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- Building the World's Greatest Hotel
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- Hats, Balloons, and Noisemakers
- History of the Motorama
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- The Original Waldorf Astoria Hotel
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The Original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
Title
The Original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
Description
The original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel began as two hotels, the Waldorf and the Astoria, built by feuding cousins William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV in 1893 and 1897 respectively. They were located on Fifth Avenue, where the Empire State Building stands today and were built based on specifications by proprietor George C. Boldt so that the two hotels could be connected by what came to be known as Peacock Alley.
Much like its modern counterpart, the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel set a new standard for service and luxury, establishing itself as the social center for New York’s well-to-do and attracted notable visitors from around the world.
The images in this collection cover the original Waldorf-Astoria during the peak of its popularity.
Much like its modern counterpart, the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel set a new standard for service and luxury, establishing itself as the social center for New York’s well-to-do and attracted notable visitors from around the world.
The images in this collection cover the original Waldorf-Astoria during the peak of its popularity.
Collection Items
The Roof Garden and winter skating rink, the original Waldorf=Astoria
Ice skaters on the roof garden of the Fifth Avenue Waldorf-Astoria
Peacock Alley of the Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
Black and white photograph depicting the Peacock Alley of the Old Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, date unknown.
The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Fifth Avenue
Black and white photograph depicting the Old Waldorf =Astoria Hotel located on 5th Avenue, date unknown.
An "At Home" in the Octagon [Marie Antoinette] Room of the Waldorf, Fifth Avenue, New York, 1893-4
![An "At Home" in the Octagon [Marie Antoinette] Room of the Waldorf, Fifth Avenue, New York, 1893-4](https://waldorfnewyorkcity.com/archive/files/square_thumbnails/old-waldorf-int1_0de00e9631.jpg "An "At Home" in the Octagon [Marie Antoinette] Room of the Waldorf, Fifth Avenue, New York, 1893-4")
Color lithographic image of guests socializing in the "Octagon Room" [Marie Antoinette Salon] of the Waldorf Hotel, 1893. Advertisement for ladies' hats by Hill Brothers.
Florist - Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
Black and white photograph depicting the Florist of the Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel taken by B.J. Falk.
Falk was the premiere theatrical photographer at the time and had his office in the 5th Avenue Waldorf-Astoria.
Falk was the premiere theatrical photographer at the time and had his office in the 5th Avenue Waldorf-Astoria.
The Waldorf Hotel
Black and white photograph depicting the Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel located on Fifth Avenue, date unknown.
Men's Bar at the Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
Black and white photograph depicting the Men's Bar at the Old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The bar was closed and dismantled in 1919 in response to prohibition. It was replaced by a men's reading room, lounge and cafe.
Entrance to the Waldorf, c. 1903
Black and white photograph depicting the main Waldorf entrance of the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on 33rd Street, c. 1903.