MEMPHIS, TN - Memphis' grand hotel is celebrating its birthday in style. It's been 141 years since The Peabody Hotel first opened its doors. People gathered in the lobby Wednesday afternoon, September 1, 2010, for the festivities. With cake, music and of course the world famous Peabody Ducks, the hotel marked the anniversary.
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton was inducted into the "Duck Walk Hall of Fame." His name will join other duck footprints on the sidewalk in front of The Peabody. It's an honor reserved for those who have played a significant role in the development of Memphis. We spoke with the Mayor about what makes the Peabody so special.
“You compare this with the Mayflower or the Waldorf or hotels anywhere,” said Mayor Wharton. “But there's one thing, this one feels like your living room. The only thing missing is your remote control. It has the real intimacy that one would expect in the old south and it really is, you feel right at home. I almost want to take off my shoes here.”
When the original Peabody opened in 1869, it cost $3 to $4 per day for a room. That building was torn down to make way for a bigger one in the 1920s.
