George C. Boldt emigrated to
New York City, from Prussia, in 1864, aged thirteen, and began work as a
kitchen hand. Twelve years later, while working in Parker’s Restaurant, he
attracted the attention of his future father-in-law, William Kehrer, who hired
him as steward of the Clover Club in Philidelphia. From there, he went on
to become the most innovative, and well-known hotelier in America. He is
credited with the idea of training new hotel employees, having assistant
managers on each floor, the introduction of room service and the provision
of fresh flowers in nearly all the rooms, a practice continued at “Boldt Castle”.