Garden District in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Mary Gensler Freeman House
Photographed by Craig Doda, June 15, 2024
1. Mary Gensler Freeman House Marker
Inscription.
Mary Gensler Freeman House. . Returning to New Orleans from Galveston, Texas after the death of her merchant husband Daniel, Mary Freeman in 1909 engaged the firm of Diboll, Owen and Goldstein to design this imposing Colonial Revival style residence. From 1879 until 1909, its site served as the side garden for 1312 First Street. A wide portico with colossal columns dominates the faηade; and the interior exhibits fine detailing such as the reception hall's spectacular stairway, illuminated by Arts Nouveau stained glass panels. Originally the side galleries on the southern elevation were open. After Freeman's death in 1930, her playwright son Lea owned the home for six years, after which it was bought by Dr. Wiley Ross Buffington, who lived next door with his wife Rowena Morrison. For the next thirty years, the home served as apartments, one of which was occupied by Mrs. Buffington's niece, Lindy Boggs and her husband Hale. In 1971 Betty and Aubrey Brooks reclaimed the family home, removing the changes made for multi-family occupancy.
Returning to New Orleans from Galveston, Texas after the death of her merchant husband Daniel, Mary Freeman in 1909 engaged the firm of Diboll, Owen and Goldstein to design this imposing Colonial Revival style residence. From 1879 until 1909, its site served as the side garden for 1312 First Street. A wide portico with colossal columns dominates the faηade; and the interior exhibits fine detailing such as the reception hall's spectacular stairway, illuminated by Arts Nouveau stained glass panels. Originally the side galleries on the southern elevation were open. After Freeman's death in 1930, her playwright son Lea owned the home for six years, after which it was bought by Dr. Wiley Ross Buffington, who lived next door with his wife Rowena Morrison. For the next thirty years, the home served as apartments, one of which was occupied by Mrs. Buffington's niece, Lindy Boggs and her husband Hale. In 1971 Betty and Aubrey Brooks reclaimed the family home, removing the changes made for multi-family occupancy.
Erected by Garden District Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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• Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 29° 55.794′ N, 90° 4.843′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the Garden District. It is at the intersection of First Street and Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south on First Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1304 First St, New Orleans LA 70130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brevard Clapp Wisdom House (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,109 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
