ENROLLED
2020 Second Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 55
BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLARD
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association on attaining historic
designation on the National Register of Historic Places for the neighborhood of
Pontchartrain Park in Orleans Parish.
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2020, Pontchartrain Park was listed on the National Register
of Historic Places as "Pontchartrain Park Historic District", recognizing the sixty-five year
old community's significance in Louisiana history; and
WHEREAS, the designation was achieved under the leadership of Gretchen
Bradford, the president of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association, or PPNA, and
the PPNA's Historic Committee; the members of the committee include Carrie Mingo-
Douglas, Wiletta Ferdinand, Wilfred Arnolie, Patrick Clementine, Gaynell Lawrence, and
Elder Delerez Perkins; and
WHEREAS, Pontchartrain Park was built between 1955 and 1961, and the
neighborhood was one of the first suburban-style subdivisions developed specifically for
African Americans to own a home in the segregated South; it is located in the affluent
Gentilly neighborhood, and many middle- and upper-class African-American families were
drawn to the new development; the neighborhood thus became a symbol that the "American
dream" could be achieved by all; and
WHEREAS, many Pontchartrain Park homes were sold to World War II veterans
through the GI Bill, creating a neighborhood filled with young families whose children
would grow up together and create a community cohesion that can be seen even today; and
WHEREAS, Pontchartrain Park is the site of numerous landmark achievements for
the African-American community in Orleans Parish; it contained a golf course designed by
African-American architect Joseph M. Bartholomew which was the first course that he
designed and was allowed to play on; Southern University was established in Pontchartrain
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 55 ENROLLED
Park to provide higher education for black students in the area; additionally, the
neighborhood is home to Wesley Barrow Stadium, a baseball field where Negro League
baseball games were played; and
WHEREAS, Pontchartrain Park is truly an iconic, historic landmark in Louisiana
history, and the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association is most deserving of
recognition for attaining historical designation for the area.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood
Association on attaining historic designation on the National Register of Historic Places for
the neighborhood of Pontchartrain Park in Orleans Parish; does hereby recognize
Pontchartrain Park as a true historical landmark in Louisiana; and does hereby extend sincere
hopes and wishes that the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association continue to prosper
as they safeguard this historic location.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2