Metairie, Ames, High: The Streets of Jefferson Parish

Did you know that Stumpf Boulevard in Gretna was named after an insecticide salesman, Kismet Street in Marrero is Arabic for "fate," or that Vouvray Drive in Kenner is based on a famous wine from the Loire Valley? These facts, and many more, can be found in this wide-ranging historical guide to Jefferson Parish.

By uncovering the origin of Jefferson Parish's street names, Earl Higgins tells the story of the region's rural beginnings to present day. The book delves into why each appellation was chosen and describes the process of assigning them. Quizzes are peppered throughout the text, with answers provided at the end of each chapter. An index is also included, allowing readers to locate a specific street. Full of Higgins's trademark wit and charm, Metairie, Ames, High is a fun and informative read.

Earl J. Higgins is a ranger at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. He also writes a column for the Delta Sierran, a bimonthly publication of the Sierra Club. Higgins earned a B.A. in English and a J.D. from Tulane University. He retired from the United States Navy with the rank of commander and from the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, where he was the assistant director of staff attorneys. A resident of River Ridge, Louisiana, Higgins is the author of Pelican's The Joy of Y'at Catholicism.