Toward the middle of the nineteenth century, New Orleans was a city distinctive for its old world atmosphere. Creole aristocracy held sway, living in luxurious style. Their sumptuous homes bordered on streets which derived a rare but emphatic beauty from the rows of elms, magnolias and willows - trees that long witnessed old world intrigue and romance beneath their bows. The French creoles were very conservative in social life and standards, the old customs of styles and dress lingered later among them than any other part of the country.