Rose
Nicaud started in the early 1800s the tradition of public coffee houses in New
Orleans, such as Café du Monde and the Morning Call. One loyal customer
said one time, "Her coffee, is like the benediction that follows after prayer."
Nicaud
was a woman of color who managed tobuy her freedom. She saw the need of people;
going to market or to Mass at the cathedral, for a cup of fresh, hot coffee along
the way. She set up a portable stand and became an immediate success. Soon, there
were a lot of small, portable coffee stands, each offering a different brew and
each managed by a free woman of color.