Dating back to the 1800s and thriving through the middle of the 20th century and beyond, Canal Street was lined with shops, “dime stores,” and several large department stores. Among them were D. H. Holmes and Maison Blanche, both of which featured in-house restaurants for many years.
D. H. Holmes was founded by Daniel H. Holmes, who opened his first mercantile outlet in 1842 and established D. H. Holmes on Canal Street in 1849. The department store was located in the 800 block of Canal Street and became one of New Orleans’ best-known retail establishments.
As to the restaurant located within the famous department store, with its entrance on Bourbon Street, it is unclear when it first opened. It is also unknown whether the restaurant remained open until D. H. Holmes was sold and the store closed in 1989.
The first piece shown was made by Greenwood China and dates from somewhere around 1910. A shell or possibly an ice cream dish, it features the Pelican seal of Louisiana as well as the restaurant’s name. I have seen silver service pieces bearing the same logo.
The second piece, a dinner plate, was produced by Syracuse China and dates from 1937. I have seen the same plate with a different Holmes design in the center, but they are seemingly rare, and I have neither an example nor a photo. Perhaps another collector has one.
Finally, a glass that appears to have been used along with the dinner plate.
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