Here is a breakdown of what that 1936 advertisement would have highlighted:

The inclusion of Maxfield Parrish’s name in the context of the King Cole Room is central to the bar's identity, AND  it refers to the permanent mural,

• The Mural: The name of the bar is taken from the magnificent 1906 mural, Old King Cole, painted by Maxfield Parrish.

  • The mural was originally commissioned by John Jacob Astor IV for his Knickerbocker Hotel.

  • After the Knickerbocker closed, the priceless mural was moved to the St. Regis, another Astor property, in 1932, where it has presided over the bar ever since.

• The Ad Illustration: By 1936, Parrish had largely retired from commercial illustration to focus on his luminous landscape paintings. The advertisement itself would have likely used a sleek, Art Deco, or Streamline Moderne style (similar to the Larue ad), designed by an uncredited commercial artist to promote the nightly entertainment, not the mural, as the mural was already a famous, permanent fixture.

The performers listed were all major draws for the wealthy social set looking for sophisticated dining and dancing.

• Emil Coleman (Orchestra): Emil Coleman was one of the most famous and highly paid society bandleaders of the 1930s. His orchestra specialized in high-end, romantic, and rhythmic dance music (foxtrots, waltzes, rhumbas) that was perfect for the King Cole Room's clientele. The ad would boast: "Dancing nightly to the music of Emil Coleman and his Orchestra."

• Eve Symington (Vocalist): She would have been featured as the glamorous supper club vocalist or chanteuse, providing an intimate, sophisticated contrast to the full orchestra's dance sets.

• The Hartmanns (Dance Duo): The Hartmanns (Paul and Grace) were a legendary, high-end satirical dance team. They were famous for combining elegant, intricate ballroom dance with witty, comedic pantomime, and they were a favorite booking in the most exclusive rooms like the King Cole. Their appearance would be a major draw for the dinner show.

• Jules Landé (Violinist): Jules Landé often provided the quieter, more refined background music for the dinner hours before the orchestra took over for dancing. His violin music added a touch of classical elegance and romance to the early evening.

The advertisement would sell an experience of exclusive luxury and a complete evening out.

• The Venue: The St. Regis Hotel on East 55th Street was synonymous with Old New York wealth and tradition.

• The Service: Ads for these exclusive clubs often implied impeccable service, expensive drinks, and the chance to mingle with the city’s café society elite. The King Cole Room was the place to be seen.

The 1936 advertisement was a highly effective piece of marketing that combined the timeless prestige of a Maxfield Parrish masterpiece with the current, electric energy of the best dance music and entertainment of the day.