Often referred to as the glamorous movie star of Southern hotels, The Roosevelt has been enchanting visitors for over a century...

{HISTORY}

Since the late 1800's, there has been a sparkling jewel in the New Orleans skyline. A gem that epitomizes hospitality, elegance and swanky entertainment. That bright beacon is The Roosevelt Hotel.

Originally, known as The Grunewald, the hotel was founded by German immigrant Simon Grunewald in 1893. By the 1930's, when this dish was made,  it was operated by an enterprising up-and-comer named  Seymour Weiss who started in the hotel's barbershop.  Always a lively food and lodging venue since its inception, Weiss took the hotel to a whole new luxury level when he began managing it. On New Year's Eve in 1936, the Blue Room opened inside the hotel, offering New Orleanians an unparalleled  nightclub dining experience hosting supper clubs, legendary bands and the best performers of the day. Icons like Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland , Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and so many other 20th century greats performed inside the Blue Room at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Here in the Vintage Kitchen we are so excited to say that this blue striped floral dish was witness to some pretty spectacular evenings when the Blue Room was in full-swing and the Roosevelt was at the center of everyone's social calendars.

Made in the 1930's by Shenango China exclusively for the Roosevelt Hotel, this serving piece is in the classic oblong celery dish shape, most likely gracing table tables as a side dish courier, while diners ate, drank and reveled in the music of 1930's pop culture courtesy of the Blue Room. Oh if only a dish could talk! What if Ella Fitzgerald shared a snack with Louis Armstrong on this dish? Or what if a Jay Gatsby type romanced his Daisy with dinner, dancing and sparkly glasses of Champagne?! The possibilities are mighty. The glamour swirls. This dish in that time frame is a magical combination. 

We don't often utilize separate dishes for celery serving in our modern days, but this dish offers much more when it comes to the functional dishware department. We like it best as a small tray for cocktail nibblers, something savory or sweet that goes along with a swanky cocktail and a story about how life once was, for a dish. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Rare, hard to find  Roosevelt Hotel pattern

- Stamped on back with the following information: Shenango China New Castle PA Loubat Glassware & Cork Company Distributors Made Especially For Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans 

{CONDITION}

In absolutely lovely almost-antique condition. Contains light utensil marks which can only be seen when held at an angle towards a light source. Contains some factory glaze imperfections (see photos). No chips or cracks.

{SIZE}

Measures 10" inches (length) x 4.5" inches (width)

{FOR COLLECTORS}

Lookif for more rare hospitality industry dishware? Find dinner plates from Princeton New Jersey's Nassau Inn here.