There was a small string quartet ......

Rosemary

.... playing in one corner of the dining room all through dinner. Father kept asking if I wanted to dance and while I certainly felt like I was floating on air, I told him no, content to sit at our white linen table and simply watch the evening unfold around us.

It's hard to imagine that all the kitchen workers at this place were unionized. We have always tried to take good care of our employees especially during these tough times, but occasionally there is a rumble of a union coming into our shops as well. I suppose it's quite a different world in New York, and much harder to do right by your workers, but I hope the union organizers stay away from our dear button business for many years to come!

The food was delightful, the deserts divine, and planning our days out with father was great fun. Every time I looked at one of the grand couples walking in, I imagined each and every button on their glorious coats and dresses had come from our family business! Little things truly do add up! A button here, a button there, and before you know it you have a button empire!

Jewel
https://www.etsy.com/listing/94778746/
elegant-black-velvet-waist-coat-with

After dinner we strolled around the lobby a bit, then walked out to watch the carriages and cars come and go from the entrance. Eventually we returned to our rooms, tired, sated, ready for a good nights sleep before the adventure really began in the morning.....astoria


By the by, dinner attire:

Rosemary
https://www.etsy.com/listing/94781222/
shimmery-dressy-jacket-with-robins-egg

By the by, to go back to the beginning and catch up to all of Astoria's adventures go to: http://buttonbroadmemoirs.blogspot.com/2012/02/on-this-my-100th-birthday.html