In New Orleans, like many other cities, we have historical landmarks, like Jackson Square. And St. Louis Cathedral. But we also have our own unique historical landmarks. Some of them fall into a special category called, “Ain’t dere no more.” Among those are K&B, McKenzies, and Wagner’s Meat.

Scott Wolfe Sr was the owner of the Wagner’s Meat stores. Scott is currently the owner of Melba’s Old School Poboys on Elysian Fields.

John Preble is the owner of a current landmark across the lake in Abita Springs.  The Abita Mystery House was originally known as the You-see-em Museum. It houses an indescribable collection of over 50,000 eccentric items that range from bottle caps, postcards, and license plates to a recreation of a mardi gras parade and  a comb collection.

Every once in a while you meet someone who is “real New Orleans.” It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what that means, but you know it when you hear it. Scott Wolfe Senior and John Preble are two old school New Orleans originals. 

Photos at Commander’s Palace by Dionne Grayson.