This unusual pair of photos shows what the Desire streetcars did when the track on Canal Street was blocked, such as by a Mardi Gras parade.  This view is on Royal Street at Toulouse, where car 824 has pulled up and is being reversed.  Note the track switch at our right in front of the car.  This led to a one-block track on Toulouse, which fed into the downbound (outbound) track on Bourbon Street.  In the second picture, automobiles are waiting for car 824 to move out of the way before they can proceed in the direction of Canal Street.  The clothing and automobiles suggest a date some time in the 1940s for these pictures.  Unfortunately, the photographer is unknown.