STORYVILLE – 1895 – 1917 (Prostitution) JAZZ – 1917-1930 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storyville,_New_Orleans The District, the nickname Storyville was in reference to City Councilman Sidney Story, who wrote the legislation and guidelines to be followed within the proposed neighborhood limits. The thirty-eight block area was bounded by Iberville, Basin, St. Louis, and N. Robertson streets. His vision came from port cities that legalized prostitution and was officially established on July 6, 1897..The District was set up to limit prostitution to one area of town where authorities could monitor and regulate the practice. Between 1895 and 1915, blue books were published in Storyville. These books were guides to prostitution for visitors to the districts services; they included house descriptions, prices, particular services, and the stock each house offered. The Storyville blue-books were inscribed with the motto: Order of the Garter: Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense (Shame to Him Who Evil Thinks). It took some time for Storyville to gain recognition, but by 1900, Storyville was on its way to becoming New Orleans largest revenue center. Establishments in Storyville ranged from cheap cribs to more expensive houses, up to a row of elegant mansions along Basin Street for well-heeled customers. New Orleans cribs were 50-cent joints, whereas the more expensive establishments could cost up to $10. Black and white brothels coexisted in Storyville. Following the establishment of these brothels, restaurants and saloons began to open in Storyville, bringing in additional tourists. The District was adjacent to one of the main railway stations, where travelers arrived in the city. It became a noted attraction. Jazz did not originate in Storyville, but it flourished there as in the rest of the city. It was tradition in the better Storyville establishments to hire a piano player and sometimes small bands. Famous musicians who got their start in Storyville include Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louie Armstrong, and Pops Foster. At the start of World War I, the Secretary of War, Newton Baker did not want to have troops to have unwanted and immoral distractions while deploying. The Navy had troops located in New Orleans and the city was pressed to close Storyville. Prostitution was made illegal in 1917 and Storyville was used for the purpose of entertainment. Most of its buildings were later destroyed and in 1930, its location was used to create the Iberville housing projects.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:38:10 +0000