family members for being left-handed. She learned to play golf right-handed but later developed polio in her right-hand. When she was diagnosed with polio, she was forced to switch back to her left hand. When she switched back to her left hand, she ended up becoming New Orleans’ City Champion in golf. When she reigned as Queen of Carnival, she held her scepter in her left hand (see fig. 18) (Peter Feringa). On January of 1937, Barbara Bouden married Markham Deweese Kostmayer who served as Lieutenant of Rex in the 1950s and 60s. They had two daughters. Barbara “Linda” Kostmayer, my grandmother, was born on September 2, 1940. Their second daughter, Joan Bouden Kostmayer, was born on August 4, 1949 (Linda Feringa). The Rex Court announced Linda as Maid in 1960 and Joan as …show more content…
Mardi Gras illustrates through the floats, paintings, pins, gowns, photos, etc. and explains through the history and traditions of the Krewes how our ancestors lived and our city and other societies functioned (Saving Antiques). My family’s history in Mardi Gras contributes to telling the story of the Rex Organization, Mardi Gras, and New Orleans. New Orleanians will continue to add to the Carnival celebration and bring cultural heritage to life. As it evolves, I hope the next generations have that nostalgia for Mardi Gras and their family’s history and work towards preserving, cultivating, and bringing more awareness to their cultural heritage. This thesis explores a small fraction of Mardi Gras and Rex’s history. There are tons of traditions, historical events and people, and other materials, places, and artifacts that are crucial to telling the whole story of Mardi Gras, the Rex Organization, and my family. I am still hearing new stories from my family members about their experiences during Mardi Gras and the Rex Organization and discovering new family