New Orleans Writers Housing Outreach Project

Still Moving Forward

2008-08-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

We've been slowed by the mess and muck of post-Katrina, but not stopped. We've updated our Strategic Plan and sent it to a leading literary organization and some prominent members of the New Orleans community for financial and moral support. Surely, we can get this project done -- the Ogden Museum (art) and the World War II Museum are good examples of successful museum projects in the last 8-10 years.

We hope to preserve and promote the literary heritage of New Orleans with this very special New Orleans Writers Museum!

Writers Housing Outreach

2006-10-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

After discussions with New Orleans Habitat for Humanity we've come up with a new moniker that will distinguish the housing program for writers and more accurately describe it: Writers Housing Outreach (WHO).

This reflects the range of housing solutions we will be developing and also the fact that homes - whether owned or rented - will be not only near to the successful Musicians Village project in the upper Ninth Ward but also scattered through the St. Roch and Treme areas as Habitat is able to acquire lots.

Habitat will be presenting information to local poets and writers at 7 PM on October 26 at the Goldmine Saloon in the 700 block of Dauphine Street before the weekly "17 Poets" series.

Contact Email for Black and White Ball Inquiries

2006-10-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

We've set up an email account just for ticket requests and inquiries about the Black and White Masque Ball. Just send us an email at: CapoteBlackandWhiteBall@yahoo.com

WWL-TV's ANGELA HILL TO MC BLACK AND WHITE BALL

2006-10-05T09:06:00.000-05:00

Local news anchor Angela Hill has graciously agreed to be our Master of Ceremonies for the Black and White Ball. Thank you Angela!

A Change in Priorities - A Writers Village

2006-10-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

We've forged a strategic agreement with Habitat for Humanity to provide housing solutions for New Orleans writers wishing to stay or return to the city. The program will provide transitional and permanent housing for local poets and authors.

The planned New Orleans Writers Village will be located near Habitat for Humanity’s Musicians Village development in the upper Ninth Ward area of New Orleans. It will provide affordable housing solutions for writers through rental and home ownership programs.

It will help revitalize, support and institutionalize Louisiana as a place with a rich literary environment full of stories for poets, historians, novelists, playwrights and journalists.

The impact of Hurricane Katrina has threatened our very culture and heritage. A New Orleans Writers Village will, indeed, celebrate, maintain and strengthen our contributions in the literary arts in the near and long term.

The strategic agreement between LWF and Habitat for Humanity contains three key components, with one additional component under discussion:

1) Transitional — writers may rent a two bedroom home for a year at approximately $500 per month; following this period, they would have the option to purchase the home under the standard Habitat terms and requirements. If they do not purchase the home, it will be refurbished and sold within the Habitat program;

2) Purchase — homes will be made available under the standard Habitat ownership program. These are 2-3 bedroom homes purchased at $75,000 and financed with no interest. No labor except skilled trades is included in the cost.

3) Writer-in-residence — a sponsor would pay $6000 directly to Habitat for one year of rental so the writer may focus on writing.

LOUISIANA WRITERS FOUNDATION TO HOLD TRUMAN CAPOTE BLACK AND WHITE BALL

2006-09-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball was easily the social event of the year. The gala, held in the Grand Ballroom of Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel on November 28, 1966, was modeled after the Ascot scene in the musical and movie, "My Fair Lady." Capote’s 540 invited guests were among the wealthiest and most powerful individuals from the realms of politics, publishing, and the arts: Andy Warhol, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, Norman Mailer, William F. Buckley, Jr., Tennessee Williams, and assorted Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Rothschilds. Invitees to what was dubbed "The Party of the Century" were required to wear black and white evening clothes and masks, and women had to carry fans. Capote was fond of saying he invited 500 friends – and made 15,000 enemies.

Throughout his career, Truman Capote remained one of America's most controversial and colorful authors, combining literary genius with a penchant for the glittering world of high society. Though he wrote only a handful of books, his prose styling was impeccable, and his insight into the psychology of human desire was extraordinary. His flamboyant and well-documented lifestyle has often overshadowed his gifts as a writer, but over time Capote's work will outlive the celebrity.

Born in New Orleans in 1924, Capote's mother stayed at the Hotel Monteleone (http://www.hotelmonteleone.com/) before he was born at Touro Infirmary. In childhood he was abandoned by his mother and raised by his elderly aunts and cousins in Monroeville, Alabama. As a child he lived a solitary and lonely existence, turning to writing for solace. Of his early days Capote related, "I began writing really sort of seriously when I was about eleven. I say seriously in the sense that like other kids go home and practice the violin or the piano or whatever, I used to go home from school every day and I would write for about three hours. I was obsessed by it."

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What: A recreation of Truman’s Capote’s 1966 Black & White Ball

Who: An interesting mix of New Orleanians, celebrities, politicians, media and writers

When: Tuesday, November 28, 2006, 8 PM - 11:30 PM; (40th anniversary of the actual event)

Where: Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter, New Orleans (Queen Anne Ballroom)

How: Recreate the ball itself – with the same invitation style, masks, Taittinger champagne, the same midnight unmasking and buffet, and even an appearance by a Truman Capote look-alike !

Why: Fundraiser for the Louisiana Writers Foundation to build affordable housing in cooperation with New Orleans Habitat for Humanity for poets and writers wishing to stay in or return to New Orleans & also the planned New Orleans Writers Museum

Dress: Gentlemen: Black Tie and black masks; Ladies: white or black dress, white mask, fan. Jewelry: diamonds only.

Cost: $250 per ticket for couples; $150 individuals.

BY INVITATION ONLY - GET on THE LIST!! email to CapoteBlackand WhiteBall@yahoo.com

Help for Writers Wanting to Return

2006-03-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

Writers COME HOME!

In response to the devastating effects of hurricane Katrina, A Studio in the Woods is offering eight four-week residencies from February 2 through December 31, 2006 for New Orleans visual artists, musicians, writers and performers who have lost their homes and studios in the hurricane and are displaced in other cities and communities.

Residencies provide lodging, food, studio space and uninterrupted time in the rustic natural setting on the Westbank of New Orleans. Also provided are transportation costs to and from New Orleans and within the city, a $2000 stipend and funding for materials.For more information and application guidelines please go to www.astudiointhewoods.org or call us at 504-392-5359.

Re-grouping and Kicking It Off

2006-03-15T11:34:00.000-06:00

We're going to get the group back together for an informal meeting on Thursday, March 23 at the Goldmine Saloon 6:30-7:30 PM. The regular weekly "17 Poets" poetry reading begins at 8 PM, for those who want to stay. We want to discuss how we might proceed and how the effects of Katrina may change our plans. We still want to pursue the New Orleans Writers Museum project - and we may get broader support now post-Katrina - but also, there may be things we can do that are more immediate, and more fundamental, like finding a way to house our poets and writers so they can return to the city.

On March 29, from 5-7 PM at Harry Anderson's Oswald's Speakeasy, we'll have our first fundraiser. We need that initial startup funding to formally incorporate and engage a nonprofit attorney. The event will be a booksigning by Robert Smallwood of his book, "The Five People You Meeet in Hell: Surviving Katrina," and Harry Anderson, featured as one of the "five people" in the book, will also sign books. A donation of $3 for every book sold will be made to LWF, and any other donations are welcome.

Grant Workshop and Regrouping

2006-03-08T07:36:00.000-06:00

For those interested, there's a grant workshop tonight. This will be our first step in regrouping to move the project forward. Since Katrina, we want to re-think our priorities and goals.

NEW ORLEANS

March 8, 2006

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle-Haley Boulevard

Perhaps we should reach out on a more national scale to raise funding, and the opportunity to do so is a fleeting one.

Perhaps we should focus on housing for living writers, and supporting the renewal of local literary events.

Perhaps we should move forward with our, "Times-Picayune Festival of Books" idea, planned for the Fall, with help from the French Quarter Fest folks.

Perhaps it's time we take stock in ourselves, deal with the daily difficulties that Hurricane Katrina has wrought on us, and press on with our vision.

We plan to meet in a couple of weeks to regroup, renew, reorganize and plan. Put Thursday, March 23 on your calendar, and plan to stop in a little early at the weekly Goldmine Saloon 17 poets series, around 6:30.

Bring your ideas!

- Robert Smallwood

Mardi Gras & Then Back to Work

2006-02-26T22:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it's Mardi Gras time and we're putting it on. After this dose of much-needed New Orleans culture and tradition, we'll get back to planning our activities and support for New Orleans writers, and the New Orleans Writers Museum.

We want to recast and refocus our efforts after considering the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its threat to the New Orleans writing and artistic communities. Maybe the country, and the world, will be more giving to help us rebuild, if they know our heritage, aspirations, and plans.

- Robert Smallwood

Update - A Little Delay Called Katrina

2005-09-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

Well, we didn't have our press conference, of course. Most of us were trying to survive or at the very least upended after Katrina.

But a funny thing happened on the way to Johnny White's - I saw writers/editor Josh Clark, then later, when a carriage driver got a mule out and gave a bunch of a ride around the Quarter (I'd never done it, and Mr. Larry, who'd lived here 40 years hadn't either) on Saturday, 6 days after Katrina hit, who was at Molly's on Decatur?

Why, of course, Andrei Codrescu, and his friend Dave Brinks, the poet who sets up the weekly readings at the Goldmine.

We writers are a hearty bunch!

Of course, there'll be plenty written about Katrina. Andrei has written some pieces that are sometimes funny, sometimes poignant.

And when I finally did evacuate after 10 days, (to Atlanta, to enroll my son in school, then to Vegas to relax) I saw Doug Brinkley's picture in USA Today riding in a boat with Sean Penn!

We all know what it means to miss New Orleans now. Really.

And all these writers are supporters of the Writers Museum project.

We'll get it done, just a little later than we'd planned.

Press Conference Next Wednesday

2005-08-26T13:06:00.000-05:00

We are confirmed for a press conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at City Hall. We'll announce September as, 'Writers Appreciation Month,' and some announcements about our planned activities during the month, as well as the New Orleans Writers Museum plans.

Thank you Dean Shapiro for setting this up!

September 8 Happy Hour Party

2005-08-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

Thursday, September 8, 6-8 PM at the Gold Mine Saloon we'll have a happy hour party for the Louisiana Writers Foundation and planned New Orleans Writers Museum to kickoff our celebration of Writers Appreciation Month, as proclaimed by Gov. Blanco..

The Gold Mine is located at 701 Dauphine St., (corner of Dauphine and St. Peter in the French Quarter).

All volunteers, writers, poets and literary enthusiasts are welcome and drinks will be half price.

Thank you to Dave Brinks who tirelessly runs this great poetry and performance art series!

Following the party will be the weekly 17 Poets reading featuring:

Daughters of the Strongest Daughters: An Ancestral Journey featuring Sula, Rolanda, and Andy Young

Andy Young is the poetry editor of the New Laurel Review. Her poems have been featured in journals such as Exquisite Corpse, The Florida Review,Concrete Wolf, The Arts Paper and Appalachian Heritage as well as online at HOW2. Her books include the chapbook, mine(Lavender Ink) and All Fires the Fire (Erato Press). An artist-teacher at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, she has been awarded an Artist Fellowship from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Marble Faun Award.

If you've never been to this weekly poetry reading series, you gotta try it! It's fun, enlightening, entertaining and - fun! (And sometimes it makes you think!)

A New Report for Fundraising Support

2005-08-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

We're developing an easy-to-follow report for fundraising and grant applications. Here are some parts of it:

More Progress

2005-08-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

We had our Planning Committee meeting last week and moved things along. We're considering a couple of alternatives for sites and also putting together a presentation in printed and PowerPoint form. We'll talk to kids in September and have a kickoff party, maybe September 8th, after the Labor Day holiday.

Here are a couple of pics from the latest meeting, which include attorney Rob Guidry, architect Bob Biery, writer/publicist Dean Shapiro, state historian Karen Leathem and myself.

Thank you to Louis Sahuc for the professional photos, and to Sal Impastato for the meeting room at Napoleon House.

Architect's Credentials

2005-08-11T12:57:00.000-05:00

We've selected a well-qualified architectural firm to work with us on the New Orleans Writers Museum site selection and design. It's Robert Biery & Son, a local firm that has done a number of historic renovations, including the old U.S. Mint and several other historic properties. The firm does not only building design, but also interior design. Bob Biery has rendered an initial report on the first possible site, at St. Phillip & Bourbon. We will consider 2-3 other possible sites.

Jackie Clarkson Letter of Support

2005-07-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Jackie!

Next Meeting - August 11

2005-07-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

Our next organizational meeting will be 6-7:30 PM, on Thursday, August 11, at Napoleon House. (Thank you, Sal Impastato). We will meet upstairs on the second floor. Please try to attend!

We've attracted the interest of a nationally-recognized architect for the design and renovation work of the target location. We also may have a possible six-figure donor that can jump start us in August. Further, a senior manager of a leading N.O. non-profit arts organization has expressed interest in a management position with our new organization. That's all good news!

Also, bluesman Coco Robichaux has offered to speak to New Orleans schoolchildren about the importance of writing in his craft during the September, 'Writers Appreciation Month.' Other volunteers for that?

Jeff Crouere Joins Volunteers on PR Committee

2005-07-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

Local radio & TV political commentator Jeff Crouere, host of 'Ringside Politics' and 'Politics with a Punch' has volunteered to sit on our PR committee.

Thanks Jeff!

Committee Volunteers & Meeting Reminder

2005-07-19T13:03:00.000-05:00

We've had some great news in the past week: Councilmember Jackie Clarkson has sent a letter of support, and several volunteers for committee work have thrown their hat in the ring to help the effort! So far, we have:

Building Committee - Paul St. Raymond

Collections/exhibits Chair - Gary Smith, Chatgris Press

Events Chair - Dottie Belletto, Prime Productions

Finance - Bonnie Broome, AT&T

Fundraising Chair - Robert Smallwood, IMERGE Consulting

Governance Chair - Rob Guidry, Abbott, Simses Law Firm

Marketing Chair - Elena Reeves, Tchop Shop Media

Membership Chair - Josh Clark, Light of New Orleans Publishing

Public Relations Chair- Dean Shapiro

And there is more good news too, but we can't quite announce it yet!

Also - just a reminder, our next meeting is Wednesday, July 20, 12 Noon - 1 PM, at Fairgrinds Coffeehouse, (upstairs).

Letters of Support

2005-07-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

We've been receiving letters of support for our LWF & New Orleans Writers Museum initiatives, and we encourage those interested to sent one to: 828 Royal St., #182, NOLA, 70116. Here are a few from local writers and publishers. Thanks Andrei, Josh & Gary:

Meeting Announcements

2005-07-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

We'll hold our next meetings on Wednesday, July 13 and 20, upstairs at Fairgrinds Coffee House, 3133 Ponce de Leon, from 12 noon to 1:00 PM. If you can come a little early, and stay a little later, please do.

http://www.fairgrinds.com/

The Planned Location

2005-07-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

Here's the planned location, on the corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip, just across from LaFitte's Blacksmith Shop bar, a major tourist stop. It's about a 200 year-old building, and it will require renovation, but we'll retain that historic feel. Most of the renovation work will be on the second floor, where we'll have the exhibits, which must be temperature- and humidity-controlled, and with outstanding fire protection.

There is a good-sized courtyard, and a separate 'slave quarters' (actually this wasn't really used as that - it has too high of ceilings and too many windows to be - it served as separate quarters for the boys of the house when they turned 13 or 14).

We plan to have tables for coffee and reading in the courtyard, and a small kitchen downstairs in the smaller building (so as to reduce fire risk to the main building - just like the old days!). The ground floor of the main building will house a small gift shop and a bookstore.

We'll promote New Orleans writers and books about New Orleans and Louisiana (as well as general fiction, poetry & major newspapers), and we plan to feature a different living New Orleans writer each week at the bookstore.

Here Are Our New Logos!

2005-07-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks Elena!

September Proclaimed Writers Appreciation Month

2005-07-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks Gary!

Progress, One Step at a Time

2005-06-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

Although we haven't gotten the group together since March, we're still making progress. I thought I'd start this blog so that anyone could visit and see how we're doing.

The New Orleans Writers Museum is a planned museum honoring writers who lived in New Orleans. Presently, we plan to locate it in the heart of the French Quarter in a 200 year-old building that has largely been vacant for more than a decade, across from LaFitte's Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon and St. Phillip. I met with the building's owner for 3 hours over coffee last week. His family doesn't want to sell the property, but he's willing to negotiate a long-term lease that would house the museum and ancillary operations, such as a bookstore, gift shop & coffee house, for 15 years or more, with renewable terms.

Andrei Codrescu has written a letter in support of the New Orleans Writers Museum . He also wants to be sure that we help aspiring living writers, which we plan to do. We want to do that by holding weekly readings, providing administrative support services and maybe even a health insurance plan for writers. First, though, we need to launch a newsletter. This blog helps to fill some of the newsletter's communication functions, for now.

Gary Smith has gotten Governor Blanco to sign a proclamation declaring September, 'Writers Appreciation Month,' and we plan to have our kick-off fundraising activities in late September, most likely September 23-25 (the 25th is Faulkner's birthday). Thank you, Gary.

We'd like to hold a, "Festival of Books," hopefully sponsored by the Times-Picayune and other corporations. Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and Mayor Nagin are aware of the museum project and have offered their support.

We have drawn up the papers for the incorporation of the Louisiana Writers Foundation (LWF), which will help to assist and promote Louisiana Writers, as well as to launch the New Orleans Writers Museum (NOWM) project. We plan to apply for many grants, especially those that are education-related, as we intend to make the museum, 'kid friendly' and to help instill a pride in reading, writing and books in New Orleans children, as well as to show off and preserve New Orleans' rich literary heritage.

Elena Reeves of Tchopshop Media has graciously donated her services in designing logos for the LWF and NOWM. Thank you, Elena.

We've also found a marketing consultant who specializes in non-profits, and has extensive grant writing experience and success.

And, of course, we've got this blog up here. So we're making good progress!

- Robert Smallwood

Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan

2005-06-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

After 2 1/2 years of planning and gaining support and consensus, here is the status of the formal Strategic Plan for the New Orleans Writers Museum and Louisiana Writers Foundation:

Executive Summary

The Louisiana Writers Foundation, (LWF), is a private, nonprofit foundation formed in March 2005 to foster the development and promotion of emerging writers, mostly in the New Orleans area.

LWF may consider developing a writers-in-residence program to allow writers to develop their works full-time. LWF will also raise and provide funding for the New Orleans Writers Museum (NOWM), a planned private nonprofit entity which will secure and preserve photographs, writings, letters, documents, articles, historical artifacts and other personal effects of significant writers who have lived in New Orleans. The purpose of NOWM will be to: 1) provide ongoing access to these items as an educational experience for schoolchildren and local residents; 2) serve as a tourist attraction to the general public; and, 3) serve as a repository for those interested in researching these writers. NOWM will also promote New Orleans’ and Louisiana’s rich literary history. This venture ties into the recent, “Cultural Economy” initiatives the state and city are pursuing. According to a recent study quoted by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu at a city council meeting, investment in tourism yields an approximate 16:1 return, so this is not just a cultural pursuit but also an economic one.

The NOWM may begin as a special exhibit at a related nonprofit location such as, Louisiana State Museum, Historic New Orleans Collection, or Ogden Museum of Southern Art until funding, collected archives and public support grow to the point that allow NOWM to launch fully in its own physical space. Fundraising events, including a, “Festival of Books,” are planned for September, 2005.

A long-term goal of the NOWM may be to evolve and create a more comprehensive Southern Writers Museum over the next 5-10 years. This would require a larger facility, although the plan would be to keep the NOWM separate. A long-term vision may be to create a Museum of American Literature.

A requirement for startup funding of $4M-$7.5M in the first two years is anticipated. The New Orleans Writers Museum will plan to generate revenue to sustain operations but will initially need to rely on donations from corporations, private foundations, public grants and private individuals. Recurring revenue streams will include literary tours, museum admissions, operation of a bookstore, café and gift shop and special events such as lectures, and workshops.

NOWM will also seek to develop innovative ways to generate revenue, such as through fees or royalties generated from TV or Internet broadcasts of readings, workshops and the like. Archived local literary content may also be viewed on a subscription basis, or sold on DVD. Licensing of “official” merchandise is also a potential source of revenue.

NOWM may consider commissioning a documentary film of the literary history of New Orleans for sale on-site, on its website and through distribution channels worldwide on DVD. Clips of the film could be played on demand in the NOWM exhibit area to make the exhibits more interactive and to particularly appeal to students visiting the facility.

An initial walk-through of the French Quarter building contemplated for housing the complex was conducted on December 28, 2004. Seven volunteers attended, including the building’s owner, writers, publishers, professors and a local government official. A follow up meeting was held in late January, and several smaller meetings with the Arts Council of New Orleans, LA State Museum staff and Historic New Orleans Collection staff were held in February and March, 2005. Incorporation papers were drawn in March with the help of pro bono legal assistance through the Arts Council, and an IRS tax identification number for the nonprofit was assigned. Formal 501 (c)(3) status will be sought.

New Orleans Writers List

2005-06-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

These aren't all of them, (we have to save something for our grand opening!) but here's a partial of writers that lived in New Orleans, and have gone on to that great library in the sky:

Nelson Algren (1909-1981) wrote Walk on the Wild Side in 1956 portraying 1930s Bohemian life

Stephen Ambrose (1936-2002) historian and author, founded D-Day Museum

Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) novelist who was a mentor to Faulkner and Hemingway

Stanley Clisby Arthur (1880-1963) a dir. of the La. State Museum, wrote a biography of Audubon

John James Audubon (1785-1851) naturalist, documented bird species in N. America

Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) poet, wrote Crucifix in a Deathband here; movie Barfly based on him

William Seward Burroughs (1914-1997); Beat Generation writer, lived in Algiers in late 1940s

George Washington Cable – (1844-1925); b. New Orleans, widely known for works on Creole life

Truman Capote (1924-1984); b. New Orleans, Southern Gothic novelist, journalist

Kate Chopin (1850-1904); m. 1870 to Oscar Chopin of New Orleans; wrote The Awakening, 1899

Marcus Bruce Christian (1900-1976) poet, reporter; wrote The Negro Ironworkers of LA

Winston Churchill (1871-1947) NOT Brit. statesman; historical novelist wrote The Great Crisis, others

J. F. H. Claiborne (1807-1884); edited Jeffersonian 1844-46, Statesman 1849-51, Louisiana Courier 1850-53

Tom Dent (1932-98), poet, essayist, activist, edited The Black River Journal

William Faulkner (1897-1962), won Nobel Prize, wrote Soldiers Pay in New Orleans, 1926

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) w/ help of Sherwood Anderson, rented 2900 Prytania, in 1920

Charles Gayarré (1805-1895) lived at 601 Bourbon; Creole intellectual; Grace King’s mentor

John Howard Griffin (1920-1978) began Black Like Me at Monteleone; stayed in slave quarters on St. Ann Street

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904); first noted for Fantastics, published in The Picayune

Lillian Hellman (1905-1984; playwright born in New Orleans; wrote Toys in the Attic

O. Henry (1862-1910); fleeing Texas embezzlement charges, William Sidney Porter became O. Henry here

Harnett Kane (1910-1984) newspaperman & historian; best known for Louisiana Hayride

Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) visited Burroughs here at 509 Wagner St., recounted in On the Road

Francis Parkinson Keyes (1885-1970); wrote, Dinner at Antoines, 1948

Grace King (1852-1932); born in New Orleans; published Monsieur Motte 1888

Oliver La Farge (1901-1963) came here in 1925, lived at 714 St. Peter; wrote Laughing Boy; won Pulitzer 1930

Everett Maddox (1945-1989) poet; founded Sunday readings at the Mapleleaf bar, Uptown, 1980s

Joaquin Miller (1837-1913) came here 1884 to write about the Centennial Exposition; stayed w/ G.W. Cable

Seth Morgan (1949-1990), author of Homeboy; crashed motorcycle and died on Danziger bridge

Alice Dunbar-Nelson (1875-1935) b. New Orleans; wrote poetry, fiction, drama and journalism

Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) famous playwright took drunken rail journey here, rehearsed first play as an actor

John Dos Passos (1896-1970) novelist, lived at 510 Esplanade in 1924, finished Manhattan Transfer

Walker Percy (1916-90), lived at 1450 Calhoun; also began The Moviegoer at 1820 Milan St.; 1957-1959

Baron von Reizenstein (1826-1885); lived here 1851-1885; wrote The Mysteries of New Orleans

Stan Rice (1942-2002); noted poet & artist (husband of Anne Rice); received Poe Award 1977

Adrien and Domique Roquette (1813-87) & (1810-90) lived at 413 Royal St.; both were poets

Lyle Saxon (1891-1946) editor, journalist & historian; John Steinbeck was married at his home

Henry Morton Stanley (1841-1957) adventurer of “Dr. Livingstone” fame, New Orleans was boyhood home

Robert Tallant (1909-1957), b. & lived in New Orleans; reporter, editor (WPA project) under Saxon; novelist

John Kennedy Toole (1937-69); lived at 390 Audubon St.; Confederacy of Dunces, won Pulitzer posthumously

Mark Twain (1835-1910); 1855 became a river pilot in New Orleans; took Mark Twain name here

Robert Penn Warren (1905-1989) first U. S. Poet Laureate; won Pulitzer for All the King’s Men, 1946 (LSU)

Eudora Welty (1909-2001); MS author & sometime photographer, frequent visitor to New Orleans

Walt Whitman (1819-1892); editor of the New Orleans Crescent 1848; & developed his poetry here

Tennessee Williams (1911-83), noted playwright wrote, Streetcar Named Desire, at 632 St. Peter in 1940s