April 7, 1858: “Walker House, Hasbrouck and Pearce”, by anon, published in the Milwaukee Daily Sentinel.
The proprietors of the prominent Walker House created this acrostic to promote their hotel.
When, in the course of financial events,
A pressure occurs among dollars and cents,
Let bankers and merchants, with nostrils distended,
Keep groaning and sighing, "Our game it is ended."
“Eating” is an institution that can't be suspended;
Regarding the “Walker House," much may be said,
Hasbrouck stands forth, its principal head,
Of gentlemanly bearing, converses with ease,
Untiring his efforts the public to please;
See Ostrander, too, looking smiling and bland,
Ever ready and willing, and always on hand:
“Have you had dinner?" "No!" “Then step right in;”
And the Gong, too, is making a terrible din.
Seated at the table, you're scarce in your chair,
Before you're presented a bill of the fare,
Referring to which you make your selection;
Order it, 'tis brought, vids direction;
Unto the Saloon afterwards you repair,
Call for a cigar, with a thorough bred air,
Kick up quite a cloud, muse on the times,
& Mosher will smile as he pockets your dimes.
Perhaps to the Billiard Room then you might stroll,
E'en here, too, is food both for body and soul;
A game is made up—cost, twenty cents,
Right at it we go, regardless of expense;
Canons, pockets, scratches, all count in the main;
Even should you get beat, why try it again.
Porters from boots, all mud will abolish,
Renovate the uppers, and impart a pure polish;
Of baggage they're careful, neither jolting nor dashing
People’s trunks, for the fun of the smashing.
Reading matter, also, a variety to choose,
In the office may be found, all reliable news;
Every paper that's published in Milwaukee City,—
The “Times” excepted—“Dead!”—oh what a pity.
Oh, trav’lers! from the depot just take a hack,
Right to the “Walker,” your money to get back
Sew me up, if you don't, in a big “coffee sack.”
Milwaukee Wis., April 6, 1858.