Matilda the Algonquin Cat: The Unforgettable Feline of New York City's Literary Scene

Matilda, the Algonquin Cat

by Leslie Martini

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11714 KB
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the heart of Manhattan, nestled amidst the bustling streets of New York City, stands the historic Algonquin Hotel. For over a century, the Algonquin has been a haven for writers, artists, and intellectuals, and a witness to countless literary conversations and artistic collaborations. Among its many notable guests, one furry feline holds a special place in the hotel's history and the hearts of its patrons: Matilda the Algonquin Cat.

Matilda, a charming white cat with distinctive black markings, first arrived at the Algonquin in the early 1930s. Legend has it that she was abandoned by her owners and found wandering the streets of New York City. A kind-hearted employee of the Algonquin took pity on the stray cat and brought her into the hotel, where she quickly made herself at home.

Matilda's presence at the Algonquin coincided with the rise of the hotel's famous Round Table, a group of writers, critics, and journalists who gathered daily in the hotel's Rose Room to discuss literature, politics, and the latest gossip. The Round Table included such literary luminaries as Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, and Edna Ferber, and Matilda became a beloved fixture in their midst.

The writers of the Round Table adored Matilda, and she became a constant source of inspiration and amusement. Dorothy Parker, known for her sharp wit and satirical writing, once said of Matilda, "She is a cat of intelligence, taste, and discrimination. She has been known to leave the room when the conversation becomes dull." Robert Benchley, a humorist and playwright, wrote a poem about Matilda, in which he praised her "unruffled calm" and "serene disdain."

Matilda's fame extended beyond the Algonquin Hotel. She was featured in numerous articles and photographs, and even became the subject of a children's book. In 1944, she was awarded a "special citation" by the Cat Writers' Association for her "outstanding contribution to the field of cat literature."

Matilda lived at the Algonquin Hotel for over two decades, and during that time she witnessed countless literary conversations, artistic collaborations, and historical events. She was present when Dorothy Parker wrote her famous short story "The Big Blonde," when Robert Benchley penned his screenplay for the film "Horse Feathers," and when Edna Ferber worked on her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "So Big." Matilda was a silent observer to the birth of modern American literature, and her presence helped to create a unique and inspiring atmosphere at the Algonquin.

In 1952, Matilda passed away at the ripe old age of 20. Her death was mourned by the writers of the Round Table and by all who had come to know and love her. In her memory, the Algonquin Hotel created a special cocktail called the "Matilda," a mix of vodka, orange juice, and grenadine. The cocktail became a popular favorite, and it is still served at the Algonquin today.

Today, Matilda's legacy lives on at the Algonquin Hotel. A bronze statue of her stands in the Rose Room, where the Round Table once gathered, and a portrait of her hangs in the hotel's lobby. Matilda's spirit continues to inspire the writers, artists, and guests who visit the Algonquin, and her story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of literature and hospitality.

Matilda the Algonquin Cat was more than just a pet. She was a symbol of the Algonquin Hotel and the literary scene that flourished there. She was a witness to history, a source of inspiration, and a beloved companion. Her story is a reminder that even the smallest of creatures can have a profound impact on the world around them.

Matilda, the Algonquin Cat

by Leslie Martini

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11714 KB
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE