Old Time New Orleans Transportation

Pickup truck outside Castellon Pharmacy

We were in Carrollton the other day for lunch.  Carrollton is on the other side of New Orleans from us.  It used to be the capitol of Jefferson Parish, which is the parish right next to Orleans Parish.  

We don't go to Castellon Pharmacy, which is in Carrollton, because, to be honest, it's just too far away.  It's owned and operated by a registered pharmacist instead of a national conglomerate chain, which is a plus in my book, but we have a pharmacy around the corner from us that is likewise owned and operated by registered pharmacists.  They're the nicest pharmacists you'll ever meet. 

What caught my eye at Castellon Pharmacy was the old pickup truck parked in the lot.  It wasn't the only old car there, either.  There was another one.

Truck parked on Oak Street, New Orleans

I don't think these are delivery trucks.  I have no idea why they were parked where they were.  It was just one of those things that you happen to see when you travel around New Orleans.  It wasn't ordinary, but there was nothing out of the ordinary, either.  Something went wrong with this world when they stopped making auto bodies out of wood.

It was like seeing a streetcar, which is how plenty of people get around town.

New Orleans streetcar

The St. Charles Avenue streetcars were built in the 1920s.  They're still running.  There's no reason to replace them.  They aren't quick, but nothing in New Orleans is speedy.  The St. Charles line runs along the most beautiful street in the city.  When people ask me what's the one thing I think they should do, I tell them they should take the St. Charles streetcar.  We live on a beautiful street, but it is only the second most beautiful street in New Orleans.  I am forced to admit it: St. Charles Avenue is the most beautiful street.

So, anyhow, I started out saying we went to Carrollton for lunch.  Here's the panoramic view out the window from the booth we were sitting in:

View of Carrollton Ave, New Orleans

Carrollton Avenue is a pretty street, too, but it isn't as beautiful as St. Charles Ave. and it isn't as beautiful as Esplanade Ave., either.  I'm biased, but Frau Schmitt agrees with me and she is usually right about these things.

We live in a beautiful city that's full of surprises.  Someday, we hope you'll have a chance to see it for yourself.

À votre santé,
La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast.