Pontchartrain Beach: A Family Affair

Bryan Batt grew up amid the rides and attractions of Pontchartrain Beach amusement park founded by his grandfather Harry Batt Sr. While clearing out his mother’s estate Batt uncovered a treasure trove of unpublished photographs and memorabilia from the iconic beachfront attraction. With these ephemera as a focal point, Batt began collecting reminiscences from celebrities, former employees, and frequent park-goers.   Batt and Danos have created a snapshot of time and place filled with candid moments with musical stars, tales of beauty pageants, and photographic traces of the exciting rides and attractions that drew families from throughout the region. It will be a treasured keepsake for those who visited the regional attraction over the years.

Talented Broadway, film, and television actor Bryan Batt is best known for the role that won him two Screen Actors Guild awards―Salvatore Romano in the critically acclaimed series Mad Men. He is passionate in his support of charities and civic organizations in New York City and New Orleans, especially his more than thirty-year relationship with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. A recipient of the Isidore Newman Distinguished Alumnus Award, Batt also holds the distinction of being one of only two Emeritus Governors of the historic Le Petit Theatre. He began writing about his family in his first book, a New York Times Best Summer Reading list title, the “momoir” She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother.