« The Happy Margarita Summer Project: Mexico Bicentennial Edition | Friday Foodporn: Intelligensia Latte » |
Event Thu Sep 16 2010
Happy Birthday Palmer House!
The gilded palace on State and Monroe was feted yesterday afternoon in honor of its 140th birthday. A lunchtime celebration blocked off Monroe from State to Wabash, resplendent with a marching band, an enthusiastic crowd and a slew of dignitaries on hand to celebrate. Emcee Bill Kurtis did the honors of overseeing the event, introducing speakers such as Mayor Daley, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, Thor Equities CEO Joseph Sitt, and Palmer House General Manager Dean Lane.
Mayor Daley speaks at the Palmer House 140th Birthday Celebration
Although it was the Palmer House's day, Mayor Daley was the focus of most of the attention, drawing immense praise from Sitt for "welcoming this Brooklyn boy into Chicago," and even drawing plaudits from his oft-time City Council nemesis Ald. Reilly. When General Manager Dean Lane unveiled the plaque marking the Palmer House an official City landmark, Monroe St became awash in celebration and confetti.
Mayor Daley, Palmer House General Manager Dean Lane, Ald. Brendan Reilly, Ald. Emma Mitts landmark the Palmer House
Most fun of all though, everyone was invited into the lobby of the grand dame for some champagne and delicious three-layer vanilla and chocolate cake... in the shape of the Palmer House itself!