Annis’s description paints a vivid picture of Marshall Field’s Department Store in the 1920s. The mention of a “beautiful room” with a “large fountain in the center” filled with goldfish stands out.

The Walnut Room is a well-known restaurant inside the Marshall Field’s building (now known as Macy’s on State Street). Opened in 1907, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Its elegantly decorated interior and notable features, like a fountain and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, have drawn visitors for over a century. The room features Circassian Walnut paneling and Austrian chandeliers, and it’s possible the fountain Annis mentioned was a part of the decor at the time of her visit.

What’s fascinating about Annis’s account is that she got to experience this piece of retail and culinary history during its early years. Her description fits with the luxury and opulence of the Walnut Room, which, combined with the fine food, made for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s easy to imagine her and her friends enjoying a “fine luncheon” in such a setting.