Puck Maxi Parked in the Faubourg Bouligny.

January 31, 2020

“Faubourg” is an old French word that loosely translates to suburb. In fact, faubourgs are often considered the predecessor of European suburbs. Faubourg Bouligny was named for the owner Louis Bouligny, who purchased a New Orleans plantation property for the purpose of subdividing and developing the land into neighborhoods. Combined with New Orleans & Carrollton Railroad Company rail operations that began next to the area, Faubourg Bouligny flourished—all starting in 1834. Today, the people and vehicles passing thru the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue probably have no idea. Although, at least on Puch Maxi knows.

Puch and the Lions of Pritchard Place.

July 26, 2019

On a ride down Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans, you’re not likely to miss a pair of stately, stone lions. These mark the entrance to Pritchard Place, a subdivision of sorts that was developed in 1912. The street was named for local businessman R.O Pritchard and I suppose the lions were put in place to serve as landmark for the newly unveiled neighborhood. They also serve as a neat backdrop for a certain Puch moped.

Puch Maxi on the “Pine to Palm” Highway.

July 24, 2019

Here’s another unassuming highway marker that I’ve passed hundreds of times but clearly missed—until it caught my eye when motoring along a bit more slowly on my Puch Maxi. The information contained so many “ah ha” moments, I was compelled to share: 1. Jefferson Highway was named for U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. 2. Jefferson Highway belonged to a highway route that began in Canada. 3. Jefferson Highway was part of one of the first Intercontinental highways (cleverly named “Pine to Palm”) that ended in New Orleans. Who knew? Not me.

Puch Admiring the Huey P. Long Bridge.

June 27, 2019

The Huey P. Long Bridge is upriver from the city of New Orleans. It was the first Mississippi River span built in Louisiana and is visible for miles and miles along the Mississippi River levee. Named for Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long, it is from an era when large bridges mixing rail tracks and highways were common. It originally opened in 1935–just a few months following Governor Long’s assassination. It remained unchanged until a $1.3 billion widening and expansion began in 2006 (and finished in 2013). The “Huey P” carries a two-track railroad line over the Mississippi River and has 6 lanes for vehicle crossing. Could a stock Puch Maxi can make the steep climb and keep up with the speeding traffic across the Huey P. Long Bridge? I wouldn’t want to try.

Puch Revisits Camp Parapet.

May 2, 2019

A previous post about Camp Parapet indicated it was closed to the public on my visit by Puch Maxi. Recently I rode by again. This time it was open—that is, someone forgot to lock the gate! It was a tight squeeze thru but successful and was able to see the grass-cover mound which is all that remains of the old powder magazine. For the record, I did not go on the mound as the “Keep Off” sign instructs.

Temple Sinai Welcomes Puch Maxi.

April 19, 2019

Founded in 1870, Temple Sinai is the oldest and largest Reform Jewish congregation in Louisiana—and the largely Catholic city of New Orleans. Its original striking Byzantine temple building was located on Carondelet Street near Calliope near today’s downtown. Due to the residential shift of its members and the desire for a modern Temple with updated conveniences, Temple Sinai moved uptown in to St. Charles Avenue and Calhoun Street when its present building was completed in 1928.

Puch Maxi Gets a Taste of Italy.

April 12, 2019

Billy Joel immortalized the words I’ll meet you any time you want in our Italian Restaurant, in his song “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” Fortunately, my neighborhood Italian restaurant is one of the best in New Orleans. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine was founded in 1989 by native New Orleanian Vincent Catalanotto. The food is excellent but add the charm of the restaurant’s décor and that is what makes for an outstanding dining experience. Even the Puch Maxi couldn’t resist posing with a small-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David.