Founded in 1939 by Norman Marsolan, it was being operated by his son Harvey Marsolan. Marsolan's sold products for pet care, gardens, lawn, and landscaping services. And on certain days it hosted a music show.
The business was established in 1939 by Norman Marsolan, the same year his father, the mayor of Covington, died.
In 1991 Todd Valois, archivist for the parish clerk of court’s office, wrote an article about the Marsolan family that appeared in the Times-Picayune newspaper that April. He told how one of his favorite memories was riding his bike to Marsolan’s to look at the Easter chicks for sale.
“The store was a great place for a child. There was that
wonderful smell of feed and so many things I couldn't touch,” Valois said.
In the article, he included the history of the Marsolan family in Covington. “Frank
Pierre Marsolan was born on Feb. 8, 1877, in New Orleans. In the spring of 1908 he
married Johanna Heinrich. The couple set up housekeeping in a home on Louisiana
Avenue (now Jahncke Avenue),” according to Valois.
Frank Pierre first worked as a mail carrier between Covington and Waldheim, but early in 1919 he bought a storefront on Columbia street and operated a five and ten cent store for two decades. “Marsolan also became intensely involved in civic affairs. He was elected fire chief and was a founding member of the Covington Fire Department,” Valois went on to say.
The five and ten cent store was located in the old Patecek Building, corner Boston and Columbia, according to Vera Haik.
In 1934, after serving on the city council for years, Frank was elected mayor of Covington. He died five years later in 1939, and his son Norman opened the feed and seed store on Gibson Street the same year.
Photos from their Facebook page
For feed and seed and more
You could search both high and low
And not find a better store
Gardening and farm supply
Was their stock in trade
Suggesting what's best to buy
On every purchase made
Youngsters thrilled to baby chicks
The rabbits and the rest
Hard to choose among the picks
Which birdhouse was the best
The hanging chimes would surely bring
A smile each time they're hit
A golden sound, a lasting ring
A memory exquisite
The chickens clucked as they do
Their antics will be missed,
They laid their eggs right on cue
For tomorrow morn's breakfast
The rows of seeds went on and on
The veggies and flowers too
And don't forget the organic
Is mighty good for you
It was a place to meet a friend
And enjoy the old time songs
The toe-tapping would never end
Where everyone belongs
The music and musician
Meant so much to many
Where everyone joined right in
And fun they had a'plenty
Memories of Marsolan's
Will bring a tear to some
Others will think of bands
That will never get to come
Farmers fed their families
The finest food on earth
From seeds they bought at Marsolan's
And got their money's worth
Many ranchers got their gear
Their livestock feed and more
From the fine people here
At Marsolan's great store
A fond farewell to Marsolan's
Eight decades of service
Brought lots of joy to lots of fans
And you surely will be missed
Customers to know
What they needed to begin
To see what they could grow
Spring will always come again
And gardens are what we need
That's why we hope they'll build a new
Marsolan's Feed & Seed
