To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New
York, the Park Avenue property has launched a dedicated website calling
for Waldorf Stories — whether from guests, visitors or staff.
Memories have poured into WaldorfStories.com, many memorabilia of which are in black and white, beginning from the hotel's opening on 1 October, 1931.
There are the letters written by a chambermaid who worked at Waldorf
Astoria in the 1940s, who met dignitaries the likes of the Duke and
Dutchess of Windsor, President Nixon, and the old Kennedys.
Photos — and the US$5,000 bill — of a 94-year-old's marriage in 1950
were also sent in, of the couple getting ready, the procession and party
at the hotel.
Or even how to throw a ball in the 1950s, including the story of
bringing a baby elephant into the Grand Ballroom, as told by then
director of events, Hughie Weir.
While the hotel is currently closed for renovation, fans can read the
various Waldorf Stories detailing the property's design and
architecture — which opened as the largest and tallest hotel in the
world in 1931.
A winning entry will be chosen to win the grand prize of a weekend at
the Waldorf for two, when the hotel reopens in 2023, including a VIP
stay at the hotel with specially curated experiences.
“When we purchased the legendary Waldorf Astoria, we knew we were
taking on the mantel of preserving its great history. We are celebrating
the hotel’s 90th anniversary by capturing its history through the
memories of the people who have walked its hallowed halls,” said Andrew
Miller, CEO of Dajia US, which is overseeing the property’s ongoing
restoration.