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A newsletter from harkins, the florist
Barefoot Irma:
One of the unforgettable characters to pass through harkins, the florist, was a woman known here in the ‘hood as “Barefoot Irma.” She was a revered character in the St. Thomas Housing Project.
When the flower shop relocated to 1601 Magazine Street in 1984, “the St. Thomas,” as it was called, was going strong. In the ensuing years the population dropped off until the time it was demolished and replaced by River Gardens. While the Seaside-like replacement is pristine, it lacks the funky quality of “The Bricks,” another name for St. Thomas.
Jawn was well acquainted with the project having come here in 1974 to teach at Redemptorist High School which bordered St. Thomas. Several of his teacher colleagues had grown up in “The Bricks,” in the days up until the 1960s when white flight transformed St. Thomas to a virtually all Black community.
But we digress, it seems. “Barefoot Irma” was a good-hearted soul who took up a collection for flowers whenever there was a death among her neighbors. Some collections were more successful than others, but a deal was always cut to provide some kind of floral offering at the funeral.
Lots of effort, no doubt, went into Irma’s mission. All that she asked in return was a single rose on her birthday. The amusing side of this was the realization that Irma had numerous “birthdays” throughout the year.
Many celebrated the demolition of St. Thomas, but it was also a loss. There was a sense of community there that was an integral part of the neighborhood, lacking in the replacement. No longer could harkins, the florist enjoy dealing with the entire social spectrum, from St. Thomas to St. Charles.
The St. Thomas name lives on, thankfully, in the form of the St. Thomas Clinic on St. Andrew Street. Two totally dedicated doctors, a couple, Don Erwin and Mary Abell, provide much needed medical care for the now dispersed St. Thomas population. Trinity Church supports the clinic as one of its major outreach programs.
The clinic has been so successful that expansion is taking place. What was the landmark across the street from the clinic, Hooter’s Store, will soon be incorporated into the operation. While we wrote in a recent newsletter that Hooter’s should remain as is as a reminder of Magazine shabbiness, this latest development certainly deserves applause.
Beverly Bryant, an Epilogue:
What a pleasant way to start the day recently was receipt of en e-mail from Beverly’s son Edison, who now lives in New Braunfels, TX. He was doing family research and up popped our article. He was very appreciative that the memory of his mom was celebrated. He recently visited the neighborhood and was pleased to note that the designation “Beverly Row” lives on in the second 1400 block of Magazine Street.
In response to Edison we let him know of the many messages we received from our readers praising Beverly when the article first appeared.
The Latest Challenge: Valentine’s Day Approacheth
Celebration of Valentine’s Day is in grave danger this year. In case you haven’t noticed it on your calendar, Valentine’s Day falls this year on Bacchus Sunday. Competing with Drew Brees rolling down the Avenue as Bacchus is a tall order, but we shall rise to the challenge.
We’re beginning now to “beat the drum” encouraging everyone to celebrate the holiday early this year sending flowers on Monday or Tuesday of Valentine’s Week so there can be enjoyment all week. Recipients will have bragging rights at the office and senders will rack up points if this alternative is pursued.
Check out this newsletter in early February for incentives and specials we are planning to prevent Valentine’s Day being forgotten this year.
Saints Mania at harkins, the florist:
Not to be left out of the Saints Mania phenomenon, the designers have come up with our own tribute suitable to send for any occasion. It’s the Saints Victory Bush. Actually a Norfolk Island Pine, the plant features the symbolic "fleur de lis" along with lots of black and gold trim. The large size is $60 and the smaller ones are $35. Go, Saints!
Care and Handling of............
Lilies!
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