150 YEARS OF MATRIMONY

PALMER HOUSE, A HILTON HOTEL | 17 E MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603 | PALMERHOUSEHILTONHOTEL.COM 1 A HOTEL BUILT ON Sealedlove with a Kiss otter Palmer was a Chicago business P magnate—well-known for a variety of endeavors, including his significant role in the development of downtown Chicago’s iconic State Street. Bertha Honoré Palmer, 23 years Potter’s junior, was a wealthy socialite who also had a drive to learn and succeed. An introduction by Potter’s former business partner, Marshall Field, sparked a romance—and eventual engagement—between Potter and Bertha that led to perhaps one of the most extravagant wedding gifts of all time, the Palmer House Hotel. It was a grand Chicago Hotel, one destined to take its place among the most luxurious hotels in Chicago and beyond. However, only 13 days after its grand opening, the Palmer House fell victim to the Great Chicago Fire. But that didn’t deter Potter. Determined to rebuild his hotel, Potter secured a $1.7 million loan–negotiated on his signature alone. On November 8, 1873, the new Palmer House welcomed its first guests, marking the opening of what would become the nation’s longest continually operating hotel.

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proposalHonore & Palmer Package

FINE POINTS NICETIES PARTICULARS • Three hour hosted bar parcel • Satin lamour table linens with • Two complimentary evenings in one • 4 butler passed hors d’oeuvres complementing serviettes bedroom suite accommodation for • Framed table numbers couple. Upgraded one bedroom suite • Champagne toast accommodations for the parents of • Three course meal includes meal • Votive candles three per table bride and groom at the preferred decision tasting for 6 • Personalized menu cards with each standard guestroom wedding room block rate • Bertha Palmer 1879 china place- place setting setting valued at $30K for couple • One complimentary microphone • Two complimentary “I do” parlor at dinner reception suites on the wedding day to serve • One complimentary quad box as wedding attire & glam room • Preferred standard guestroom wedding block rate of $150 • Complimentary Palmer House brownie at check-in for arriving overnight guests

4 5 The Original MC The hotel's rich history extends to the subbasement vault which stores racks of gold-trimmed Havilland bone china, EMANATING PASSION, whose sets today are valued at $30,000 each, from a legendary party given in LOVE & 1879 to honor President Ulysses S. Grant. In 1879, the “Greatest Banquet in American History” was celebrated at the hotel. Commemorating the return of President Ulysses S. Grant after his trip around the World, Potter and Bertha Palmer hosted a gala Red Lacquer Room dinner for 500 dignitaries including adventure honoring Civil War heroes, General William Sherman and Phillip Sheridan. Among those in attendance Palmer’s mong the more dazzling Piaf, Leslie Caron and others. runways had not been set up) friend, Mark Twain was the master of A events that have occurred None was available. he was more than pleased. ceremonies, making this dinner and in the Palmer House, took hotel talked about for ages to come. It was then that the Chamber The day of the gala, the ballet place in the Red Lacquer performed a miracle. With the master called for a full dress Ballroom in 1989, during the help of the French government rehearsal at 3:00 pm. The bicentennial of the French and Air France, they got the runways were now in place Revolution. The hotel’s valued entire cast of the historic Lido and the tables in between them client, the Chicago chapter of de Paris to come to America already set with linen, china, the French American Chamber to perform at the gala in the flowers, etc. The room was of Commerce was planning Red Lacquer Ballroom in the flourishing with French flags a high end, black- tie event Palmer House! Singers, dancers, and bunting. in the hotel commemorating musicians—and 15 of the exotic the 200TH Anniversary of female dancers for which the the overthrow of the French Lido is known on the Champs Monarchy. Elysees in Paris. However, when the organizers Note: None of the girls in the Lido de Paris are Diagrams of the Red Lacquer of the event went to book the from France.The girls who danced in the Lido Ballroom went back and forth so were six feet tall, statuesque and either from Empire Room, which pays that the ballet master in Paris Sweden, Germany or Denmark. homage to Emperor Napoleon could block the performance Bonaparte, they learned that the – primarily the parade of the room had long been blocked Lido showgirls throughout and unavailable. For whatever the room. It was agreed that reasons, the French Chamber a double horseshow shaped Now the girls who are six could not change their planned runway through the tables be feet tall are even taller in date. All that was available on furnished by the Chamber. high heels—and—wearing a Panic broke out with this very high the three offending chandeliers as high the chosen date was the Red three and half foot headdress, end evening about to begin in less as possible to accommodate the Lido Lacquer Ballroom. The Chamber When the buses arrived at the standing on a two and half than three hours! de Paris dancers. The evening was Further note: Most of the girls who danced grabbed it and proceeded to hotel from O’Hare with the foot high runway! The girls an astounding success….and not one in the Lido used their pay to finance their plan the gala evening. dancers et al, the ballet master Lido de Paris rules state that no changes are now over eight feet from guest knew of the impending peril, or educations as lawyers, doctors and other wanted to immediately see the be made to costumes of performers. professions. To ensure that the event was the floor. Once they started to noticed that three of the chandeliers Red Lacquer Room where the The dancers had to appear with their a major success, the Chamber move, their headdresses got were higher than the others. show and the dancers would headdresses. The problem was with sought a famous female French caught in the bottom of the perform the following evening. the chandeliers. In less than two hours, entertainer—Patachou, Edith chandeliers! When he saw the room (the hotel carpenters were rushed to raise 6 true story. 7 LOVE AT FIRST receptionbite hors d’oeuvres COLD • Ratatouille stuffed cherry tomato • Traditional tomato basil bruschetta • Caprese, basil, heirloom tomato spear EVERY LOVE STORY • Smoked salmon rosette on pumpernickel

STARTS WITH A HOT • Baked brie, apricot enveloped in phyllo • Bacon enfolded date Grand & State Ballroom • Wild mushroom satchel stunning setting • Petit beef wellington ome of the most glittering social Grand and State. The wait list was Marovitz recognized him and expedited S galas and balls have taken place more than 500. Kennedy’s Palmer Kennedy’s reinstatement.) in the fabled Palmer House Hilton’s House appearance drew gigantic It was when Kennedy returned from Grand and State Ballroom(s) for nearly advance press, however media was the Dirksen building that we put to a century. However, one of the most not allowed at the event itself. Movie full use PDR 4, now called the Indiana memorable events is the now historic star handsome Kennedy who lived in Room on the third floor. Potter Palmer luncheon hosted by the Chicago the hotel for two days proved to be 11, who built the present hotel foresaw Women’s Advertising Association one of the kindest, most affable and that presidents, royalty, heads of in the early 1990’s. (Ted Ratcliff was genuinely sincere VIP’s ever. And none state and major celebrities could not the new General Manager) of his stay and appearance included make their entrance through throngs Secret Service personnel, bodyguards The keynote speaker for this event of people, and created the small or any kind of private security. When was none other than the late John F. room one floor below the Grand and Kennedy realized his passport had Kennedy Jr. then publisher of GEORGE State with a concealed door leading expired, and had a planned trip to Magazine. When the announcement to a staircase up ending at the very France following speaking at the broke that JFK, Jr., would be the back of the Grand Ballroom on the Palmer House, he walked to and from attraction, the event completely sold fourth floor! the Dirksen Federal Building—by out in less than six hours! The himself—before he spoke—to get Kennedy entered and exited safely event booked 150 rounds of ten, or the passport reinstated! (Illinois using this brilliant Palmer House 1500 guests—literal capacity for the Supreme Court Judge Abraham Lincoln architectural feature.

8 9 onI THEE this FED day Premier Cours Deuxieme Cours Troisieme Cours

Select either Soup or Salad. Plated entree served with pasta, • Gelato Basil Parfait rice, couscous or potato selection strawberry compote, vanilla SOUP and vegetable medley. bean gelato, chocolate biscotti • Palmer House signature roasted • Amish breast of chicken • Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch tomato garden basil parmesan panko crust, pan jus Biscuit rich chocolate mousse, sea salt • Roasted butternut squash • Organic breast of chicken caramel cream cinnamon apples marsala reduction, mushrooms • Chocolate Flourless Cake • 1909 Cream of Asparagus dill • Pork tenderloin herb roasted, intense chocolate cake, crème fraiche demi glace chocolate ganache • Grilled vegetable Napoleon • Strawberry Shortcake SALAD roasted Portobello mushroom, chocolate ganache ball, herbed polenta • Cucumber Ribbon Salad strawberry, cake, shortbread, season greens wrapped with chantilly cream cucumber ribbon, tomato, dried • 150th Anniversary Brownie cranberries, toasted walnuts, Seven Tier Sundae balsamic vinaigrette brownie bottom layer, • Caesar alternating layers of French romaine spears, red & yellow vanilla ice cream and brownie grape tomatoes, shaved brittle chocolate mousse, parmesan, creamy Caesar chocolate sauce, elderberry dressing macerated apricots, fresh • Brie Poached Pear Salad apricots, Champagne-currant hydroponic bibb lettuce, red candied walnuts and edible oak lettuce, frisee lettuce, red gold flakes. wine poached pear, brie cheese, red wine vinaigrette

10 11 peacock MAY THE WINGS OF LOVEparcel NEVER LOSE A FEATHER he jewel of the 25-story building’s interior T is, surely, the lobby. Its magnificent Golden Anniversary Bar Package domed ceiling, by the French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal, is composed of 21 unique frescoes, each designed with intricate 3 hour duration. Champagne t oast included. depictions of prominent figures in Greek mythology such as Aphrodite the goddess of love; Apollo the god of music; and SPIRITS Pluto the god of the underworld. Louis Comfort Tiffany designed the 24-karat gold- • Vodka Absolut • Bourbon Bulleit dipped chandeliers, as well as the majestic • Gin Tanguery • Whisky Jack Daniel’s Winged Angels, at 1.25 tons each the largest bronze statues he’d ever produced. The • Rum Barcardi Superior • Scotch Dewar’s 12 Italian marble staircase is one of only two • Tequila 1800 Silver • Cordials DeKuyper constructed in this particular manner; the other is in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Renovation has been a continual process BEER SELECTION OF TWO throughout the years. The lobby ceiling • Blue Moon • Heineken 0.0 has been restored inch by painstaking inch non alcoholic by Lido Lippi, who’d undertaken a similar • Boston Lager project for the Sistine Chapel, and after • Samael Adams • Bud Light he’d been commissioned by Jackie Kennedy • Stella Artois for a project at The White House. The • Corona Extra ceiling and winged angels were once again restored in 2019 by the restoration couple Mata and Anthony Kartsonas of Historic HOUSE WINES Surfaces, whose past credits include work on the U.S. Capitol building, Clara and • Chardonnay • Cabernet Henry Ford’s Fair Lane estate and Chicago’s • Pinot Grigio • Merlot Auditorium Theatre.

12 13 Originally, the hotel’s fine dining room in 1924, With the advent of television, Las Vegas and the The Empire Room during the 1933 World’s Fair— large entertainment venues, the American night the Century of Progress—decided to ramp up the club was losing appeal to entertainers. No matter room’s appeal by adding dancing in the evenings who or how big the entertainer was, they had to during the period of the Fair. This tactic was targeted work 21 days straight, doing two performances on to those well-heeled visitors coming to Chicago to Friday and Saturdays, playing to no more than 250 attend the Fair. It worked. guests. With the advent of the larger venues (the first was the Aire Crown Theatre which seats 4000 When the Fair ended in 1934, the hotel dispensed people) performers could now play two or three with dancing assuming the expense of a dance nights and make the same money as working 21 band was no longer needed. As the nation was days in the Empire Room. pulling out of the Great Depression, the public was becoming more optimistic and out of towners Phyllis Diller in 1976, was the last entertainer to and Chicagoans alike—who weren’t here for the play the Empire Room as a public venue. Fair—were asking about the dancing. Since then, the Empire Room has and continues to It was at that point, the Empire Room became a be the site of some of the most important private “night club.” Potter Palmer 11 hired Merriel Abbott. events in Chicago. The Empire Room name and Abbott was a local choreographer and owner of a crown continue to mean something very special. dance studio specializing in furnishing chorus Famous Performers include Ella Fitzgerald, Frank lines to local movie theatres for their stage shows Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louie Armstrong, Dean between the silent films. The concept of dinner Martin, Sonny & Cher, Liberace, Carol Channing, and dancing in the Empire Room continued until Harry Belafonte, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, 1945, when Conrad N. Hilton purchased the Eartha Kitt, Maurice Chevalier and Liberace, among Palmer House. Hilton loved the night life, and was hundreds of others. considered a great dancer himself. He ordered a full stage built, and lighting and sound added to In fact, performers of the Empire Room have the room. He challenged Abbott to escalate the prominent visibility paying them homage on each entertainment from just dancing to full cabaret of our guestroom floors. Before you retreat to your reviews featuring one, two and three opening room this evening, peruse the halls to uncover the acts, prefacing well known stars from Hollywood, hundreds of others. Broadway, radio and early television, followed by he Empire Room of the Palmer House is the architectural signature for the dancing. For the next 30 years, the Empire Room CROWNED T entire hotel. Designed in the style of the High French Empire, the room’s in Chicago became the number one venue for the staircase, statuary and entry pay homage to the Paris Opera. The architectural world’s most luminary entertainers. If a major star firm of Hollibird and Roche purposely designed the Empire Room so that was appearing in Chicago, they appeared at the it would be at mid-point in height of the hotel’s lobby. The grand staircase Empire Room, along with the greatest orchestras immediately catches the eye when one is entering the hotel telling visitors of the big band era. We pay homage to these stars jewelThe Empire Room and guests that whatever takes place in the room is extraordinary. with their photos on the guest room floors.

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littleInformation details

DEPOSIT / PAYMENT REQUIREMENT CEREMONY & PIANO TUNING FEES SEATING & GUARANTEE A ceremony fee will be charged based Banquet seating configurations adhere Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel on ballroom selection. Consult your to Hilton EventReady with CleanStay requires a non-refundable deposit catering manager for details. Upright guidelines as well as local government of $3,500USD due during contract & baby grand pianos are available. guidelines. Modifications are subject actualization (signing). A payment There is a $175 tuning fee per piano. to additional charges. Parking schedule, including tax & service Pianos are subject to availability. Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel offers charges, will be provided by your valet parking at our Monroe Street catering manager. The balance is due entrance. Self-parking is available at 55 seven business days prior to the event. COAT CHECK East Monroe Street. Discounted rates A final guarantee of attendance is Coat check services are required for are available through your catering required by 12:00 PM, seven business all social events between October 1st & manager for evening events only & days prior to the scheduled event. April 30th. One coat check attendant are based upon availability. Special This guarantee cannot be decreased. is required per 100 guests at a rate rates do not apply to overnight parking. of $300 per attendant. Rates are subject to change. SERVICE CHARGE & TAX Pricing does not include current taxes ELECTRICAL & SOUND & service charge (18.5% service charge, Services are provided by Palmer 8% administrative fee, 10.25% tax on House, a Hilton Hotel. Charges may be administrative fee, & 11.75% tax on obtained from your catering manager. food & beverage). Tax may fluctuate with city increases. WELCOME BAGS Welcome bags for wedding guests AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT staying at Palmer House, a Hilton Equipment & services are provided Hotel can be delivered for a charge by Presentation Services, located of $6 each. The front desk is unable in Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. to hand out welcome bags upon guest Charges may be obtained from your check in. catering manager.

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Honorebride Ballroom

he Honore Ballroom is named seven feet tall—portraits of 19th redesigned it to a New Orleans T after Bertha Palmer’s maiden century luminaries—hung on themed three meal restaurant name. Bertha’s father Henry the walls. Several still remain called “The French Quarter.” Nathaniel Honore was from in the present hotel. Dolley and The French Quarter operated Louisville, Kentucky and was in James Madison (on the northeast until 2006, with the beginning a failed steamboat initiative on side of the lobby) and the great of the limiting the number of the Mississippi. Honore was one Swedish Soprano, Jenny Lind, restaurants in the hotel—and of the few southerners moving presides at the top of the steps changing the room to a venue north and brought his wife, two to the Penthouse. for private functions. When it little daughters (one being Bertha) Performing nightly in the came time to “name” the new and four boys to Chicago to begin Victorian room was the extremely function space, it was realized a new life in “the land of the popular Ralph Ginsburg string that nowhere in the hotel did smelling onions”—Chicago. orchestra, playing light classics. we recognize Bertha’s maiden The bestowing of the Honore (We have recordings of the name—hence it was christened name to the ballroom is relatively Ginsburg orchestra in the hotel’s the Honore Ballroom. To complete new. When the present Palmer Museum). It is believed that the recognition, a reproduction House opened in 1925, the Ginsburg owned and played a of the Anders Zorn oil painting room was called “The Victorian Stradivarius in his performances. of Bertha Honore Palmer (now Dining Room” and was an at the Art Institute of Chicago) In the mid 50’s, management opulent environment festooned was created and now hangs with decided to do a total about face and decorated in the period of great pageantry over the grand with the formal look and feel of the the mid to late 19th century. fire place mantle. Victorian Room, and completely Lavish oil paintings as high as

18 19 he Palmer House's In fact, when the ceiling was scaffolding, throughout the and play Mozart while he murals from Art Deco of Historic Surfaces, whose T ceiling, resplendent restored a decades ago, it night so as not to disturb the worked on the ceiling.” painter Louis Pierre Rigal past credits include work on "We’d roll out the scaffolding every with 21 panels of Greek was at the hands of Liddo guests. “We kind of made and its 1.25-ton, 24-karat the U.S. Capitol building, Most recently in 2019, a mythological scenes that Lippe, the same master a show of him,” says Ken gold winged candelabras Clara and Henry Ford’s evening around 9 and play Mozart major restoration of the spring to life in rich paints craftsman who repaired Price, the Palmer House’s designed by Tiffany & Co. Fair Lane estate in Detroit, iconic French-inspired while he worked on the ceiling." and raised plaster, could Michelangelo’s Vatican City director of public relations. The restoration was led and Chicago’s Auditorium lobby. The work will focused rival that of the Sistine masterpiece. Lippe worked “We’d roll out the scaffolding by husband and wife team Theatre. on the room’s 21 ceiling Chapel. flat on his back, raised on every evening around 9 Anthony and Mata Kartsonas

20 21 Real love isn’t just a euphoric, spontaneous feeling – it’s a deliberate choice – a plan to love each other for better and worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

PALMER HOUSE, A HILTON HOTEL | 17 E MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603 | PALMERHOUSEHILTONHOTEL.COM 22