Nellie Murray
Nellie Murray (c. 1835-1918) was a caterer specializing in Creole cuisine who was born in a family held as slaves in New Orleans and became internationally recognized after her appearance cooking at the 1893 Chicago World Fair.
Early life[edit]
Murray was born in about 1835 to parents held as slaves by Paul Octave Hébert, who would later be governor of Louisiana.[1][2] Her mother and grandmother were both cooks living on Hébert's Bayou Goula plantation, and Murray learned to cook from them.[1][3]
Career and impact[edit]
After Reconstruction Murray created a catering business serving the elite of New Orleans.[1]
Murray gained celebrity status after she served as Chef de Cuisine at the Louisiana Mansion Club at the1893 Chicago World Fair.[3][4] The Times-Democrat, referring to her appearance there, called her "the celebrated cook".[5] According to historian Zella Palmer of Dillard University, as a result of her work at the fair, Murray "became an instant celebrity and society ladies in Chicago, New York, Paris and New Orleans booked her months in advance."[3]
The Daily Picayune in 1894 wrote, "Do you know Nellie Murray? To admit that you do not is confession that you are not a member of the New Orleans Four Hundred."[1] The paper called her the "Queen of New Orleans Creole Cuisine".[3] She made a world tour in the late 19th century.[1]
According to Palmer, by the time of her death Murray had "gained legendary status worldwide".[1][3][4] Palmer called Murray "the most famed caterer of elite New Orleans society".[3]
Murray spoke out against the New Orleans laws segregating street cars.[1]
Personal life[edit]
The 1890 census lists Murray as living on Polymnia Street.[1] She lived for varying lengths of time in Berlin, Bucharest, Paris, Rome, and Vienna.[1]
Murray had children.[2] She died in 1918 at the age of 82.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Palmer, Zella (2017-03-01). "Queen of Creole Cuisine". 64 Parishes. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
- ^ a b c Maloney, Ann (4 October 2016). "4 essayists win seats at sold-out feast honoring Leah Chase". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
- ^ a b c d e f Palmer, Zella (1 April 2018). "Belle New Orleans: The History of Creole Cuisineres" (PDF). Journal of Pan African Studies. 11: 186+.
- ^ a b "Inside the plight of Louisiana's Black chefs: 'How do I turn my oppressor into my customer?'". WWNO. 16 February 2022. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
- ^ "World's Fair Louisiana State Building". The Times-Democrat. 28 May 1893. Retrieved 2022-05-17.