Female Enterprise: Women Business and Property Owners in New Orleans, 1819-1927. Louisiana Division. New Orleans Public Library

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JANET MONDELLI MERRIAM Janet Mondelli Merriam was the widow of Albert Walker Merriam, Captain of the Mistick Krewe of Comus at the time of his death in 1874. He was also the proprietor of Crescent Hall, the grand billiard parlor at the corner of St. Charles and Canal Streets (now the Pickwick Club, of which he was a member). Mrs. Merriam continued to operate the business after his death until she herself died on September 27, 1875.
	In 1865, Cora A. Slocomb leased the second and third floors of the former Merchants’ Hotel to A. W. Merriam. He had the space converted into a single large room in which he established an elaborately decorated billiard parlor. Shortly after his death, the roof of the building collapsed, and Slocomb sued Mrs. Merriam for $40,000 in damages. This document shows that Merriam had acquired complete control of her husband’s estate before the accident occurred. Apparently, the parties settled out of court, as the suit was discontinued several months prior to Mrs. Merriam’s death. (Cora A. Slocomb vs Janet E. Merriam. Orleans Parish Second District Court, #3761)
	This view of Crescent Hall shows the building before the Henry Howard project (1874-1875) to rebuild the structure following the collapse. The statue of Henry Clay was relocated to Lafayette Square in 1900. (Jewell’s Crescent City Illustrated. 1873)
	Mrs. Merriam commissioned an engraving of Crescent Hall the month before she died. The three electrotypes created by the engraver were probably used to print advertisements for the business. This would have been the “new” Crescent Hall, which apparently had a “soft opening” sometime in September 1875. (Succession of Janet E. Merriam. Orleans Parish Civil District Court, #72898)
	Although this bill is dated after Mrs. Merriam’s death, it reflects purchases made while she was still alive. The large number of window shades and the large quantity of fabric for covering settees suggests that the items were part of the décor for the new Crescent Hall. (Succession of Janet E. Merriam. Orleans Parish Civil District Court, #72898)
	In addition to the Crescent Hall business, Mrs. Merriam also owned—and insured—a residence in the Garden District and a cache of whiskey stored elsewhere in the business district. The residence at 2336 (old 582) St. Charles Avenue is still standing, now the property of the Louise S. McGehee School. (Succession of Janet E. Merriam. Orleans Parish Civil District Court, #72898)
	We can only wonder why Mrs. Merriam would make out a promissory note to the president of the Louisiana State Lottery Company in 1874. It does suggest the possibility that she had business interests outside of Crescent Hall. (Succession of Janet E. Merriam. Orleans Parish Civil District Court, #72898)