The authors, who were asked to undertake the research and writing project, are gratefully indebted to many for their kind advice and consent. Old maps, documents, rare books and family records have been generously offered for examination. Illustrations have been lent from private and other collections. Patient understanding and careful correction of the manuscript were invaluable. We would like to thank particularly the following: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wilson, Jr., Mr. Cecil J. Murphy, Mr. Leonard V. Huber, The Waldo-Burton Memorial Home, Miss Margaret Ruckert, Mrs. Sue Bauman, Mr. Richard Koch, Mrs. William J. Griffith, Mrs. Dorothy Whittemore and others in the archives department of the Howard-Tilton Library of Tulane University, the Louisiana State Museum Library, the Notarial Archives, Mrs. Benjamin Cromwell Gore, Mrs. Robert Lee Emery, Jr., Miss Barbara Gessner, Miss Lily Gauche, Mr. Frank Boatner, Mrs. Keith Temple, Dr. Bernard Lemann, Mr. Albert Lieutaud, Mr. Harold Leisure, Mr. Carleton King, Mr. Errol E. Kelly, Mrs. John Prados, and Dr. Virgil L. Bedsole.
From the McGehee faculty and the Parents’ League inestimable assistance was received. Mrs. Edmund McIlhenny, Parents’ League President, and Miss Elise McGehee, Headmistress, were extremely generous with their time and counsel. Our thanks to Mrs. Andrew W. Dykers for reading the manuscript; Mrs. Leslie Bowling, who designed and executed the cover picture; Leon Trice, Jr., who took the majority of the interior photographs; Mrs. Bernard Wolfe, capable business manager of the project; and very special gratitude to Mrs. Dallam O’Brien, who designed the book, and to Mr. O’Brien for his help.
Particular appreciation is given, of course, to the present owners of the great houses selected for inclusion in this work, for their gracious permission and cooperation.
MARTHA ANN BRETT SAMUEL
RAY SAMUEL
October, 1961
Acknowledgment
The Parents’ League of the Louise S. McGehee School acknowledges with appreciation the work of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Samuel in writing this book on the Garden District in New Orleans. We are indeed grateful to them for devoting their time and talent to this school project.
Italianate villa of James Robb, millionaire railroad man, was showplace of Garden District in the early 1850’s. It occupied entire block of Washington Avenue, Camp, Chestnut, and Sixth Streets. Rare works of art embellished its ornate rooms, landscaped gardens.