Buddy Stall, colorful New Orleans historian, dies at 81

Gaspar J. "Buddy" Stall, a familiar face and voice of New Orleans history and lore, died Thursday at his home. He was 81.

Mr. Stall, a colorful personality, chronicled New Orleans life in 11 books, including "Buddy Stall's New Orleans" and "Buddy Stall's French Quarter Montage." For years, he hosted a series of short local history broadcasts on WLAE-TV, always wearing his signature crimson jacket and a bow tie.

Local publisher Arthur Hardy met Mr. Stall in the late 1960s while employed at WSMB-AM radio. While Hardy worked as a switchboard operator, Mr. Stall would provide local history pieces for a morning show.

"He had so many tales to tell about New Orleans history," Hardy said. "He ... might have taught more people about New Orleans history than any of the universities."...