Tag: monument

Puch visits Charles Didier Dreux monument.

January 17, 2019

A monument for Lt. Colonel Charles Didier Dreux, Jr. can be found on the neutral ground of South Jefferson Davis Parkway in New Orleans near Canal Street. This excursion provided some off-road action for the Puch Maxi given the amount of green space from the street! Dreux was the first Confederate field officer to be killed (at age 29) in battle near Newport News, Virginia during the Civil War. He commanded Dreux’s (1st) Battalion, composed of the first five companies that volunteered from Louisiana. Sadly, the monument has been vandalized in the past as evidenced by the statue’s missing nose.

Puch at statue of Cuban hero José Martií.

December 10, 2018

Rode by this statue in honor of Cuban patriot José Martií found in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans. New Orleans was once Cuba’s largest U.S. trading partner…which explains the similar architecture and musical influences. Martií made several visits to New Orleans during the two years preceding the outbreak in 1895 of Cuba’s War of Independence from Spain. He was a key figure in Cuba’s fight for independence and an important contributor in Latin American literature. One of his poems was adapted for the song “Guantanamera“– considered the definitive patriotic song of Cuba. There are statues all of the world memorializing José Martií…but I wonder how many are featured with Puch moped?

Carrollton Centennial Monument.

February 22, 2018

This obelisk-style stone monument really towers over my Puch Maxi. It was placed in Palmer Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Carrollton. The week-long celebration began on March 11, 1945 and included speeches, music, and parades. It was rather quiet on the day of my visit…maybe plans are underway for 175th anniversary celebration?

Samuel Loewenberg Arch.

June 19, 2017

puch arch

This is a rather unassuming tribute to Samuel Loewenberg, Treasurer of Touro Synagogue in 1881. Seems he was one of the prominent leaders of the Jewish community in New Orleans in the mid-19th century. The structure, with a non-functioning horse trough and water fountain (now a planter with flowers), is located at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and S. Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. Good thing my 2 horsepower Puch Maxi wasn’t thirsty.