  45. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  46. ^ statisticalatlas.com https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Employment-Status. Retrieved 25 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  47. ^ statisticalatlas.com https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Louisiana/New-Orleans/Gert-Town/Age-and-Sex. Retrieved 25 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  48. ^ "Gert Town Neighborhood Snapshot". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  49. ^ "Gert Town Neighborhood Planning District 4 Rebuilding Plan" (PDF). Nola Plans.
  50. ^ "Population Loss and Vacant Housing in New Orleans Neighborhoods | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  51. ^ "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  52. ^ a b c d e "Gert Town | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  53. ^ "Population Loss and Vacant Housing in New Orleans Neighborhoods | The Data Center". www.datacenterresearch.org. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  54. ^ "Gert Town, LA Population & Demographics". www.areavibes.com. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  55. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  56. ^ Raeburn, B. B. (1 December 2007). ""They're Tryin' to Wash Us Away": New Orleans Musicians Surviving Katrina". Journal of American History. 94 (3): 812–819. doi:10.2307/25095143. ISSN 0021-8723. JSTOR 25095143.
  57. ^ Raeburn, B. B. (1 December 2007). ""They're Tryin' to Wash Us Away": New Orleans Musicians Surviving Katrina". Journal of American History. 94 (3): 812–819. doi:10.2307/25095143. ISSN 0021-8723. JSTOR 25095143.
  58. ^ 1975-, Hess, Mickey (2010). Hip hop in America : a regional guide. Greenwood Press. ISBN 9780313343223. OCLC 992034590. {{cite book}}: |last= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  59. ^ 1975-, Hess, Mickey (2010). Hip hop in America : a regional guide. Greenwood Press. ISBN 9780313343223. OCLC 992034590. {{cite book}}: |last= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  60. ^ "Bunk Johnson - Know Louisiana". 64 Parishes. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  61. ^ "History is Bunk". Offbeat. 23. 2010 June. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "Bunk Johnson - Know Louisiana". 64 Parishes. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  63. ^ "Buddy Bolden (1877-1931) • BlackPast". BlackPast. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  64. ^ "Lincoln and Johnson Parks". New Orleans Music Map. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  65. ^ a b c imcnulty@theadvocate.com, IAN MCNULTY |. "Dunbar's Creole Cuisine, a pre-Katrina fixture, gets cooking again on Earhart Boulevard". The Advocate. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  66. ^ a b c Times-Picayune, NOLA com | The. "Hurricane Katrina flooded Dunbar's restaurant; a dozen years later, it's back". NOLA.com. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  67. ^ "User account | NewsBank". infoweb.newsbank.com. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  68. ^ "NORDC Offers Feast of Fests | NOLA DEFENDER". www.noladefender.com. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  69. ^ Perry-Crawford, Taylor; Laboratory, Elizabeth Page with research support from Xavier University of Louisiana's Performance Studies. "Big Chief Larry Bannock and the Battle of Gert Town". New Orleans Historical. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  70. ^ "Mardi Gras Indian Masks | Mardi Gras New Orleans". www.mardigrasneworleans.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.

Resources

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grandtutor/sandbox-GertTownDraft.

Category:Neighborhoods in New Orleans

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