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| Once a sometimes raucous and noisy music club, Benny's Bar has been replaced by a well-kept private residence in a quiet neighborhood. |
Hey Blake,
My question is concerning Benny's Bar Uptown. What was the exact location? I seem to remember a big conflict concerning the noise and parking.
BB
Dear BB,
Benny's Bar was indeed a controversial place while it was around. The bar was located at 938 Valence St. on the corner of Camp Street. At the time, the property was owned by Roy Pfister and his family and had been for more than a century. Roy's mother and aunt ran a combination grocery store/barroom at the location until the 1960s, when it became a music club. The Neville Brothers and Charmaine Neville were frequent performers. The little Creole cottage was the site of many all-night jam sessions.
Benny's Bar opened in 1978, but it kept closing and opening over and over again. In 1992 it was shut down in a drug bust, but opened again in 1993. This didn't last long, and once again Benny's shut its doors. But that wasn't the end of it. In 1994, the bar got a new name: Pasquallie's. Then it got another new name: the Blue Jackal. Benny's Bar made a comeback in 1996 but this, too, was short-lived.
Hey Blake,
I just wanted to know why you don't mention the Elmer's Pecan Eggs in your column. I love those pecan eggs at Easter time. It's hard to find them in most stores. I hope Elmer's continues to make those for us Pecan Egg lovers.
Alledo
Dear Alledo,
Please forgive Old Blake. I never meant to neglect the Pecan Eggs. They are one of the three Easter treats made by Louisiana's own candy company. If you're having trouble finding them, perhaps you're looking at the wrong time. Pecan Eggs, Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs are only available from January to Easter, and perhaps a short while after. I do believe that Elmer's plans to continue making all three of these favorites for many years to come. Hey Blake,
I assume Blake is a pen name. If so, are you male or female? I have heard it both ways and am just curious. Dave McDonnell Jr. Shreveport Dear Dave, Old Blake, like Comus, Spiderman, Batgirl and the Scarlet Pimpernel, must forever remain a mystery. You are, therefore, free to imagine whatever you wish about my gender.
Hey Blake,
My partner and I have been on the trail of a large riverboat to convert to a floating restaurant for some time. Can you help? Ed Cummings
Hey Blake,
I came across your article on the SS President. Is there any way I can get in touch with the owners of the boat? I would be interested in purchasing the boat, if it's still available.
Harry
Dear Ed and Harry,
I am amazed at the number of emails I get from people looking to buy a used riverboat. You both should be interested in the following information, as well as anyone else who might want a challenge. I wrote about this about a year ago, but here's the information again.
The owner of the SS President is David Campbell of Effingham, Ill. His number is (217) 342-9688. Campbell and his family bought the old riverboat for $1 in September 2005. After many years of service on the Mississippi River, the boat became the possession of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. They were asking half a million dollars when it first went up for sale. Then the price went up to $1 million. I was certainly surprised to learn that they 'gave it away."
