The Drake Hotel is trying to get some of those items back by offering amnesty to guests who may have "borrowed" a fork or two while staying at one of Chicago's classic Michigan Avenue hotels.
That means people can return items- no questions asked.
"The amnesty program is launched to help get back the artifacts that were with the hotel since opening day December 31st, 1920. We realize everyone has a good story and with that everyone has their good souvenir," Nicole Mieske, marketing manager at The Drake Hotel, said.
The amnesty program isn't just about getting back pocket-sized stuff. The hotel also wants some big stuff, like the huge tapestry that used to hang in a main lobby and the statues of cherubs that once greeted Drake guests.
"The items will then go on display in our arcade level and hopefully be incorporated into our history museum later this spring," Mieske said.
For 94 years, items have been disappearing from The Drake Hotel. How many? Nobody knows. However, in 1978 an inventory found 150,000 pieces of silverware, glassware, china and more.
"Less than half of that remains," Mieske said.
The hotel would like guests to return "borrowed" Drake history.
"No guilt. No shame," Mieske said. "We want to hear your story and hear about your experience at the hotel."
