Court of the Two Sisters - New Orleans, LA (An Eternal Sisterly Bond)

613 Royal St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

29.957485,-90.065301

www.courtoftwosisters.com

            I have always been fortunate to be an only child. I have never had to worry about the issues of an older brother beating on me for fun or a sassy younger sister who constantly got on my nerves. I have heard too many horror stories about the negatives of siblings. Once in a while though, you will hear tales of siblings who have such a close-knit bond, they cannot be separated, even after death! Such was the case with a sweet pair of sisters who ran a dainty little shop on Royal Street.
            Situated on the 600 block of Royal Street, also known as “Governor’s Row,” Emma and Bertha Camors were sisters who owned a notions and fancies shop here. This area was home to much of the elite politicians of the time and this shop catered to many of their wives with fine dresses and perfumes from around the world, while treating their customers to tea in the adjacent courtyard. The sisters were only two years apart and they were extremely close even until death. The sisters died only two months apart in the winter of 1944 and are now buried side by side in St. Louis Cemetery number three.

            Prior to their death, the Camors sisters sold their shop in 1904 and it was owned by several individuals, who managed businesses such as a refreshment stand, speakeasy and a restaurant. In

A look at the beautiful courtyard.

1963, Joe Fein, Jr. purchased the building and, over the years, he and his family have transformed it into the fine dining restaurant that it is today. I have had the luxury of eating here before and the food is incredible. I can remember their turtle soup was to die for, along with an exceptionally strong Ole Fashioned that was basically straight bourbon and a cherry! The night was topped off with some bananas foster made table side. Walking in to the restaurant and courtyard, you are taken back by an eclectic number of decorations. Some of these items include:

- The “Charm Gates” at the 613 Royal entrance, said to have been blessed by Queen Isabella of Spain.

-The four flags displayed at the front entrance are four of the ten sovereign flags that have flown over Louisiana.

-Visible above the second desk in the Carriageway is a stuffed bird, said to be an actual South American Macaw named Nickie, who lived on the property between 1950 and 1981.

-The wishing well in the courtyard is also known as the Devil's Wishing Well, paying tribute to the legendary voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

            As potent as the restaurant's spirits are on the menu, there are said to be equally notable spirits

A sign noting the above mentioned Charm Gate.

of another realm that wander through the courtyard. As one might imagine, the property is rumored to be haunted by our devoted duo, Bertha and Emma. Apparently still attached to their once beloved store, they have been seen wandering through the restaurant and have even been spotted sitting together at a table off to the corner of the courtyard. Nothing extraordinary regarding the hauntings here, at least not by New Orleans' standards. Guests and staff alike feel no threat, as the two sisters seem to mind their own business, admiring from a distance what their business has become. Possibly they are glad to see the location still offering the quality of service it once did when they operated it. Whatever the case may be, the Court of the Two Sisters has a little bit of everything for everyone, especially those good stiff drinks!