Wednesday, October 24, 2012

10/22/12 - the last of Memphis Sightseeing

 Peabody Hotel - the South's grand hotel of Southern hospitality and luxury.  A living legend and national historic landmark.  In addition to the 625 guest rooms, 40 shops and offices.  Entertainers such as Tommmy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman, Harry James and the Andrew Sisters.

 

The particular reason why I went to the Peabody was to see the famous Duck March.  Here's the story:

~ The Legend of the Ducks ~  

Back in the 1930's, Frank Schutt, General Manager of the Peabody, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas.  The men had a little too much Tennessee sippin' whiskey and thought it would be funny to place some of their live decoy ducks (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys) in the beautiful Peabody foundation.  

Three small English call ducks were selected as "guinea pigs," and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic.  Thus began a Peabody tradition which was to become internationally famous.

The Duck March is a daily tradition at 9am and 5pm. I was warned to get there early and was surprised that when I arrived 45 min. early the lines of eager spectators were stretched from the fountain to the elevators. 

  


 

 

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