How did the tradition of the ducks in the hotel begin?

Back in 1930’s Frank Schutt, General Manager of the Peabody Hotel, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hutting trip to Arkansas. The men had a little too much Tennessee sippin’ whiskey and thought it will be funny to place some of their lives ducks decoys (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys) in the beautiful Peabody Fountain.

Three small English ducks were selected as “guinea pigs”, and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. Thus began a Peabody tradition which was to become internationally famous!

Every day at 11AM the ducks exit the elevator, walk on the red carpet, and jump in the lobby fountain!