Hanger History

As I grabbed my winter coat from our closet today, I noticed this old hanger that I had gotten from my folks. Of course, I had to Google “The Elms” to see where this hanger came from. Turns out that the story of The Elms began with the discovery of healing mineral waters in Excelsior Springs, Missouri in the late 1800s. 

In the 1930s, The Elms Hotel was a playground and health spa for the well-to-do. Management brought in prominent citizens from all walks of life as well as both sides of the law. Politicians, sports stars, and crime figures created a heady combination of hotel guests. Al Capone, “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and Bugsy Moran reportedly hosted illegal gambling and bathtub gin parties. Police tried to raid The Elms during Prohibition on several occasions. During one memorable attempt, the police busted in on a cocktail party that included the Governor of Missouri. The Governor memorably told the cops to go out and bust someone who was “really breaking the law.” Jack Dempsey and the New York Giants visited and trained there. In 1948, 

The Elms hosted its most famous guest. Harry S Truman checked into The Elms in secrecy on November 2, 1948, accompanied by six secret service agents. The President wanted to enjoy the quiet graciousness of the hotel and escape the stress of the Democratic campaign headquarters in Kansas City on Election Day. 

One old hanger, one interesting trip down the Google rabbit hole.