A New Orleans
Classic is Reborn

The Greeks gave us many great cultural traditions in music, theatre and philosophy–just to name a few. There were the great mythological gods of Olympus: Dionysius, Apollo, Helios, Zeus, Bacchus, Argus, Endymion, Hermes and thirty thousand more.

And then there was nectar–the drink of the gods.

The appropriately named New Orleans Nectar Soda®, the delicious invention of New Orleans pharmacist I.L. Lyons, became popular during the late 1800s, when local druggists were concocting various recipes for medicines, lotions, tonics, powders and beverages. The classic carbonated drink was most notably the specialty at the Katz & Besthoff soda fountains, where the tasty syrup was eagerly served and enjoyed as a soda, cream soda or ice cream soda.

When the Lyons pharmaceutical wholesale company was sold to a national enterprise in 1984, the company didn’t pursue any further marketing of the classic syrup. In 1992, Mandeville resident Susan Dunham began researching the possibility of once again producing nectar syrup. Dunham’s grandmother, who knew the Lyons family, actually had the original recipe for making home batches.

That same year, Dunham’s Nectar Soda Co., Inc. began production of the original syrup blend of premium natural almond and vanilla flavors. Bottling of the soft drink began in 2000, with Southeast-Atlantic Beverage in Atlanta and Miami producing 20-oz. plastic bottles that are sold through New Orleans distributors.

Earlier this year, 12 oz. amber glass packaging was chosen for the soda because of its integrity in retaining the natural flavor and carbonation of the product. The Mardi Gras label was designed by Lacombe graphic artist Jon Irving, giving the product its indisputable New Orleans flair.
So, all you nectar soda aficionados and soon-to-be converts: DRINK UP! For New Orleans Nectar Soda® items, recipes and more, visit www.nectarsoda.com.

The Red Hatters

In the time-honored tradition of southern belles and Ya-Yas, the Red Hat Society is making a colorful splash across the northshore. Members of various locally based chapters delight in big doses of friendship, frivolity, enjoying life and generally not taking themselves too seriously.

The only requirements for membership in this wonderfully enthusiastic and high-spirited organization are to be over the age of 50, wear a red hat and a clashing purple ensemble–which can include red shoes, red gloves and red purse– and possess a strong desire to get together and have a really good time. The no-rules group even welcomes women from the under-50 crowd, but with one mandate–you’re relegated to wearing a pink hat and lavender dress until “the” birthday.

The inspiration for the society came from a poem written by Jennie Joseph entitled “Warning,” which begins with the now-famous line: “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, California took such delight in the poem that she and a few friends formed a group that began meeting on a regular basis for high tea, all donned in their red hats and purple dresses. After a feature was published in Romantic Homes magazine in July 2000, the group began receiving inquiries from other women across the country interested in starting their own chapters.

The society became more organized and now boasts more than 6,000 chapters, which host annual conventions in places like Nashville and Chicago. A regional get-together for New Orleans-area Red Hatters was held at the Fairmont Hotel November eighth.

“We seem to always draw lots of attention when we gather,” says northshore Queen Mother Jan Shea, who read about the society a couple of years ago. She established a chapter this past January and named it the Red Hat Mamas. The 25-member club is so popular that there’s a waiting list. But fear not, at least seven other clubs exist on the northshore; simply check out redhatsociety.com to join a local group or organize one of your own!

FOR LADIES ONLY!

Inside Northside invites you to share some of your special Ya-Ya moments with us. Whether it’s a long-standing club of school chums, a planned annual get-together with close friends, an all-girl vacation, or a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree, road-trip or comfort session, we’d love to hear about your adventures and unbreakable bonds of friendship. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be an inspiration for others and be next to see your name in print!

Southern Charm

When it comes to refinement and sophistication, Dixie Gallaspy has a corner on the market. As director of the Smoky Creek Summer School for Girls in Bogalusa, Dixie delights in teaching young ladies about social graces.

In response to many requests from friends, Dixie began conducting a week-long charm school for girls in 1985 at the 15-acre estate. Since that time, many young ladies have been privileged to attend, learning about table manners, note writing, poise, grace, healthy living and managing money–just to name a few topics.

This past summer, 27 girls from across the country attended the unique school, which for the first time offered an offsite class at Sunnybrook. Located on the outskirts of Covington, William Gibert’s historic plantation home was the setting for a formal luncheon, where he provided the girls with a hands-on lesson in the art of dining etiquette.

Other volunteers in the community also assist Dixie in educating her students about everything from nutrition to proper telephone manners. Says Dixie, “The emphasis is on good manners, poise and grace; it is our sincere hope that each girl leaves Smoky Creek with good memories, new friendships and learning experiences to make her life a better one.”

In 1981, Dixie and her husband, John, purchased Smoky Creek Plantation, which was built in 1941 by Vertrees Young, and established a bed and breakfast inn. The couple also hosts weddings, receptions, parties, luncheons and business meetings on the enchanting grounds.

To learn more about Smoky Creek Summer School for Girls, contact Dixie at (985) 735-5661.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.