Historic Landmarks: Landmarks become historic when they persist in the hearts and minds of society through the ages. These are some of my favorite local, regional, and national historic treasures.
"The Camellia Grill" - A visit to New Orleans is not quite complete without a visit to the Camellia Grill for breakfast. Located at the corner of St. Charles and Carrolton Avenues in uptown New Orleans, the Grill offers a unique experience in dining. The passersby above have likely been caught by the aroma of omlettes, sausage, and hash browns being skillfully prepared on the open grill.
"The Fairhope Clock" - Located in downtown Fairhope, Alabama, the "Clock" has a landmark status all its own in Fairhope. It is quite the site when juxtaposed against the lights adorning the trees throughout the downtown area during the Christmas season.
"Seahorse on Mobile Bay"- Located on the backdrop of the Mobile Bay in Fairhope, Alabama, the Seahorse is a creation of a local Fairhope artist. Constructed of a variety of scrap metal parts, this fascinating piece of work draws onlookers from far and near. A must see if you are ever visiting the Fairhope area.
"The Jefferson Memorial" - The Memorial was built between 1939 and 1943 in honor of our nation's third president, Thomas Jefferson. Located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Memorial along with the White House form anchor points for the renowned National Mall. Jefferson's own design of the rotunda at the University of Virginia is reflected in the architecture of the Memorial.
"The Oaks de Marigny" - Oak Alley is composed of 28 - 30 majestic oak trees planted circa 1850 by Bernard de Marigny. Marigny's plantation and sugar mill stood on what is now Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana. Remnants of the sugar mill still remain to this day. The oaks, though battered by hurricanes through the years, remain today as part of a Louisiana historic landmark.
"Arlington Cemetery" - Located in Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is the site of an astonishing 27 to 30 funeral services each weekday with an additional 6 to 8 services on Saturdays! The cemetery spans some 639 acres of rolling hills, gardens, and centuries old trees. A tribute to the service and sacrifice of so many, this landmark is a definite must visit if you are ever in the D.C. area.
"The Capitol Building" - The Capitol houses the Legislative Branch of our Federal government. While the building and the attached wings housing the House of Representatives and Senate were completed in the 1850's, the dome was not constructed until after the Civil War around 1866. Fondly referred to as the "People's House", today it stands to many as a sign of contradiction.
"The Fairhope Pharmacy" - This view of the historical Fairhope Pharmacy was taken one early December evening. The pharmacy has the distinction of being one of the oldest in the state of Alabama. Christmas in Fairhope can be quite magical with thousands of white lights adorning the numerous trees located throughout the downtown area. The lights in this photo provide a delicate accent to the facade of the pharmacy building.
"Brothers of the Sacred Heart Cemetery" - Located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, the Sacred Heart Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous men who dedicated their lives through the years to the service of the thousands of youth, primarily in the field of education. A recent walk through the rows of headstones brought back many memories of my High School days and several of the brothers who had themselves taught me at Cor Jesu in New Orleans. "Ametur Cor Jesu, Ametur Cor Mariae"!
"Vietnam Veterans Memorial" - The Vietnam Memorial, as it is more commonly known, was constructed in 1982 in honor of members of the United States Armed Forces who served specifically in the Vietnam War. The memorial is composed of two adjoining walls each measuring just under 247 feet in length and ranging from 8 inches to 10 feet in height. Today more than 58,000 names have been inscribed on the 144 black granite panels which comprise the two walls. If you zoom in on the photo, you can actually read the names of some of those inscribed thereon.
"The Tammany Trace" - The Tammany Trace is a popular hiking and biking trail constructed in the corridor of the old Illinois Central Railroad on the North Shore of Lake Ponchartrain in south Louisiana. The trace covers some 31 miles of asphalt surface through mostly forested marshland connecting the towns of Covington to the north and Slidell to the southeast. Bayou Lacombe (found in "Landscapes") is a welcome surprise encountered when riding the trace through the small town of Lacombe. The bridge crossing the bayou and one of several rest stations can be seen in the photo above.
"Mama's Banana Bread Hut" - Found on the coastal highway surrounding the island of Maui, Hawaii, the Banana Bread Hut is a landmark of its own to locals and visitors alike. You'll not find a banana bread anywhere to compare with "Mama's". The winding trip from Kihei was a small price to pay for a delectable afternoon treat!