Al Reisz

Chilly Gentilly Al Reisz

'Chilly Gentilly' is a section of New Orleans, Louisiana, that goes back to the founding of the old city in 1718. Being a part of New Orleans, it has survived floods, yellow fever epidemics and wars. This book goes back even further to the discovery of 'The Great Yellow Flood', the Mississippi River, by Henri De Soto in 1542; some 50 plus years after Columbus sets foot in the Americas. Examining the geography as well as the early history of this great New Orleans suburb is essential to understanding its importance in the saga of American History. 'Chilly Gentilly' is also a testament to the WWII generation who took it from a sparsely populated section of the city to a thriving area with its own unique architecture, schools, shops and churches; even its own Mardi Gras Krewes and parades at one time. The Baby Boom Era had arrived and they bore witness to Gentilly's Golden Age. This book knits together history, personal memoirs and fiction to illustrate just how Golden those years were. Together with early photographs and present day ones this book is an easy read and one that carries universal themes. New Orleans has always been a unique place and 'Chilly Gentilly' has always been an essential part of it. Includes over 60 photographs all in black & white.