BLAKE 10-23-07 Travelers now can catch a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train at the Union Passenger Terminal, which opened on Loyola Avenue in 1954. Hey Blake,

My father who recently passed away at 95 often referred to taking the Teche Greyhound bus when he played baseball. He was born in Gonzales and played semi-pro baseball in the area. Any idea why he calls it Teche Greyhound? Leo Sanchez Abita Springs Dear Leo, Since your dad has been around the block almost as long as Old Blake, he can remember when folks rode buses and took trains to faraway places. The first bus service in America began in the early 1900s, and the Teche Transfer Company was incorporated in 1920. It was renamed the Teche Lines in 1930, and in 1932 began operating under the name Teche Greyhound Lines. To ride the bus, your dad could get on a bus owned by Teche Greyhound Lines Inc. at 400 N. Rampart Street.

In 1932, we were excited when the new Teche Greyhound bus terminal opened on June 29. Acting Mayor Jess Cave was the guest speaker at the dedication. Other city dignitaries as well as the president of Teche Greyhound Lines were on hand at 1520 Canal St. for the event. The new terminal resulted from an investment of $250,000 in land and building.

But by 1950, Greyhound was challenged by Trailways, operated by Continental Southern Lines. Trailways wanted a piece of the action, and its case appeared before the Louisiana Public Service Commission to get approval for service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The company argued that more buses were needed to meet consumer demand.

Seven years later, in 1957, the Greyhound Corporation announced the construction of its new $3.5 million terminal at Tulane and South Claiborne avenues and Gravier and S. Derbigny streets. This would replace the Canal Street terminal and was sorely needed because the company expected 10,000 passengers a day. By 1960, the Teche Greyhound Line was consolidated into the Southern Division of Greyhound.

The city of New Orleans was elated to be a center of transportation: We had the new bus terminal, the new train station " Union Passenger Terminal which opened in 1954 " and a new terminal and concourse at Moissant Airport, built in 1959.

And your dad and Old Blake have been around to watch it all happen. Hey Blake,

I have a token that says ""Varieties Hall, 841 Canal Street" and has a cut-out of a star. I'm trying to determine the origin of this token. I believe that in 1857 the Gaiety Theater became the Variety Theater, then in 1868 it became the Grand Opera House. Dale Mickelson Pomeroy, Wash. Dear Dale, Tokens were issued in Louisiana between 1936 and 1941, and just about every business you could imagine issued them. The Varieties Theater, often called Varieties Hall, issued them as well. However, your dates are not quite accurate, so I will help you straighten them out.

The first Varieties Theater, also known as Placide's Varieties, opened in December 1849. Located on Gravier Street between Carondelet and Baronne streets, it featured performers such as Lola Montez. She was the sensational actress and dancer who had been made Countess of Lansfeld by her friend King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Miss Montez wowed audiences in 1853, before the theater was completely consumed by flames the next year. It was rebuilt the following year as the Gaiety Theater, managed by Dion Bourcicault. It regained its previous name " the Varieties " but in 1870 met with the same fate as the original. Theaters were especially vulnerable to fire because of gas flames and candles, flammable scenery and costumes, and smokers in the audience.

The proprietors " the Variete Association " decided to change location, and in 1872 built a new Varieties Theater on Canal Street. The new theater cost $320,000 and was truly magnificent, one of the grandest in the South. It was especially known for its elegant staircase.

In 1881, the last Varieties Theater became the Grand Opera House, a theater that operated until 1906. After it closed, the theater was purchased by Maison Blanche Department Store, which was located next door. Maison Blanche demolished the theater and erected a new store on the site in 1908-09.