Photo by David NOLA Photography.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
(Scrim’s Stop #3)
- Address: 500 Canal Street
- Website: marriott.com
- Construction Date: 1982
- Building Name: Sheraton New Orleans
- Architect: Farnet & Tabner
Artist & Installation Details
- Artist Name: Bryan Brown
- Artwork Title: A Tail of Two Wonder Dogs
- Art Consulting, Concept, Creative Direction: Where y’Art Works
- Scrim and the Canal Street Menagerie Story: Where y’Art works
Narrated by Ivan Neville
“Hey Scrim, c’mere,” a faint voice whispered in the distance.
“On my way, Tiffany,” Scrim called back. He remembered when the Sheraton had once been the Waterbury Drug Store—famous for its motorcycle deliveries anywhere in the city.
“They must still have one around here somewhere…” Scrim mused.
“I’ve got one,” Tiffany answered, already having commandeered their escape route.
The two pups hopped onto the motorcycle, ready to race from Cajun Country back to the city.
“You drive,” Tiffany barked.
Whizzing past live oaks, swamp flowers, and cypress knees, Scrim gripped the handlebars while Tiffany—an energetic terrier-spaniel mix—leaned forward, clearly in charge. As the Rodrigue family dog, she had become the inspiration for the Blue Dog, blending Cajun folklore with the legend of the loup-garou.
“Faster, faster!” she bayed. “I see you’re making a name for yourself, Scrim. I’ve been reading about you in all the newspapers. Have you seen yourself? Look! You’ve covered a lot of ground over the past year.” Tiffany paused, tilting her head. “Aren’t you tired of running?”
“I’m thirsty. Let’s grab a nectar soda,” Scrim said, swiftly changing the subject. “I heard Waterbury’s was known for its nectar-flavored ice cream sodas. Let’s see if theirs really is the best!”
Under the roof of the former Waterbury Drug Store—now the Sheraton—where tradition and culture converged, two pop culture icons came together, even for just a moment, to share their stories… and New Orleans’ best nectar soda.
A Glimpse Into The Past
Carl C. Waterbury opened a drug store on the uptown corner of Canal and Camp streets in early 1930, calling it Waterbury’s. One of his first hires was pharmacist and store manager Avit W. Cancienne, who bought the store within the year. Waterbury’s was open 24 hours a day and offered free motorcycle delivery to anywhere in the city, which kept them busy day and night. Older New Orleanians fondly remember Waterbury’s for its soda fountain, which became especially famous for its nectar-flavored ice cream sodas.
What’s Happening Now
Today, the Sheraton New Orleans remains a premier destination for visitors to the city, offering luxurious accommodations and modern amenities while paying homage to the site’s historic past. The hotel frequently hosts conferences, social events, and celebrations, attracting both tourists and locals alike. The Waterbury Ballroom continues to serve as a venue for special events, preserving the memory of the iconic drug store that once stood in its place.
Did You Know?
To preserve Waterbury’s legacy, the Sheraton named their ballroom the Waterbury Ballroom.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s Vieux Carre Survey