Old Absinthe House New Orleans Vintage Postcard French Quarter 1798
$ 5.28
Description
Old Absinthe House New Orleans Vintage Postcard French Quarter 1798. By the mid-1800s, it was famous for serving absinthe and other spirits to locals, sailors, artists, politicians, and travelers. The Old Absinthe House is closely associated with 19th-century New Orleans nightlife and literary culture. Offered here is a vintage early 20th-century postcard depicting the famed Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter of New Orleans , one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings. The caption notes “Erected in 1798,” highlighting the structure’s deep roots in New Orleans’ colonial and cultural history. The image shows the distinctive corner building with wrought-iron balcony, shuttered doors, and arched windows , all classic features of Spanish Colonial and Creole architecture that define the French Quarter streetscape. Originally built as a private residence, the building later became known as the Old Absinthe House after opening as a saloon in the early 19th century. By the mid-1800s, it was famous for serving absinthe and other spirits to locals, sailors, artists, politicians, and travelers. The Old Absinthe House is closely associated with 19th-century New Orleans nightlife and literary culture . Over the years it welcomed legendary patrons such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Andrew Jackson , and Theodore Roosevelt , cementing its reputation as one of the city’s most storied drinking establishments. Even after absinthe was banned in the United States in 1912, the building remained a landmark symbol of the city’s bohemian past. This postcard was produced by the Detroit Photographic Company , one of the most important American publishers of scenic postcards during the early 1900s. Their images were often hand-colored from photographic originals, giving the scene a soft, realistic appearance. Detroit Publishing views of New Orleans are especially desirable due to the city’s unique architecture and cultural significance. The reverse features a divided back with a printed stamp box indicating one-cent postage for the United States and Canada , dating the card to approximately 1907–1918 . The card appears unused , with no writing or postage. Details: Subject: Old Absinthe House, French Quarter, New Orleans Year built: 1798 (as noted on card) Era of card: Circa 1907–1918 Publisher: Detroit Photographic Company Card type: Hand-colored photographic postcard Back: Divided, unused Condition: Good antique condition with light edge and corner wear, mild age toning, and strong architectural detail A wonderful piece for collectors of New Orleans history, French Quarter landmarks, historic taverns, absinthe memorabilia , or Detroit Publishing Company postcards . This card captures over a century of New Orleans culture, architecture, and legend in a single image.
