Road & Track
Editorial assignment to recreate the Pontchartrain Hotel Bar from the early 20th century where the auto titans of the day gathered to drink and figure out the future of the auto industry on a cocktail napkin.
Propping and food was chosen based on historical references, along with a few genuine Pontchartrain items loaned to us. On Automobile Night at the hotel, November 23, 1907, guests were served Cotuits (east coast oysters) and Philadelphia Squab, farcie, au Cresson (stuffed pigeon with watercress). Whiskey was 15 cents a glass at the bar. A mahogany bar top with light green mottled marble underneath was chosen based on news reports and one existing photo of the bar area. The plate in the photos is a handmade replica prop based on photos.
Antique items from the Pontchartrain Hotel: Hotel letterhead, room key, postcards, member card, and coat check fob.
The only existing image of the Pontchartrain Hotel bar