The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-01-02
Kings and PaWns, Princess
and Poets File by in
Memory'S Parade.
BY GENE COIN
NEA Service Writer


NEW YORK, Jan. 2-Shortly
1 after the last SHOWS have
fallen the hand of the wrecker will
be laid upon the familiar red stone
front of the Waldorf Astoria no
tel, and one of Americas most
colorful landmarks will pass to make
way for a new f1fty-story sky
TOUGHER.
But the spot long will be haunt
ed by the most strangely assorted
collection of ghosts that ever gath
cred at a spectral conclave- wraithS
of kings and paWns, of poets,
princes and paupers; wraithS of a
lost decade inhabited by almost
legendary figures; ghosts of pomp
and splendor and glitter and care
less luxury; ghosts of a dead gen.
tility and an almost forgotten code
of manners.
Here were set social styles that
affected two generations. Here
smart set history was made to the
tone of soft playing orchestra hid
den behind palms, TO the glitter of
gems and the gray shadows of
dimmed lights.
Birth of Great Corporation
Here upon long-ago afternoon
sat three men, talking of American
business and commercial prospects.
Their names were 5c'ln w. Lam
bert, John W. Gates and Max Pam.
Out of this informal chat sprang
the United States Steel Corpora
-mightiest of American indus
tries.
Here were settled financial as
well as social fates. For it became
the custom of Wall Street magnates
to use the hotel as clubrcom and
to gather there at the end of trad
ing. In one of the rooms, a yearly
occupant, could be found Judge
Gary And in another, Charles M.
Schwab.
Here was gay center of an in
ternational play world-a corner
stone of many vogues, fads and
fancieS.
Reminiscently looking out into
Peacock Alley today, watching the
huge, numbering auto buses fill and
empty, it is hard to believe that
never again will merry tally-ho
parties come gslloping up to the
blare O. horns and the clatter of
horses hCofs. In this hectic day
and age, "the Alley is miniature
depot for shoppers rushing in from
the Jerseys and way points. Now
and then on swank occasions, it re-
captures a bit of its old flavor.
Oscar Can Tell Tales
And if you can catch Oscar of
the Waldorf in reminiscent mood
you will hear glamorous tales of
the Peacock Alley that was. He
will tell you of those gay old tally
no and coaching parties which, in
the hotels early days, helped to
build up its reputation as rendez-
vouS for the smart set.
The coaches would go cantering
up Fifth avenue with horns blow
ing and passing crowds waving
from the sidewalks, headed for
WeStchester county, which today
can be reached in few minutes
by motor, but which then meant a
several hour drive through rustic
countryside.
And you will hear almost fabu-
louS tales of a shrewd genius
George C. Boldt. the Waldorf's man.
ager for many long year and per-
haps one of the worlds most farlous
hotel men. What with Boldt in
command and the trusty Oscar to
provide the rocco and filigree
trimmings, it was not long before
the hotel was establishing name
that travelled over the world.
Both Boldt and Oscar had come
as immigrants to America-Oscar
from Switzerland with his mother
and father, who intended to found
a beauty parlor: Boldt. who had