This lavishly pom-pom’d poodle carrying a ‘tray’ of performers at the Hotel Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, was the idea of artist Mary Francis Powel whose name you will see on the right-hand side of this 1934 menu cover.

The menu advertised the after-theatre menu and entertainment and the most expensive item on the menu cost 50c.

The Peabody dates back to 1869 when, following the turmoil of the American Civil War, the residents of Memphis set about rebuilding their city and Colonel Robert C. Brinkley opened the lavish hotel downtown.

Presidents Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) and William McKinley (1843-1901) were among the hotel’s distinguished guests.

In 1925, a newer and grander hotel was built at its present location of Union and 2^nd Street and in the following decades the Peabody played host to celebrated entertainers such as actress Dorothy Lamour and band leader Tommy Dorsey.

There was also an advert in the menu for The Wedding of the Painted Doll, one of the vaudeville productions of Ralph Dunbar who began his career as a symphonic cellist, then became a band leader and finally a producer of vaudeville acts.

The Peabody remains a beloved Memphis institution today, one of the few hotels listed on the US Register of Historic Places. Its celebrated duck march in which live mallards visit the hotel lobby - a tradition started in 1933 - remains popular with guests.

Gallery quality Giclée print on natural white, matte, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using Epson archival inks. Custom printed with border for matting and framing.