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.
