My name is Linda Pearl.
I have the privilege of living in Bywater.
I have long been fascinated with the area, in part because of the architecture which reflects a cultural diversity that still exists here today.Contact me about renting from locals bed and breakfasts restraunts events regarding the area.

If Tennessee Williams were alive he would still find characters in the Bywater that are indeed worthy of the pen. I hang out with characters with names Like Buzzy,The Shade, Big and Foot Julie, To name just a few.

I ride on a bus named Desire, I eat shrimp stuffed mirletons while watching The Storyville Stompers and the Neville Brothers at Bywater's Mirleton Festival. ,
I'm present to hear Little Freddie King play at BJ'S. Listened to kermit Ruffins at Vaughans with no cover charge, I've had the good fortune to attend parties where people like Butch Travette and Bobbie Lewis often played just for fun.

I've even hosted a Stella calling contest and photographed a Cuchon Du Lait, where the men stay up all night roasting a pig 9th ward style, in a hollowed-out icebox.IVe photographed Bywaters Adult parade
Krue Du Vieux which starts in the Bywater and ends on canal street not written about but attended by hundreds.

I've been privy to many other fascinating events and places that few people ever witness, such as a ceremony to rid the Bywater of drugs by Americas' only white voodoo priest (Written about by Time magazine as well as our own Times Picayune)
Ive photographed A Cucoon Du liet where the men stay up all night roasting a pig ,A cultural practice that origonated in Lafayette .
Its done regularly at BJ,S bar in bywater 9th ward style in a hollowed out freezer that serves as an oven.He who goes to sleep during one of these events normally presided over by our own Johnny Kipper and Alvar Dave is teased unmercyfully.
The next morning I normally serve the men coffee:later that day the pig is carred into the bar by 4 of the men who lasted thru the entire night where it is displayed with much flurish on the pool table and served.

Do you Know what a Gris Gris stick is? Lots of people in Bywater have them.Can you make Holy Water in your kitchen sink? I can. Ms. Dorothy, our block's spiritual advisor taught me.

I'm learning about these things, as well as other cultural and spiritual practices Of the Bywater area, not to mention recipes.

The Irish, the French, the Italian, the ,Bask,he African ,the free people of color, and my people the Chata who supplied the fille for the gumbo--all these diverse cultures--all are in this small area . People, recipes, cultural and spiritual practices mixed , and the result
is the Beautiful Bywater

IM looking for people with information about the area. Please help with any information you may have.Even if just in the form of a phone call your input will be greatly appreciated.
You may know someone who worked on the canal at Poland Street, a bar or other existing or bygone business.
You may know of a writer such as Ms. Grue, the world famous writer and poet who wrote Goodby Silver, or of one of the many artists who occupy.
You may simply be a housewife. I would love to hear your thoughts on the area.

I have heard that Bywater was once the site of many gardens and especially Orange groves.
Any input at all would be greatly appreciated. Not just about the famous, and the infamous, but also the real people, the common people. ... I would Especially Love to see photographs . I can scan them in less than a minute on my computer.
Please contact me if you have any material of any kind. Respectfully L Pearl
504-947 5454