Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Sepia Saturday - 20 Oct 2012 "Moof A lot a"

Welcome


SEPIA SATURDAY



Arnold Genthe 1869 - 1942 Photographer and an unknown woman.

Back to the days of New Orleans.......

 

What does-

"Moof A lot of" - or Muffaletta mean,


 
Early morning discussion on Decatur Street.

"Moof A lot of"-

Is said to have been invented at Central Grocery on Decatur Street in the French Quarter- A muffaletta is an extremely large sandwich served on an Italian bread loaf, and it's made of ham, salami and provolone cheese and garnished with, an olive relish.  Why not grab a sandwich while you follow along today.








New Orleans mansions, plantations and the people Genthe met along the way captured his full attention, and we can all be so thankful for that.

Such lovely shadow work here.





 
The Organ Grinder and all who stopped to enjoy him.
 
Here is a taste of an Organ Grinder and his lovely musical presentation-set in Denmark.
 
 
 
 
 
Sure as you can see, most of his photos I'm sharing here were taken from 1920 - 1926, many of his photos during that time period (in New Orleans) were not as clear as other photos, but he had a gift with what he saw through his lens. Wouldn't you agree?







Here, Arnold is photographing George Sterling, Mary Austin, Jack London and Jimmie Hooper on the beach at Carmel.  The date is sometime after 1896.

He joined the arts colony "Carmel-by-the-sea" and during that time he always enjoyed the people he met along the way and being able to capture varying sunsets and intriguing shadows.

I'm guessing, but is that his shadow in the right corner of the photo?  I think it looks like it.






 
I'm thinking by the number of his beach photos, that he loved spending time along the sand and water.
I think this is just a marvelous photo. Taken sometime during the 1920's or so the photo reads, but the woman adjusting her top, appears much like someone you'd spot today!
 
 





 
 He was born in 1869 at Berlin, Prussia.  As a photographer he is best known for his photos of San Francisco's China Town and the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and his photos of noted people.
 
 
 
 
1906 Royal Chariot with Rex, Mardi Gras Day
Rex, the King of carnival- Rex is king in Latin
 
The Krewe of Rex
 
Krewe- Legend has it that the word "Krewe came from the old English spelling for the word "crew." A Krewe is an organization or club that parades at Mardi Gras.
 
 
 Odds are clear, most everyone has heard about Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday")  in New Orleans but it's so much more than just the bare beasts of Bourbon Street, is actually the final day of Carnival, a Christian Holiday season that begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas (January 6) and comes crashing to a final halt on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
 
 
A true grouping of New Orleans photos must include a Mardi Gras photo, as this one above.
 
 
But, I haven't forgotten to mention some of  the ghostly haunts that Arnold brought to life for us!
(I'm just so fascinated with the riches that waiting in and around New Orleans. Hence the reason for more than one post.)
 
 
You are looking at the balcony and heavily treed patio of
 
The Hermann-Grima house
 
What awaits, for us all- shivering in some dark, lonely corner.....
 
possibly-
 
One of the largest and best preserved example of American architecture in the French Quarter.
A Georgian-style house which features the only restored private stable and the only working 1830's Creole kitchen.
 (and there is real food to taste!)
American architect William Brand built the house in 1831.
 
Visit on Thursdays for cooking demonstrations on the open hearth from October through May.
 
But, be duly warned, you may catch a strange hysterical laugh, or just be looking over your shoulder all day long once you leave!
 
 
They say the ghosts here are very considerate, and almost nearing on the friendly side.
 Aren't we lucky!
If you are really lucky enough, you shall catch a scent of rose and lavender as both are known to scatter fragrant scents your way.  Especially so in the parlor area to freshen up any lingering musty scents.
If you visit on a cold morning, watch for fireplaces to suddenly light just to keep things cozy.
 
 
 
Another closer view of Arnold at the Hermann-Grima House.
 
 
 
So very slowly the door creaks opens....
 
 
Entrance to the Hermann-Grima House
 
 
 
 This concludes our journey thus far-
 
until next week
for the final tour
of a visit to a very old cemetery
and a last peek at
some ghostly haunts!
 
 
Hope you can all come back.....
 
 
 
 

17 comments:

sage said...

I am glad I live in a world where I am not expected to wear a suitcoat every day--such dress in NOLA is just too much! Neat old photos

Unknown said...

Arnold was a master of composition -- these photos are just beautiful!

Bob Scotney said...

The organ grinder shot is brilliant and you've hit the theme with several interesting windows from New Orleans.

21 Wits said...

Bob- I know I was thinking the man in the window could be (a ghost!) I do plan a bit more spoooooky for next week! I know you like haunted stories...I sure have enjoyed yours!

21 Wits said...

Sage- I know, I kind of like a man in a suit, but these days (well for quite some time now) not so many suits unless you are walking downtown....then you see suits!

21 Wits said...

Deb- thanks! He's a new photographer to me, not one that's always talked about, and when I stumbled on his work, I thought he needs to come to life on my blog. I thought I'd give him at least three posts. This is the second one more to go!

Liz Stratton said...

Multiple themes going here! Love the windows and with Halloween fast approaching .... Arnold was truly a master. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Karen, these are wonderful photos. Thank you for choosing them for us.

Kathy M.

Jana Iverson Last said...

I especially like the beach photo with all the umbrellas.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Marvelous photos of a very talented photographer, I wonder what he would make of our digital cameras today, then it probably it was more of an art form, but for us it is marvelous!

Peter said...

I'm with Jana, that beach shot is marvelous. There is so much to see. It's probably the Peeping Tom in me... :)
But they are all very beautiful pictures!

Little Nell said...

Thank you for introducing me to a new photographer Karen. There are some wonderful shots here but the beach photos are so pin sharp and I too love that crowded scene with so muh going on.

Wendy said...

The cool thing about NOLA TODAY is that it looks just like NOLA Yesterday. It's quaint, it's haunting, it's beautiful, it's mysterious - just everything. Your post captures that essence of New Orleans.

Joy said...

Superb photos. I was especially interested in hearing about the open hearth cooking demonstration because I inherited a book of recipes that has instructions like - place on a clear bright fire and cook on a brisk fire. I'll have to make sure if I ever get to New Orleans to go between Oct and May!

Bruno Laliberté said...

I've certainly enjoyed the journey into the French Quarters. More interesting than those we have here, by the same name. It's nice, but not as grand.

Friendly ghosts, you said?...
;)~
HUGZ

Kat Mortensen said...

Excellent post! I really enjoyed it, and I had the EXACT same thought about that woman in the crowd on the beach.

Was Genthe a Jew? A good number of Prussians Jews escaped the Russian pogroms at that time and came to America.

21 Wits said...

Kat- I know isn't funny how we relate time to fashion! I am going to finish my posting about Arnold this week...so come back and see more about this not so common photographer!