ATDTDA (2): Pump Room (33.1)

[Tim Strzechowski]

Down in the elegant Pump Room, Ray ran into Merle Rideout and Chevrolette McAdoo [...] (p. 33).


More on Potter Palmer and the Palmer House:
 
http://www.historic-impressions.com/palmer.htm
 
http://patsabin.com/illinois/palmer.jpg
 
http://www.nfrw.org/images/history_palmer_house.jpg
 
http://www.johnvanderslice.com/html/2004fall/palmer.html
 
http://www.goldcoastneighbors.org/master.html?http://www.goldcoastneighbors.org/neighborhood/history.html


I found several descriptions of the "Pump Room" in Chicago, but none stating specifically that it was in the Palmer House.  Seems to've been in a different hotel.  Ne'ertheless:

Pump Room 

It is now a quiet shadow of its former glamorous self, but you should still stop by, if only for a drink at the lounge. Back in its heyday, the Pump Room, named for the famous Pump Room Restaurant at the Roman ruins in Bath, England, catered to celebrities who all sat at the infamous "Table One," which is now sadly stashed away in a warehouse at The Chicago Historical Society. Frank Sinatra, Milton Berle and just about anyone else you can think of has dined here. Closed in 1971, the restaurant was later bought by Chicago's mighty Lettuce Entertain You Company, refurbished and reopened. Today, the restaurant is, thankfully, back in the hands of the Omni Ambassador East Hotel and is starting to reflect its old elegance. A trio plays music daily as you dance or dine on steaks, Baked Alaska and other American classics. Be sure to make reservations and absolutely wear a jacket and tie. Average price per person: $30. 

http://www.orbitz.com/flight-info/LR/LR-GUA-ORD.html