McCaffety was published. Since that time, the group has gathered at most, if not all, of the bars in the book. If you have not read the book, you should. It is an excellent social history of New Orleans as it developed around and was influenced by the saloons. Of course we all know we are doing this because of our appreciation for the architecture and history of the great bars and saloons of New Orleans.
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At some gatherings there have been as few as twenty and at others there have been more than one hundred. Some have tried to predict how many will be at different locations. Others have attempted to relate the number at gatherings to the type of bar, however, there seems to be no pattern. One of the highlights for OBIT last year was traveling in a group on a private bus trip to great saloons located in outlying neighborhoods and a gathering at San Miguel, Mexico.
In the beginning, people on the list were notified by snail mail. Then it switched to email only because of cost and time involved in mailing. At that time, OBIT lost about half of the group but has now developed into almost five times the size of the original list. The exact number has not been counted to date, but it grows weekly. There are more than five hundred friends and neighbors on the email list. The email list and website are kept current by john@J-KM.Net.
After all the saloons in the book had been visited and some more than once, the group started going to bars not in the book, but suggested by people at the gatherings or by email. The only requirement to be a participant in OBIT is to attend a gathering. (See "Gatherings" tab for location each week). At the gathering you will be provided a "username" and "password" that will allow you to add your email address to the list of participants. Then do not expect any efficiency, organization, governing boards, structure, by laws, organizational meetings, budget, elections, goals, objectives, required attendance rules or a responsible leader or even a leader, because none of those exist. However, Obit is a great place to make friends who appreciate a fun gathering. If Obit ever gets organized I will quit.
I'll drink to that......
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Note: We have lost some OBers due to email address changes and moving out of town. No one has ever been taken off the list. If you are not receiving the OBIT notices, use the "username" and "password" provided at OBIT gatherings and add your email address to the list server.
If anyone knows a representative of one of the following or other liquor companies have the person contact me if he or she would like to sponsor free drinks for an Obit gathering one Friday evening. My phone number is 504-529-4954 or 225-445-5464.
Absolut Vodka, Bacardi Rum, Bombay Gin, Chivas Scotch, Crown Royal, Cuervo Tequila, Dewars Scotch, Grey Goose Vodka, Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Johnny Walker Whiskey, Smirnoff Vodka, Tanqueray Gin or VO Whiskey
The OBIT email list is for OBIT use only and not for promoting a commercial or political interest. Such use is not appreciated by OBITers. The only purpose of OBIT is a non-commercial social gathering of French Quarter neighbors and their friends.