With a Cherry on Top: Hampton Hotels Participates in an All-American Tradition

Business Wire, June 25, 2009

Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark Program Refurbishes the Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- In 1881, Edward C. Berners topped a dish of ice cream with chocolate sauce for a patron in Two Rivers, Wis., creating a concoction that remains one of America’s most beloved desserts – the ice cream sundae. Today, as part of Two Rivers’ annual, city-wide “Sundae Thursday,” volunteers from Hampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program (www.hamptonlandmarks.com) refurbished the historic Washington House, Berners’ original ice cream parlor, known as the “Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae.”

Working to restore the Washington House to its original appearance, Save-A-Landmark volunteers prepared for the installation of new hardwood floors, painted wood trim throughout the building, landscaped and cleaned the site to a sparkling shine in preparation of the busy summer ice cream season. More than twenty volunteers from local Wisconsin Hampton properties worked an estimated 100 hours towards the refurbishment.

“Here in America’s heartland, a classically American treat was created that quickly gained popularity throughout the country,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels. “Hampton is helping to ensure that the Washington House will continue making ice cream sundaes for years to come by contributing $10,000 toward the restoration and ongoing care of the landmark.”

After a patron asked Ed Berners to top a dish of ice cream with chocolate sauce in 1881, the new sweet treat, which only cost a nickel, soon became very popular. However, Berners only sold the special dessert on Sundays, until a little girl insisted she have a dish of ice cream “with that stuff on top,” hoping Mr. Berners could “pretend it was Sunday.” Subsequently, the confection was sold every day in many flavors.

Although many other cities claim to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, Two Rivers, Wis. is the only one endorsed by the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Washington House serves as the official visitor’s center for the City of Two Rivers, and every year, the community gathers in Two Rivers’ Central Park on a Thursday for an old-fashioned ice cream sundae party.

The Washington House is Hampton’s fourth landmark to be restored in 2009 as part of the “All-American Landmarks” campaign. This year, Hampton is devoted to restoring sites that represent what it means to be American, just like the Washington House as well as others like the Robert Frost Farm and Mayberry’s Old City Jail. Each site that Save-A-Landmark will refurbish reflects the individual personalities of the states and their residents, and signifies defining moments in the country’s past.

Communities across the country showed their American spirit by casting thousands of votes to help elect the nine landmarks that will be restored this year. The public voted for their favorite “All-American Landmarks” in nine states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wyoming.

Over the years, Hampton has worked to preserve 44 historical, fun and cultural landmarks from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated tens of thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants – all at an investment of more than $3.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites. The Save-A-Landmark program has already successfully refurbished a landmark in 36 states, continuing on with the ultimate goal to “save” a landmark from each of the 50 states by the end of 2010.

About Hampton Hotels

Hampton, which includes Hampton Inn®, Hampton by Hilton® and Hampton Inn & Suites® hotels, is a mid-priced leader in the lodging segment. Hampton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, a leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,300 hotels and 550,000 rooms in 77 countries, and more than 130,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™, as well as the recently launched Home2 Suites by Hilton™. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com.