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What New Orleans looked like in the 1950s Through Fascinating Historical Photos

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During World War II, Andrew Higgins directed the development and construction of Higgins boats in New Orleans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared these landing craft crucial to the Allied victory in World War II. In the 1950s, New Orleans experienced significant improvements, at least on a physical level. The railroad industry was consolidated under Mayor DeLesseps S. Morrison, and a new rail terminal was built. Streets were widened, railroad crossings were spanned with overpasses, and an 11-story City Hall was built as part of a civic center. The petrochemical industry moved to New Orleans in the 1950s, followed by oil refineries in the 1970s.

During the 1950s, suburbs also experienced rapid growth. Only in the post-World War II period, a truly metropolitan New Orleans develop, encompassing the center city and surrounding suburbs. In 1965, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (“MR GO,” pronounced mister go) opened, connecting the Intracoastal Waterway with the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Betsy hit the city in September 1965. A television station’s windows were blown out as it broadcast.

#1 Canal Street stores and buildings, New Orleans, 1956.

Canal Street stores and buildings, New Orleans, 1956.

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#2 Exterior of Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Exterior of Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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#3 A view of Canal Street at night, New Orleans, 1959.

A view of Canal Street at night, New Orleans, 1959.

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#4 Looking down a block of Charters St. (in front of the St. Louis Cathedral) that is now a pedestrian plaza.

Looking down a block of Charters St. (in front of the St. Louis Cathedral) that is now a pedestrian plaza.

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#5 A street in New Orleans lined with timber houses, New Orleans, 1950s

A street in New Orleans lined with timber houses, New Orleans, 1950s

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#6 A view of a pavilion in City Park, City Park, an urban public park in New Orleans, 1950s

A view of a pavilion in City Park, City Park, an urban public park in New Orleans, 1950s

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#7 St. Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson Statue in Jackson Square in New Orleans, 1950

St. Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson Statue in Jackson Square in New Orleans, 1950

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#8 Patrons at the Cafe du Monde, an open-air coffee shop in the French Market, Decatur Street, New Orleans, 1950

Patrons at the Cafe du Monde, an open-air coffee shop in the French Market, Decatur Street, New Orleans, 1950

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#9 Cargo being loaded onto freight ships in New Orleans dock, 1950.

Cargo being loaded onto freight ships in New Orleans dock, 1950.

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#10 Typical house of the Bayou district Bayou Street, New Orleans , 1955.

Typical house of the Bayou district Bayou Street, New Orleans , 1955.

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#11 A street view of Canal street in New Orleans, 1957

A street view of Canal street in New Orleans, 1957

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#12 A street view of Canal street in New Orleans, 1957.

A street view of Canal street in New Orleans, 1957.

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#13 Two women walking along a pavement on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1955

Two women walking along a pavement on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1955

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#14 A row of houses on Bienville Street in the old red light district of Storyville, New Orleans, 1955.

A row of houses on Bienville Street in the old red light district of Storyville, New Orleans, 1955.

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#15 Mother and Son Feeding Pigeons, New Orleans, 1950s

Mother and Son Feeding Pigeons, New Orleans, 1950s

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#16 A view down Bourbon street and the Gunga Den in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Gunga Den in New Orleans, 1957.

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#17 The tugboat “Orleans” moves into port in New Orleans, 1957.

The tugboat "Orleans" moves into port in New Orleans, 1957.

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#19 Corner of Dauphine and Orleans looking down Orleans at the back of the St. Louis Cathedral, 1950

Corner of Dauphine and Orleans looking down Orleans at the back of the St. Louis Cathedral, 1950

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#20 Patrons listening to music at the Paddock Lounge jazz cafe on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1950

Patrons listening to music at the Paddock Lounge jazz cafe on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1950

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#21 The entrance to the world famous Absinthe Bar in New Orleans, 1956.

The entrance to the world famous Absinthe Bar in New Orleans, 1956.

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#22 A view of a facade at night in New Orleans, 1950.

A view of a facade at night in New Orleans, 1950.

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#23 The little house with its high peaked roof meekly rests amidst Bourbon Street night clubs, 1955.

The little house with its high peaked roof meekly rests amidst Bourbon Street night clubs, 1955.

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#25 A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras Lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras Lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

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#27 A float at the New Orleans Mardi Gras represents the biblical theme of Moses parting the Red Sea, while a marching band leads the procession.

A float at the New Orleans Mardi Gras represents the biblical theme of Moses parting the Red Sea, while a marching band leads the procession.

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#30 Bourbon Street, Bus Named “Desire” in New Orleans, 1953

Bourbon Street, Bus Named "Desire" in New Orleans, 1953

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#31 Royal Street, taken from the corner of Dumaine, 1950s

Royal Street, taken from the corner of Dumaine, 1950s

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#32 A small river boat taking a river pilot from Pilottown, 1955

A small river boat taking a river pilot from Pilottown, 1955

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#33 Aerial view of new orleans, circa January 8, 1957, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Aerial view of new orleans, circa January 8, 1957, New Orleans, Louisiana.

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#35 A photographer snaps a shot of a crowded street during a Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1950.

A photographer snaps a shot of a crowded street during a Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1950.

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#37 Parking lot three story building architecture car on street pedestrian, New Orleans, 1950s

Parking lot three story building architecture car on street pedestrian, New Orleans, 1950s

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#38 Barge entering Long Beach Harbor to pick up eighty-five feet, 1958

Barge entering Long Beach Harbor to pick up eighty-five feet, 1958

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#39 St. Charles hotel on St. Charles at Gravier, New Orleans, 1951.

St. Charles hotel on St. Charles at Gravier, New Orleans, 1951.

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#40 Maylie Restaurant. Poydras street, New Orleans, 1951.

Maylie Restaurant. Poydras street, New Orleans, 1951.

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#41 Tenements on Annunciation near Melpomene, New Orleans, 1951.

Tenements on Annunciation near Melpomene, New Orleans, 1951.

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#43 Bohland Pirate’s Alley artist sketching girl, New Orleans, 1956.

Bohland Pirate's Alley artist sketching girl, New Orleans, 1956.

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#44 Cabildo next to St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

Cabildo next to St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

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#46 French Quarter Street with pink Antiques store, New Orleans, 1956.

French Quarter Street with pink Antiques store, New Orleans, 1956.

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#47 Police motorcycles across from the Presbytere, New Orleans, 1956.

Police motorcycles across from the Presbytere, New Orleans, 1956.

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#49 A street view of boarded up homes in New Orleans, 1957.

A street view of boarded up homes in New Orleans, 1957.

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#50 A freighter ship in the port of New Orleans, 1950.

A freighter ship in the port of New Orleans, 1950.

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#51 The car in which Governor Adlai Stevenson drove into New Orleans from the airport after his arrival is sown passing a huge electric sign which blazes, 1952.

The car in which Governor Adlai Stevenson drove into New Orleans from the airport after his arrival is sown passing a huge electric sign which blazes, 1952.

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#52 This Motel opened 90 days ago in the French Quarter of New Orleans, 1954

This Motel opened 90 days ago in the French Quarter of New Orleans, 1954

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#53 The entrance to the ‘Famous Door Bar’ Dixieland jazz club in the French quarter (Vieux Carre) of New Orleans, 1955.

The entrance to the 'Famous Door Bar' Dixieland jazz club in the French quarter (Vieux Carre) of New Orleans, 1955.

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#54 A view as men walk down bourbon street toward the Dream Room Cocktail Bar n New Orleans, 1957.

A view as men walk down bourbon street toward the Dream Room Cocktail Bar n New Orleans, 1957.

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#55 A view down Bourbon street outside Mardi Gras lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Mardi Gras lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

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#56 A street view of boarded up homes in New Orleans, 1957.

A street view of boarded up homes in New Orleans, 1957.

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#57 Barge entering Long Beach Harbor to pick up eighty-five feet, 1958

Barge entering Long Beach Harbor to pick up eighty-five feet, 1958

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#58 Old horse-drawn carriage on Royal Street, New Orleans, 1955.

Old horse-drawn carriage on Royal Street, New Orleans, 1955.

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#59 A family in fancy dress dressed identically as Chinese mandarins at the Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, 1956.

A family in fancy dress dressed identically as Chinese mandarins at the Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, 1956.

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#60 A family in fancy dress dressed identically as clowns at the Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, 1956

A family in fancy dress dressed identically as clowns at the Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, 1956

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#61 A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras bar and lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras bar and lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

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#63 Crowds throng a major street in New Orleans for a Mardi Gras parade, New Orleans, 1950

Crowds throng a major street in New Orleans for a Mardi Gras parade, New Orleans, 1950

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#64 A marching brass band in a New Orleans parade, 1950s

A marching brass band in a New Orleans parade, 1950s

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#65 Cafe Du Monde Restaurant in French Area of New Orleans, 1950s

Cafe Du Monde Restaurant in French Area of New Orleans, 1950s

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#67 Exterior view of the Paddock Lounge in the Latin quarter, New Orleans, 1950s.

Exterior view of the Paddock Lounge in the Latin quarter, New Orleans, 1950s.

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#68 Exterior of ‘The Mardi Gras Lounge’ On Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Exterior of 'The Mardi Gras Lounge' On Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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#69 A view down Bourbon street and the Naughtiest girls in Town Club and Casino Royale in New Orleans, Louisiana in May 16, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Naughtiest girls in Town Club and Casino Royale in New Orleans, Louisiana in May 16, 1957.

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#70 A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, 1957.

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#71 A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, 1957.

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#72 A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras Longe in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Sid Davillas Mardi Gras Longe in New Orleans, 1957.

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#73 A view down Bourbon street outside Silver Frolics in New Orleans, 1957

A view down Bourbon street outside Silver Frolics in New Orleans, 1957

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#74 A view down Bourbon street outside Mardi Gras bar and lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Mardi Gras bar and lounge in New Orleans, 1957.

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#75 A view down Bourbon street outside Wild Cat Frenchie Bar in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside Wild Cat Frenchie Bar in New Orleans, 1957.

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#76 A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, Louisiana in May 16, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Flamingo club in New Orleans, Louisiana in May 16, 1957.

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#78 The Roman New Orleans Jazz Band on a truck adorned with welcoming signs receiving the American musician Louis Armstrong arrived at the Ciampino Airport.

The Roman New Orleans Jazz Band on a truck adorned with welcoming signs receiving the American musician Louis Armstrong arrived at the Ciampino Airport.

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#79 Bienville Street across Basin Street from the French Quarter, adjacent to the Iberville public housing project, 1950s

Bienville Street across Basin Street from the French Quarter, adjacent to the Iberville public housing project, 1950s

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#83 View of Saint Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, in front the statue of Major General Andrew Jackson, New Orleans, 1959.

View of Saint Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, in front the statue of Major General Andrew Jackson, New Orleans, 1959.

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#84 A parade of the Daughters of the Universal Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charitable organization, in New Orleans, 1955.

A parade of the Daughters of the Universal Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charitable organization, in New Orleans, 1955.

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#86 An old French bookshop and lending library in the French quarter of New Orleans, 1952.

An old French bookshop and lending library in the French quarter of New Orleans, 1952.

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#88 Pedestrian crossing St. Charles Street, New Orleans, 1951.

Pedestrian crossing St. Charles Street, New Orleans, 1951.

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#90 Deep, 2-story frame house unpainted, with high pillars on Esplanade Avenue at Miro Street, New Orleans, 1951.

Deep, 2-story frame house unpainted, with high pillars on Esplanade Avenue at Miro Street, New Orleans, 1951.

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#91 600 block of Dauphine from St. Louis Street in the morning, New Orleans, 1951.

600 block of Dauphine from St. Louis Street in the morning, New Orleans, 1951.

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#94 Canal Street with DH Holmes and Godchaux’s, New Orleans, 1956.

Canal Street with DH Holmes and Godchaux's, New Orleans, 1956.

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#95 Cars along Pontalba Apt street, New Orleans, 1956.

Cars along Pontalba Apt street, New Orleans, 1956.

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#96 Corner of Bourbon and Orleans Streets, New Orleans, 1956.

Corner of Bourbon and Orleans Streets, New Orleans, 1956.

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#97 Decatur Street with Tujague’s, New Orleans, 1956.

Decatur Street with Tujague's, New Orleans, 1956.

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#98 Felix’s Bar off Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

Felix's Bar off Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

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#100 Royal Street between Orleans and St. Peter, looking towards the CBD, 1956.

Royal Street between Orleans and St. Peter, looking towards the CBD, 1956.

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#101 Horse drawn carriage in French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

Horse drawn carriage in French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

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#102 Hotel Bourbon and Blue Note Lounge on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

Hotel Bourbon and Blue Note Lounge on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

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#104 On Chartres going toward St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

On Chartres going toward St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

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#106 Pirate’s Alley with painter, New Orleans, 1956.

Pirate's Alley with painter, New Orleans, 1956.

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#107 Policewoman and other women at St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

Policewoman and other women at St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 1956.

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#108 Pontalba Apts across Decatur Street, New Orleans, 1956.

Pontalba Apts across Decatur Street, New Orleans, 1956.

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#109 Pontalba Apts near Cafe du Monde with chef, New Orleans, 1956.

Pontalba Apts near Cafe du Monde with chef, New Orleans, 1956.

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#110 Pontalba Apts, cabildo arch, yellow trash can, New Orleans, 1956.

Pontalba Apts, cabildo arch, yellow trash can, New Orleans, 1956.

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#112 Presbytere facing Jackson Square, New Orleans, 1956.

Presbytere facing Jackson Square, New Orleans, 1956.

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#113 Sho’Bar with Sally Rand in the French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

Sho'Bar with Sally Rand in the French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

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#115 Show Time. “Donna the Red Headed Temptress”, New Orleans, 1956.

Show Time. “Donna the Red Headed Temptress”, New Orleans, 1956.

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#119 Wrought iron balconies and cars, New Orleans, 1956.

Wrought iron balconies and cars, New Orleans, 1956.

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#120 Young couple being photographed in Jackson Square, New Orleans, 1956.

Young couple being photographed in Jackson Square, New Orleans, 1956.

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#121 Costumed figures walk down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, New Orleans, 1950s.

Costumed figures walk down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, New Orleans, 1950s.

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#122 A sign advertising ‘Von Ray – The Texas Tornado’ outside New Orleans nightclub ‘The Torch Club’ on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1953.

A sign advertising 'Von Ray - The Texas Tornado' outside New Orleans nightclub 'The Torch Club' on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1953.

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#123 A view down Bourbon street and the Mardi Gras Club in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street and the Mardi Gras Club in New Orleans, 1957.

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#126 View facing northwest of Saint Peter Street, in the French Quarter of New Orleans, June, 1953.

View facing northwest of Saint Peter Street, in the French Quarter of New Orleans, June, 1953.

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#127 A view down Bourbon street outside the Wild Cat Frenchie bar in New Orleans, 1957.

A view down Bourbon street outside the Wild Cat Frenchie bar in New Orleans, 1957.

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#128 Exterior of ‘The Mardi Gras Lounge’ On Bourbon Street in New Orleans, 1957.

Exterior of 'The Mardi Gras Lounge' On Bourbon Street in New Orleans, 1957.

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#129 Absinthe House built 1806 on Bourbon Street, 1955.

Absinthe House built 1806 on Bourbon Street, 1955.

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#130 Sidewalk and Signs over Casino, New Orleans, 1950s

Sidewalk and Signs over Casino, New Orleans, 1950s

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#131 This is an exterior view of the Chez Paree night club in the French Quarter in New Orleans, 1950s.

This is an exterior view of the Chez Paree night club in the French Quarter in New Orleans, 1950s.

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#132 Exterior of ‘The Mardi Gras Lounge’ and ‘Gunga Den’ On Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Exterior of 'The Mardi Gras Lounge' and 'Gunga Den' On Bourbon Street on May 16, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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#134 Street Musician With His Monkey, New Orleans, 1953

Street Musician With His Monkey, New Orleans, 1953

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#135 Pontalba building along north east side Jackson Square. St. Ann Street from Decatur, 1951

Pontalba building along north east side Jackson Square. St. Ann Street from Decatur, 1951

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#136 Adam Comeaux French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

Adam Comeaux French Quarter, New Orleans, 1956.

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#138 Cafe du Monde and parked cars, New Orleans, 1956.

Cafe du Monde and parked cars, New Orleans, 1956.

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#140 Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, 1956.

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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16 Comments

    • New Orleans isn’t the only place that has undergone significant changes. During 1950s, Canal St was heavily populated by department stores. Some were local; some were national. The reason people dressed up part because they went to hella friendly stores to shop or work.

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