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Gallier HouseJames Gallier Jr. was an Irish immigrant, born in New Orleans. His father came from Ireland and established a successful architecture firm in New York City and then New Orleans. James Gallier Jr. took over the business, catering mostly to Creole clients and businesses. His most beautiful contribution was the French Opera House, built in 1859. This became the central hub of Creole culture and entertainment in New Orleans in the second half of the 19th century. Tragically, it burned to the ground in 1919.
The Gallier House is a humble home in comparison but it's remarkable in its architectural innovations. With a skylight, flushing toilet, and removable closets, the house displayed cutting edge technology. Built in 1857, James Gallier Jr died at age 40, just 11 years later. In this house. As well as his sister in law. To this day, there are employees who refuse to be alone in the home because of undeniable presence of spirits. |
Creole Mourning
As with elsewhere at this time, death took on a life of its own. There were rituals surrounding every moment of death- including which position the body should face, where the wake should take place, how to dress the room for the event, how family members should dress. It went on and on.
Much of what impacted people in New Orleans had to do with the Catholic religion, getting a proper service and burial, as well as ongoing remembrance and honoring on All Saints Day.
Jazz Funerals and Second Line Funerals are still very much part of New Orleans' culture today. They're an indescribable, jubilant celebration of life full of music, dancing, friends, family, and memory making. Jazz Funerals are found in the African American community of New Orleans, though that's not always true.
Much of what impacted people in New Orleans had to do with the Catholic religion, getting a proper service and burial, as well as ongoing remembrance and honoring on All Saints Day.
Jazz Funerals and Second Line Funerals are still very much part of New Orleans' culture today. They're an indescribable, jubilant celebration of life full of music, dancing, friends, family, and memory making. Jazz Funerals are found in the African American community of New Orleans, though that's not always true.