Peter Claver Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peter Claver Building |
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|---|---|
| Location | 1818 Orleans Street New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Built | 1861 |
| Demolished | 1986 |
The Peter Claver Building was a historic building in New Orleans, Louisiana. It used to be known as the French Hospital. This building stood on a city block near Claiborne Avenue. It was surrounded by Orleans, Derbigny, Ann, and Roman Streets.
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A Hospital for the French Community
The building was built in 1861. A group called La Société Française de Bienfaisance built it. This group wanted to help the city's Francophone community. These were people who spoke French. The hospital offered health care to them. People soon started calling it "the French Hospital."
Hospital Operations and Closure
The French Hospital served the community for many years. It helped many people in New Orleans. However, the hospital eventually closed its doors. This happened on October 31, 1949. After it closed, the building was rented out. It was used as office spaces for different businesses.
New Life as Peter Claver Building
In 1951, the building got a new purpose. It became the national headquarters for the Knights of Peter Claver. This is an important organization. They used the building for their main offices. They stayed there until 1974. That year, a new building was built right next door. This new building became their new headquarters.
The Building's End
The original building was very old by then. It had served many different purposes. The Peter Claver Building was torn down in 1986. It no longer stands today.
Building Style and Famous Birth
The building was built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular for buildings in the 1800s. It often featured tall columns and grand entrances. The building was further updated around 1883. It was used by the French Benevolent and Mutual Aid Society of New Orleans. They ran it as the "French Hospital" until 1949.
A well-known historical figure was born in this building. Lee Harvey Oswald was born at the French Hospital. This happened on October 18, 1939. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
