| Louisiana Division/City Archives | New Orleans Public Library |
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| LOUISE DIEZ BETAT
Louise Diez Betat (Mrs. John A. Betat) was a designer and manufacturer of flags, regalia, badges, and decorations for public halls and theatrical performances. She first set up her business at 192 Canal Street in 1873 and by 1882, Pen Illustrations was able to describe it in glowing terms as “one of the best and most important flag emporiums in New Orleans,” doing an annual business of at least $10,000. “She keeps a full stock of every variety of articles,” Pen Illustrations continued, “consisting of silk, muslin and bunting flags, regalias, badges, rosettes, sashes, and aprons for all [fraternal] orders; metallic jewels, ballot boxes, carved emblems, as well as a full supply of gold, silver, silk embroidered and painted banners.” She was also a costumer for carnival organizations. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mrs. Betat died in 1904. |
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This news article gives us a glimpse of Mrs. Betat’s work. The Cotton Yard Men, a benevolent society, joined other labor organizations city-wide in a grand parade commemorating the first anniversary of the formation of the Cotton Men’s Executive Council. They marched under a banner made by Mrs. Betat, who also provided flags for the occasion and dressed out other participating organizations. The city loved a parade in 1881 as much as it does today.
(Daily Picayune, November 26, 1881) |