Monday Is Fun Day at Pete’s

Fan of Pete’s Tavern, Charlie, was reading Madeline to his daughter Charlotte when he discovered Madeline’s origin story, and how it ties into the history of Pete’s Tavern!

 

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans stands as a beloved classic in children's literature, enchanting readers with its whimsical rhymes and charming illustrations. What many may not know is the story behind its inception, which traces back to the iconic Pete's Tavern in New York City. It was here, amidst the convivial atmosphere and historic charm of the tavern, that Bemelmans found inspiration for his timeless tale. Legend has it that while dining at Pete's Tavern, Bemelmans scribbled the initial sketches and verses of Madeline on the back of a menu, drawing from his own experiences and surroundings to craft the enchanting world of the adventurous young girl in the "old house in Paris that was covered with vines." Thus, the seeds of one of children's literature's most cherished stories were sown in the cozy confines of Pete's Tavern, forever intertwining its legacy with the enduring magic of Madeline.