Manufacturer: Shenango China
User: Annes' Restaurants – Chicago
Date of platter: circa 1920s – early 1950s
Notes: Annes' Restaurants was a small chain of establishments in Chicago most likely beginning in the 1920s. Based on the various matchbooks found for this entry, it appears that there were two men with surname of Annes in the Chicago restaurant business, first a George J. Annes, who had at least four restaurant locations, and a John J. Annes, who had at least three locations. Their relationship is not known.
There is an interesting description of George J. Annes' restaurant location at 620 Rush Street contained in John Drury's 1931 book, "Dining in Chicago," which reads as follows:
"Another eating parlor distantly removed from Randolph Street, but part and parcel of the town's theatrical life. Many stage stars who live in the Hotel McCormick just over the river, in which this restaurant is located, dine here in the wee small hours. During the day and early evening, this unit in George J. Annes' Chicago chain of lunch rooms is quiet and of no particular importance. But after two in the morning it takes on life. Actors, chorines, vaudevillians, race track men, fisticuff artists, and an occasional newspaperman or two, are usually present. At one table you might see Tony Canzoneri, the fighter, entertaining a couple of friends; eight chorus girls from Earl Carroll's show might be at another."
In a newspaper mention in 1930, there is an entry noting that Annes' Restaurants, owned by George J. Annes, is adding to the 16 locations they now operate a new location in the new Wabash & Harrison Building. It also mentions that Annes believes in giving his customers the best and that is why he has been so successful. The same article mentions that he offers a big line of cigars.
It is not known when these establishments closed.
White body vitrified china with a scalloped border on the outer edge of the rim that appears somewhat like lace. Underneath are a string of tiny flowers and leaves that cover almost the remaining rim. At the top of the platter, interrupting this string, is the logo for Annes' that consists of a globe containing a large letter "A" bordered by leaf petals. Underneath the globe is a simple banner with the word Annes' in a script font.
Sources:
ChicagoAncestors.org
GoogleBooks.com/books/edition/Tobacco
Contributors:
Platter photos: Keith Marantz
Matchbook and menu photos: Kris Baker and Edward Babcock
Author: Ed Phillips