711 Bourbon Heat - New Orleans, LA (A Child Stuck in Limbo)

711 Bourbon St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

29.958872,-90.065494

www.711bourbonheat.com

            On the infamous Bourbon Street, one can see every site imaginable. From half naked women, to half naked men dressed like women, to half naked “who know whats” dressed like women; you imagine it, it can be seen here. Believe it or not though, there are several classy bars and nightclubs to be found on this rowdy and raunchy road of rebellion. The 711 Bourbon Heat club is one of these classy venues, offering a clean environment and an excellent place to have a great time.
            The building was initially constructed in 1832 by a prominent physician in the area, Dr. Joseph Adolph Tricou. It did not take long for tragedy to strike the residence, as the doctor’s young grand-niece, Penelope Tricou, would fall down the main flight of stairs from the third floor to her death. It is said that Dr. Tricou was so grief stricken with the accident; he could not live in the house any longer and sold it in 1874. The home would pass through the ownership of several residents throughout the years and would ultimately become a popular nightclub known as the Tricou House. Sadly, it closed in 2005 and after several other failed nightclubs called this place home; the popular 711 Bourbon Heat club later opened and is now a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

            Former residents, staff and visitors of this successful nightclub are all certain of one thing. The spirit of young Penelope regularly haunts the building, as she has often been seen on the third

Shot of the infamous staircase where young Penelope
fell to her death.

and second floors, as well as the fatal staircase that caused her death. She is said to be a very playful spirit, often moving glasses and other items around when no one is present and seems to be mischievous and curious, just as any other young child would be. If you’re ever been inside of 711 Bourbon Heat you may be lucky enough to encounter the playful young spirit. It is unfortunate the incident occurred but it is also reassuring to know that her spirit seems to be happy in its eternal home.
            Children hauntings have always pulled on my heartstrings. I guess after having young children of my own, these types of locations have always held a special place in my heart. What gets even more emotional is when you capture audio evidence of these young spirits speaking or laughing. It’s as though they have no clue about their current situation and they continue to carry on just like any playful young child would. To ponder and linger any longer on the idea of a child’s spirit being stuck in a virtual limbo pushes my personal religious beliefs to the extremes but I supposed that is not my place to question.