Marita Woywod Crandle's Book Signing at the Storyville Museum
- Laura Kuhn
- Nov 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 29, 2024
November 22, 2024
Local author and entrepreneur Marita Woywod Crandle visited the new Storyville Museum today to sign her book, Josie Arlington - The Life and Times of a Storyville Madam, which is available for sale in the museum gift shop. Marita posted about her booking signing, saying "Beautiful museum! You need about an hour to take it all in. So well done!"
Marita's novel takes place during a time when women were denied opportunity. In the lavish parlors of Storyville, prostitution offered advancement for women who welcomed the vice. Mary Deubler, the Storyville madam who called herself Josie Arlington, more than welcomed carnal enterprise. A turbulent childhood forced her into a life of prostitution at an early age, but fueled by ambition, she opened a brothel that soon developed a dangerous reputation in a city famous for competitive iniquity. Devastating circumstances spun her to a new path lined with luxury. Her palace, the brothel she named the Arlington, cemented her legacy. A palatial establishment filled with exotic girls that added a rare air of refinement to its proffered debauchery, it allowed Josie to become something even rarer for her time—a self-made women of vast wealth and influence. Author Marita Woywod Crandle charts Josie’s rise while painting a vivid picture of New Orleans’ red-light district.
Marita has also become an outspoken supporter of locating the remains of Josie Arlington whose infamous tomb in Metairie Cemetery was once her final resting place and said to be haunted by her spirit. Her remains are mysteriously misplaced and Marita expresses her desperation to return the missing remains to their rightful home in this interview on WWL-TV's spotlight segment.
Marita Crandle is also a local businesswoman who owns and operates several French Quarter bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Be sure to visit and explore her vampire-themed venues:
New Orleans Vampire Café
801 Royal Street
The New Orleans Vampire Café is a unique dining experience located in the heart of the French Quarter. Inspired by the mystique and allure of vampire folklore, the café blends gothic elegance with Southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in a curated menu featuring Creole-inspired dishes, specialty cocktails, and decadent desserts. The ambiance is marked by candlelit tables, crimson and black décor, and a sense of mystery that evokes the city's rich supernatural history. Perfect for fans of the macabre or those seeking an enchanting culinary adventure, the Vampire Café promises an unforgettable experience steeped in New Orleans' dark charm.
Vampire Apothecary Restaurant & Bar
725 St. Peter Street
The Vampire Apothecary Restaurant & Bar is a spellbinding venue where fine dining meets gothic sophistication. Located in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, this establishment offers an immersive experience inspired by vampire lore and ancient apothecaries. Guests can savor a menu of creatively crafted dishes, artisanal cocktails, and elixirs, each infused with flavors that delight the senses. The décor combines vintage apothecary aesthetics with dark, moody elegance, creating an atmosphere both mysterious and inviting. Whether you're a fan of the supernatural or simply seeking a unique night out, the Vampire Apothecary promises an unforgettable journey into the extraordinary.
Boutique Du Vampyre
709 St. Ann Street
Boutique du Vampyre is a one-of-a-kind shop located in the enchanting French Quarter of New Orleans, catering to fans of the mystical and macabre. Specializing in handcrafted, vampire-inspired merchandise, the boutique offers everything from custom fangs and gothic jewelry to unique art, books, and collectibles. Steeped in local lore and supernatural charm, it serves as a haven for those drawn to the mysterious world of vampires and the paranormal. Visitors can expect a warm, personalized experience that reflects New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry and its deep connection to the mystical.
Potions Lounge
733 Bourbon Street
Potions Lounge is an exclusive, speakeasy-style bar hidden in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Accessible only to those with a key or special invitation, this intimate lounge offers a magical atmosphere steeped in mystery and allure. The décor combines gothic elegance with vintage charm, setting the stage for expertly crafted cocktails and elixirs inspired by alchemy and the supernatural. Perfect for those seeking a hidden gem away from the bustling streets, Potions Lounge provides a sophisticated and enchanting retreat that embodies the spirit of New Orleans' mystical nightlife.
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