New Orleans in the Fifties

In her third book in the series of volumes describing past decades in New Orleans' history, local author and historian Mary Lou Widmer offers readers unique glimpses into the celebrated decade of the fifties. It was a time of changing values and institutions, of a growing fear of communism and, at the same time, a growing sense of domestic tranquility and the importance of the family. It was a time of great growth and development in the city, and a departure from many of the old traditions and customs that had helped to define what New Orleans was all about. Suburbs, which boomed during the forties, continued to grow in areas such as Lakeview, Gentilly, and Metairie. The Greater New Orleans Mississippi River Bridge was completed and opened up the West Bank to commerce. Families gathered around the television to watch I Love Lucy and other popular programs. The tumult of the Korean War was closely followed by the local tumult caused by the beginnings of integration. Packed with photographs and reminiscences of this important decade in the metamorphosis of New Orleans, New Orleans in the Fifties is a unique accomplishment that will interest all residents and lovers of the Crescent City. Mary Lou Widmer, a native New Orleanian, is president of the South Louisiana Chapter of Romance Writers of America. She has written several articles for New Orleans publications, and is the author of Night Jasmine, Beautiful Crescent, and Lace Curtain. Widmer is also the author of New Orleans in the Twenties, New Orleans in the Thirties, and New Orleans in the Forties, all published by Pelican.