The following article is taken directly from the Society Page of The Louisiana Weekly for November 16,1940. The intent is to show how the Society Editor, E. Belfield Spriggens, went to great length to vividly describe as many details of this eventful occasion as space allowed. He did the same for all large weddings over several decades. No other local newspapers in New Orleans during segregation would ever think of presenting our people in such a positive light. Female readers especially loved reading his column.
The beginning of a new chapter started in the eight- year romance of Miss Carmen V. Rogers and Mr. Alvin P. Robinson when the two popular school teachers were united in marriage at a 9 o’clock Mass in Corpus Christi Church on Armistice Day. Miss Rogers is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Rogers of Havana Street, and Mr. Robinson is the son of Mrs. Estelle Robinson of Hope Street. Performing the ceremony in the presence of one of the largest crowds ever gathered there to witness a single marriage ceremony was Rev. Edward Casserly, S.S.D.
Long before the appointed hour, a near-capacity crowd had gathered in the beautifully decorated edifice. The white-canvassed aisle was flanked on either side by tall beauty baskets filled with white chrysanthemums, while the altar was a profusion of palms and chrysanthemums.
With Professor Morris Chester at the organ and the boys’ choir to sing, the wedding procession moved in. The bride had as her maid of honor, her younger sister, Miss Noella Rogers. Other attendants were Corinne Smith, Vivian Dupart and Misses Adams. All were attired in creations of orange with skirts of net over rayon taffeta and bodices of embossed orange lame. Each carried a bouquet of gold chrysanthemums.
Baby Marie Robinson, niece of Mr. Robinson, was dressed as a miniature copy of the bridesmaids’ costume, while little Lucille Robinson of Houston, Texas, also a niece of the groom, was a replica of the bride, wearing a white satin gown with a flowing train. Wee Master Donald Rogers, nephew of the bride, carried the ring on a flower-bedecked cane.
The lovely bride was given in marriage by her father, who wore formal morning attire. Her veil of illusion was held to her shapely head by orange blossoms, which cascaded into a flowing train that rode her beautiful satin gown. Her bouquet consisted of white Mamon Cochet roses, lilies of the valley and baby breaths. Mr. Robinson had as his attendants: Messrs. Edgar P. Harney, best man; Emile Gregoire and Pierre D. Landry.
Following the ceremony, members of the Bunch Club and their wives toasted the newlyweds and their party with champagne at the Autocrat Club. A ride through the city, with Xavier University in the itinerary was followed by a breakfast at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Maurice Prevost on St. Ann Street. A gala reception was held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Economy Hall. The newly married couple was showered with beautiful gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson will greet friends at their home at 923 North Prieur Street.
After 20 years of marriage, on August 23, 1960, Alvin P. Robinson suddenly passed away. At the time of his death he was a member of the faculty of Andrew J. Bell High School, Knights of Peter Claver, and the Bunch Social and Pleasure Club. He left behind his wife, Carmen Rogers Robinson and two brothers, Herbert L.Robinson Sr. and Wilfred Vincent Robinson Sr. His parents, Estelle Rousseau and Walter L. Robinson were both deceased at the time of his death.
Carmen Rogers Robinson would eventually become the wife of Mr.Walter Morial, another well known educator. Carmen would continue her life as an educator at Valena C Jones School.
Read below as our story continues………….
L.V.C.
How wonderful to see this bit of our history. Thank you.
Mr. Robinson was at what was then Clark Annex and he would come into the classroom and ask for DUPAIN, which is what he called me, as my name is Meritta and N.O. had a bread, MERITA. The name dupain is French/Creole for BREAD. He and his wife were family friends and saw no harm in it.
Alvin P Robinson was my moms first cousin. His mother and my grandmother were sisters and there surname was Rousseau from Luling, LA
My great uncle Edgar P Harney was the best man.
Carmen Robinson Morial was my favorite teacher at Valena C Jones School. She was my sister’s favorite teacher too. We are 4 years apart and shared fond memories about our favorite teacher when we became adults.