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What's In a Name |
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How The Peabody Orlando Ducks got their name? What's in a name? Why is our hotel called "The Peabody Orlando," and why are The Peabody Orlando ducks named "Peabody?" Is there a specific "Peabody" duck species? Was there a Mr., Ms. or Mrs. Peabody?
Once upon a time, long ago, back in 1865 to be precise, a very wealthy man named Robert Brinkley decided to build a beautiful new hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. He wanted it to be the finest hotel in the south, an oasis of elegance and good taste where local gentry, wheelers and dealers could congregate in comfort to wine and dine on the finest foods and rarest wines; where their ladies could meet for genteel afternoon tea in opulent, exquisite surroundings. The hotel was to be named The Brinkley House Hotel.
No expense was spared. Craftsmen, artisans, carpenters, bricklayers, interior designers and decorators of the highest order worked on the building. They designed impressive public areas and comfortable guest rooms which reflected state-of-the-art hotel facilities of the day. The finest bone china, silverware and crystal glassware were purchased. The best of chefs and hotel management and staff were hired.
Just before the official opening of the hotel in 1869, Mr. Brinkley's best friend, George Peabody, an international financier and philanthropist, died suddenly in London, England. Brinkley was devastated by the sudden loss of his dear friend. Without hesitation, Brinkley decided to honor the name of his cherished friend, and changed The Brinkley House Hotel to The Peabody Hotel.
Today, Peabody Hotel Group, The Peabody Memphis, The Peabody Orlando and The Peabody Little Rock, all proudly bear the name of George Peabody, an extraordinary American whose generous, enlightened spirit mirrors those of our existing owners and management.
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