Living with Legends

Historian Sherill Tippins, who’s becoming a regular contributor, excavated this little gem from composer Virgil Thomsons’ archives at Yale.  Though at the present time, due to the hostile take over we are more interested in rent receipts.  Readers who live in the hotel will recognize many of the characters from the good old days.  Even now, 25 years later, some of them still work here.  We tried to find author B. H. Williams, but couldn’t locate him.  I’m sure somebody out there knows of B. H.’s whereabouts so if you do let us know.  Gerald Busby, composer Thomson’s protégé and long time friend, speculates that B. H. may have been one of the many admirers who were always sending Thomson gifts.

Poem—"Chelsea Hotel," by B. H. Williams 1982

Stanley manages the hotel
            And smiles at all his guests;
And with one hand in your pocket
            He says ‘For you, the very best;

Now, have a pleasant stay
            And we hope everything goes well
Because no one really ever leaves
            The Chelsea Hotel.

Jerry’s the comedian
            Who works behind the desk
He’s in charge of checking in
            And checking out the guests;
"And if there’s anything I can do,"
            He says, "Please ring my bell;

We want you staying here forever
            At the Chelsea Hotel."
Herman works from four to twelve,
            And Richard works at night;
And even if a light bulb burns out
            John will get you another light;

And Charles will walk the dogs
            And bring you coffee and Pell Mells;
So there’s really never any reason to leave
            The Chelsea Hotel

Dora’s the housekeeper
            With an army of friendly maids;
There’s cousin Dee and Sister Loretta
            Who make sure the beds get made;

And when Bernice is in the hall
            It’s always, ‘Ain’t today just well;
Honey, we just love having you here
            At the Chelsea Hotel."

Amy’s the operator
            And she never misses a call;
And Josephine’s pleasant voice
            Is a blessing to us all,
‘Good morning, love! Howe are you?
            We hope that you slept well;
We’re so happy to have you here
            At the Chelsea Hotel.’

Now, Tex sits in the lobby,
            And laughs at Einstein I and II;
‘Boys,’ he says, ‘It’s getting deep
            I hope you brought your boots;’
He loves to sing his cowboy songs,
            And he always has a tale to tell
Because Tex checked in forever
            At the Chelsea Hotel.

Poets, artists, and musicians
            Parade in by the score;
And, occasionally, somebody famous
            Will walk through the front door;

And there stands Stanley Bard
            Wishing everybody well,
"We hope you love your moments here
            At the Chelsea Hotel."