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Today in New Orleans History |
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May 11
 The
original Cabildo was destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire (1788). The Cabildo was rebuilt between 1795-99
as the home of the Spanish municipal government in New Orleans, and the mansard roof was later added,
in French style. The building took its name from the governing body who met there — the "Illustrious Cabildo,"
or city council. The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803, and continued
to be used by the New Orleans city council until the mid-1850s. The building's main hall, the Sala Capitular ("Meeting
Room"), was originally utilized as a courtroom. The Spanish used the courtroom from 1799–1803, and
from 1803-1812 it was used by the Louisiana territorial superior court. After the American Civil War, it was
the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1868-1910. The Sala Capitular was the site of several landmark court cases,
including Plessy v. Ferguson. In 1895 it was in a state of decay and proposed for demolition; artist William
Woodward led a successful campaign to have the historic building preserved and restored. In 1911 the Cabildo
became the home of the Louisiana State Museum. The museum displays exhibits about the history of Louisiana from
its settlement up through the Reconstruction era, and the heritage of the ethnic groups that live there. It was
declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. In 2005, the Cabildo survived Hurricane Katrina,
which passed 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown, with relatively minor damage. Days after Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana
State Police used the business offices of the Cabildo to set up what was called Troop N. The "N" was a designate
for New Orleans. From the Cabildo, Louisiana State Troopers patrolled the streets of the city along with other state police
agencies from New Mexico and New York. (WIKI)  
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Born on October 16, 1928 in New Orleans, Leonard Joseph "Lenny" Yochim made his professional
baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 18, 1951. He played in parts of two seasons for the Pirates
in 1951 and 1954, and later served in the organization for almost four decades. A left-handed screwball specialist,
he threw a good curve ball as well, but a sore arm limited him to pitch in only 28.1 innings.
He pitched in two games in 1951 and ten in 1954, ending his major league career with a 1-2 record
and a 7.62 ERA in 12 games (three as a starter). His professional career highlight came on December
8, 1955, when he became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a professional game in Venezuela while pitching
for the Caracas Lions club. Helped by catcher Earl Battey, Yochim accomplished the feat in
the Caracas 3–0 victory over Magallanes. Ramón Monzant was credited with the loss.
Following his playing career, Yochim rejoined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in 1966 to
become a member of their baseball operations department. He served as an area scout, national
crosschecker and major-league scout for the Pirates before moving into the front office in
1994. Yochim also worked as a senior adviser for player personnel from 1994 through 2004, when he decided
not to return for another season. He died in New Orleans on May 11, 2013.
The gas-lit ornate cast-iron Belknap Fountain (left of center) was built in 1870 by Jackson Ogden
Belknap who used it primarily as an advertising stand on the neutral ground of Canal Street. Note the NOCRR streetcar as mentioned
on page 33. (HNOC) The Daily Picayune reported on May 11, 1895 that the “Manager of the Traction Company
presented the Iron Pavilion which would be moved to the front entrance of the park and painted the appropriate colors”
– seen here inside the Alexander Street entrance. (LDL) #046 #047 cp
Abdil Daily Crossman, a Whig Candidate, was elected the twelfth Mayor of New Orleans, April 6, 1846 and
served three consecutive terms, until March 26, 1854. He took office on May 11, 1846. He opened
a small hat shop on Canal Street, which in 1829 was considered “out of town.” He soon gained the confidence
and respect of his neighbors and after holding many offices of trust and importance, was, elected to the State Legislature
in 1844. About that time he was made chairman of the financial committee of the Municipal Council. As this Council was
heavily in debt, Crossman set to work to reduce expenses and increase revenues with such success, that soon he put the credit
of this body upon a secure basis. It was this proof of administrative talent which led to his nomination for Mayor. The
outstanding episodes of Crossman’s long administration were the patriotic and military enterprises undertaken in this
city in connection with the war with Mexico; the Sauve Crevasse; the Spanish riot in 1851 which culminated in the Spanish
American War; the epidemics of yellow fever in 1852 and 1853; and the new City Charter which provided a single, efficient
government, replacing the much discredited three-municipality system. During the war with Mexico, New Orleans was the chief
military depot of operation. The streets were constantly filled with recruits on their way to join commands at various
stations in the West. Benevolence was a conspicuous trait of Crossman’s character, and it is recorded that his kindness
to the soldiers returning from the war was extended in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner. Another notable event
occurred on May 15, 1847 when, in honor of victories in Mexico, the entire city was illuminated. The new City Hall at Lafayette
and St. Charles Streets, designed by the noted architect, James Gallier, in 1846 and one of the few examples of pure Greek
architecture in the United States was built during Mayor Crossman’s administration, at a cost of $120,000. A
new public school system was put into effect in 1847, the State providing funds for the education of children from the age
of 6 to 10 years. After 1850 this system was greatly enlarged through the beneficence of John McDonogh who came to New
Orleans from Baltimore at the age of 22 and established himself in the social and business life of the city. Today one
of the outstanding public schools of New Orleans bears the name of Crossman. An old dilapidated two-story building was used
as the customhouse in 1822. As this building was inadequate, the erection of a new building was planned and on November
22, 1847, R. A. Walker, secretary of the treasury adopted the plan of A. W. Wood. On February 22, 1849 the cornerstone
was laid in the presence of Henry Clay who was visiting New Orleans at that time. Mayor Crossman was prominent in advocating
the building of railroads, the construction of the Great Western, and the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern being
begun during his administration. The Mayor was also an advocate for the establishment of a United States Naval Depot. Mayor
Crossman continued to serve the city after retiring from office of Mayor in several capacities until the outbreak of the
War between the States, but principally as a member of the City Council. He died on June 13, 1859 at the age of 57 at the
residence of his friend Newton Richard Esq., No. 18 Burgundy Street, having suffered a paralytic stroke, and lies buried
in Cypress Grove Cemetery. A granite monument marks his grave. (NOPL)
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