Memories of the fantastic Christmas Displays that the late Al Copeland, who founded Popeye's Famous Chicken, provided freely in the Greater New Orleans area in the past ... tied in to the recent craze for Popeye's Spicy Chicken Sandwiches!
Pic: Public Domain - Popeye's Elmwood Headquarters,
With all the recent popularity of Popeye's Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, it would be good to share with Millennials and the younger generations who may not know about what us 'Yats loved in the 70s and 80s when Christmastime was approaching!
Growing up in Uptown New Orleans, we had our share of colorful and lighted decorations that folks would put up on their houses after Thanksgiving to prepare for Christmas.
Back in those days, we had regular lighting for all kinds of Santa, Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer and other Winter Wonderland depictions that would brighten the anticipation of the days.
The late Al Copeland, the founder of the original Popeye's Famous Fried Chicken which I get cravings for every so often – especially their spicy Onion Rings, put on an extravagant Christmastime Light Display every year.
This was first done at his Metairie house, but it eventually go so big and was so well attended that it was transferred to where he had a big office on Elmwood Parkway, where we used to take our kids to view in the 90s.
How fun it was to get out of your car with your kids, walk around with eyes beaming at the splendid light displays, and some merchants would sell you hot chocolate and other goodies to keep you warm!
Bishnupriya Ghosh, Professor at University of Santa Barbara contacted me asking to use my painting of Mother Teresa in her upcoming book, "Global Icons" which was published by Duke University Press Books. You may see Judy Jones's painting of Mother T
Pic: Public Domain - Popeye's Elmwood Headquarters,
