Bywater
News
July 2005
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THE
BNA THROWS ITSELF A SWELLEGANT PARTY
BY
LAUREN SWINNEY
BYWATER NEWS CULTURAL REPORTER
Clusters
of conversational groups, cooled air, gallery surroundings, erudites,
finger foods, desserts, cold beverages and wines: the ambiance
was one of cocktail party sophistication but it was us. the Bywater
Hood and friends. The new home of The New Orleans Conservation
Guild, once a large, barren warehouse, provided the backdrop for
our annual Summer Social. By all accounts, the event was a smashing
success, and the turnout was exceptional.
There was President Paul Cramer greeting neighbors at the door,
"Gerry" Roth in his black leather cowboy hat, David
Peltier smiling genially, Anthony Eschmann pouring wine, Ceres
Sevin giving out door prize tickets. John Andrews and his handsome
son, our beloved Sister Joyce, our dynamic hostess Biake Vender
Haar, president of the Conservation Guild, and Ed Reams, straight
from Channel 6 (and the only one wearing a tie).
There is a five syllable word that in the past has angered some
Bywaterians, not because of its length, but because of its perceived
threat to the status quo. That word is "gen-tri-fi-ca-tion."
and it is not comingit is already here. and The New Orleans
Conservation Guild at 3620 Royal Street is one of its addresses.
The building has been transformed, its exterior color underplaying
its size and harmonizing unobtrusively with the houses surrounding
it.
Before I sampled the tempting foods, I asked Wesley Codor for
a tour. Wesley works in the art supply store and also handles
picture frame sales and frame restoration. The art supply store
reminds one of an English library in a country mansion. A wall
of cubbies of various sizes, stretching up to the high ceiling,
is a masterpiece of open display. The look of centuries old polished
mahogany was achieved on ordinary wood and scrap wood through
the use of paint coloring. coats of varnish and plenty of elbow
grease.
As I sailed conversations with neighbors, visitors, and friends
I realized there is a swelling pride in the Sywater community.
Practical, hardworking idealists are combining sweat, common sense,
business, artistic ability and devotion to clean up old, exterior
building shells and transform interiors to conform to the ancient
Greek ideal of beauty with usefulness.
Listening and chatting at the social made for a delightful evening.
Stuart Anthony, new co-owner of Elizabeth's (with Floyd McLamb),
spoke animatedly in an Oxfordshire accent of the good name bequeathed
by Elizabeth's. He absolutely loves Bywater because it is friendly,
welcoming. and accommodating. Stuart warmly invites all to come
in and sample Chef Bryon Peck's preparations, and guarantees you
will not be disappointed.
Mike Morris and Gila Rayberg spoke glowingly of life in our area.
"We love the Bywater community that is so rich with artists
and musicians," said Gila, an artist and model.
Ron and Joyce Bcrmingham commented that they thought there might
be a little finger food served at the social, "but this is
a feast." They went on to compliment the graciousness of
the occasion.
David Berman, visiting from Marigny, said of the Conservation
Guild, "What a great use for one of your old, commercial
buildings. It's simply gorgeous." Gerard Roth picked up on
that statement and said, "I ride the bus and pass this building
all the time, and this is the first time I've actually been inside.
As they say, 'You can't judge a book by its cover.' It's real
nice."
Sibil Joseph just bought a home here and was new to the neighborhood.
Ceres Sevin signed her up for the BNA on the spot.
"Dr, Bob." Robert Shatter, indicated that he will be
working on a signage project. Personally- I'd like to sec metal
signs with the distinctive Dr. Bob Styling representing Bywater.
I like the "Be Nice or Leave" signs, and 1 like Dr.
Bob's thought of using horseshoes to frame a hurricane-proof Bywater
sign.
Ed Reams came up with a strong quote for the evening. "Winners
make it happen. Losers let it happen," he said. He also went
on to say that we are all winners here because the people who
live here "endured so much for so long that they obviously
have a love for their community and their neighbors."
Helen Krieger sparkled as she looked around and commented. "What
an amazing restoration and a great, new art store!"
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