Steamboat Homes
I love tales of progress, particularly for New Orleans. My mother sent me the link to this story about the Steamboat Houses in the Holy Cross Section of New Orleans. I remember seeing their intricate filigree decoration around the cornices. They really do look like old-fashioned steamboats, set up high to see over the levees. They remind me of carousels and wedding cakes.
This Times Picayune article, Neighborhood Anchor – Full Steam Ahead, suggests these eclectic homes are coming back with a resurgence, thanks to owners like Emile Dumesnil. His house was flooded up to five feet with water from Hurricane Katrina. It survived, however, due to the interior brick walls and tile floors and pressed tin wallpaper, even the filigree is made out of water-loving cypress. It is interesting to read how they obtained their look, from the Japanese influence of the pagoda shape to that of the 1900’s steamboat, which gives them the architectural style of Steamboat Gothic.
Even though New Orleans has made much progress since “The Storm,” it is important to keep in mind that this endearing American city and the Gulf Coast Region still should be kept on the national radar for help and awareness.
It’s people like Jay Leno, who out of the blue, raised $100,000 for Gulf Coast cleanup efforts when he performed at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS recently. At the end of the show, where about 1,000 people had paid between $40 – $150 to attend, Leno presented a $90,336 check to the president of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Leno donated his own money to round up the amount to $100,00 that was raised.
It’s big efforts like these and small efforts that make the difference. Casart coverings recently announced on Monday that we are introducing Casart Carryalls — shoulder and tote bags with our Gulf Coast inspired images and patterns. 10% proceeds from these and all purchases will go to one of two charitable organizations for Gulf Coast Recovery and Wildlife Rehabilitation.
Click here to read the article about this effort in The Examiner.
Click here to go directly to Casart’s Gulf Coast Recovery page.
The Casart Carryall page will be up this week, replacing the gift card tab with title Extra. This is a great way to not only showcase your Casart for a good cause but to wear your Casart while helping with the ongoing effort to shore up the Gulf Coastline and restore the wetlands and marshes. Doing this will help protect the Gulf Region from another natural or other disaster.
Click here to read out blog post entry regarding this effort on Slipcovers for your walls.
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I'm an artist, wife and mother of two boys. I started my illustration business, The Occasional Palette over 35 years ago, when my oldest son was an infant. Once my children were in school, I began painting decorative, faux finishes and murals through my second business, Casart, now over 30 years old. My third business, Casart Coverings, is a springboard from my second. Click on the link on the sidebar to see innovative, custom, designer wallcovering, removable and reusable wallpaper and coordinating decor.
