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Join Wundry Plus in the Wundery app or on Apple Podcasts. Wandering. It's Christmas Eve, 1931, at the El Paso Hilton in Texas. It's been over two years since the stock market crash

sparking the Great Depression. 44-year-old Conrad Hilton rings the bell on the

front desk and waits for a sign of life. There doesn't seem to be a single guest or employee in the place.

He looks around the lobby of the hotel. This was once all his, and now he's just signed it all

away to the Moody family of Galveston, and he has nothing left.

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, his birthday, and Connie has no presents to give his children.

He doesn't even have money for food. Lost in thought,

Connie doesn't notice the young bell boy, Eddie Fowler, come up beside him.

Welcome home, Mr Hilton. Can I take your bags? We didn't expect you back until the new year I had to make the

trip back a little earlier than expected how are things all the same slow

Connie looks around the lobby again.

Yeah, I'd say.

Well, I'm sure it won't always be like this, sir.

Connie nods unconvincingly, and Eddie looks at his boss with even greater pity.

Let's get you up to your room, sir.

Everything looks better after a good night's rest. That's what my mother always says.

Well, your mama sounds like mine, a wise woman. Eddie picks up Connie's luggage, and the two make their way to the elevator.

To the penthouse, sir?

For maybe the last time.

What's that, sir?

Well, this isn't my hotel anymore, Eddie.

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