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This souvenir photograph captures a social outing of women coworkers from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (historically located at 230 S. LaSalle Street) at the legendary Empire Room within the Palmer House Hotel.
Item Description
Venue: The Empire Room at the Palmer House, Chicago (A Hilton Hotel). During the late 1940s, this was one of the nation's premier "supper clubs," hosting iconic performers like Liberace and Judy Garland.
Date: September 29, 1948 (as noted in the handwritten inscription by "Lillian").
Contents: A classic black-and-white souvenir photo featuring 11 women seated at a dinner table. The folder includes the iconic "P" laurel logo and the Empire Room branding.
Estimated Value
For a collector or reseller, the value of this piece is driven more by its social history and Chicago ephemera appeal than the venue alone. for its age.
Value Factors:
Condition: The folder appears to be in excellent structural shape with crisp edges, though the extensive handwriting is a "double-edged sword." While it provides incredible provenance and dates the item perfectly, some "clean" ephemera collectors prefer unwritten pieces.
Provenance: The specific mention of the Federal Reserve (connected via your records to the LaSalle Street office) adds a layer of "occupational ephemera" that is highly desirable for local Chicago historians.
Visual Appeal: The photography is sharp and typical of the high-quality flash photography services provided by upscale hotels of that era.
Please review the attached pictures for additional details. Shipping will be combined for multiple items purchased and shipped in the same package.
