The Last Dance at the Pump Room

By Candace Jordan, January 31, 2010 at 6:32 pm

The famed and former Pump Room

Saturday night was the end of an era and the last night at the Pump Room as we've known it. Nan Mason performed with her husband, Terry Higgins, to an appreciative and nostalgic crowd. Everyone was sharing memories and stories of this historic spot. It's future is uncertain. The last news came in June when Crain's mentioned that famed NY hotelier, Ian Schrager, was in "talks" to purchase the hotel. No other news has surfaced since so we will all anxiously await the plans for this famed space which has held so many people's hearts for decades. I've heard the bar will remain open and the dining room will be closed for special events but last night Nan Mason performed for the last time and took many followers with her until further notice...We will wait and see....here's lookin' at you kid....

Filed under: Uncategorized

Tags: Amabassdor East, Candid Candace, Caren Crystal, Celebs in Chicago, Chicago dining, Chicago Now, Denise Tomasello, Ed Howlett, Ian Schrager, Jaymes Richardson, Jerry Ranalli, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Mel Brooks, Nan Mason, Pump Room, restaurants

Comments

edwardhowlett said January 31, 2010 at 12:00 am

Candace Let's hope we see the Pump Room's rebirth!! It's a great story on the Pump Room Thanks for sharing

BerwynIL said January 31, 2010 at 12:00 am

Wasn't the Pump Room a favorite spot for Irv Kupcinet?

CandaceJordan said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

In reply to BerwynIL:

YES! He is the person who actually made the Pump Room famous. He would entertain all of the visiting celebs who passed through Chicago here for lunch and dinners....he was Mr. Chicago and put the Pump Room on the map. Check out Rick Kogan's article in the Tribune yesterday. It has a great history on this spot....:-)

CandaceJordan said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

In reply to BerwynIL:

YES! He was responsible for putting the Pump Room on the map. He would interview all of the visiting celebs here....check out Rick Kogan's excellent article on the Pump Room that ran in the Tribune yesterday....great history.....

Jamesstimson said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

In reply to BerwynIL:

In the 50

Lisakf said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

In reply to BerwynIL:

I wish I had known last Saturday was the last for the Pump Room, I would have like to have attended. My grandfather, Noel Flint of Marx,Flint & Schonne was the Chief Interior Architect of the Pump Room. Now I'm depressed.

FlourGirl said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

In reply to BerwynIL:

I was there for the last set Saturday night. What a scene! And what an amazing piece of Chicago history. I'm so glad to have been there. Hopefully some of that history is preserved in the new incarnation.

reneem68 said February 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

I celebrated my birthday at the Pump Room which was the first time there. My guests and I had a wonderful time and food was amazing. I look forward to going back.

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Candid Candace