Instead, he bought Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas. as the Plaza and Roosevelt hotels in New York and the Palmer House in Therefore, he began to look for some other career opportunity and joined politics. [citation needed], In 1969, James C. Taylor presented plans to build a hospitality college on the campus of the University of Houston to Barron Hilton. His [7], In September 1951, actress Betsy von Furstenberg announced her engagement to Hilton but they never wed.[14][15], Hilton gained a reputation for being a playboy and becoming violent when he was intoxicated. [3] While Conrad was in France with the army after the war, his father was killed in a car accident. Conrad Nicholson Hilton (December 25, 1887 January 3, 1979) was an American hotelier and the founder of the Hilton Hotels chain. * *Terms & Conditions Apply. Like our founder, we are determined to succeed. In the Foundations first published annual report (1982-83), then-president Donald H. Hubbs wrote: The task of accomplishing some positive change in a complex and strife-ridden world is not an easy one, but we welcome it. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Conrad-Hilton, Texas State Historical Association - The Handbook of Texas Online - Conrad Hilton Nicholson, The American Business History Center - Conrad Hilton: The Dreamer Who Conquered an Industry, Official Site of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Conrad Hilton - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Sadly, the Hilton family is no stranger to potentially dangerous brushes with the law. Barron then presented the plans to Hilton, who donated US$1.5million (equivalent to $8.6million in 2021) for the completion of the project. through, he decided to invest in a Texas hotel. Conrad Hilton Jr. - IMDb interrupted by service in the army during World War I, but after the [7] The couple were married at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills on May 6, 1950. In October 1949 he fulfilled one of his long-cherished dreams and acquired the management rights of the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. From 1912 to 1916 Hilton was a Republican representative in the first New Mexico Legislature, when the state was newly formed. One of seven children, he was the son of Norwegian immigrants, and learned business from his father who ran a grocery store in New Mexico. Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Name: Conrad Hilton, Birth Year: 1887, Birth date: December 25, 1887, Birth State: New Mexico, Birth City: San Antonio, Birth Country: United States. The rooms were rented out in 8 hour shifts. Conrad Hilton shaking hands with President Eisenhower Brother of Barron Hilton; Private and Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr. Careers at Hilton | Hilton job opportunities Search for open roles in the categories below to start your journey. The youngest Hilton was sentenced to two months in prison for violating his parole. (CBS) BOCA RATON, Fla. - Conrad Hilton III, a South Florida philanthropist who is a cousin of socialites Paris and Nicky Hilton, was arrested in Boca Raton Sunday and charged with domestic. Hilton, with his $9 million worth of stock, was the largest shareholder. 1933) Constance Francesca Hilton (b. Later he moved westward to buy Breakers in Los Angeles and Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco. Born In: San Antonio, New Mexico, United States, Spouse/Ex-: Mary Adelaide Barron (m. 1925 1934), Mary Frances Kelly (m. 1976 1979), Zsa Zsa Gabor (m. 1942 1946), siblings: August H. Hilton, Baron Hilton, Carl H. Hilton, Eva C. Hilton, Felice A. Hilton, Helen A. Hilton, Julian Hilton, Rosemary J. Hilton, place of death: Santa Monica, California, United States, Notable Alumni: Santa Fe University Of Art And Design, New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology, Ancestry: Norwegian American, German American, education: Santa Fe University Of Art And Design, New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology, Quotes By Conrad Hilton | Conrad Hilton founded the Hilton Hotel empire and grew it into one of the largest private companies in the U.S., consisting of over 3600 hotels worldwide. Mentored by Barron Hilton and Donald Hubbs, Steve Hilton and the board of directors have led the Foundation to pursue deeper, field-specific expertise in our focus areas, and to take an active approach to increase our impact through partnerships with grantees, governments, corporations, and other foundations and funders. Conrad Hilton, hotel executive, the son of Augustus Holver and Mary (Laufersweiler) Hilton, was born in San Antonio, New Mexico, on December 25, 1887. For the site, he chose the highest point in downtown Dallas. The couple had three children; Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr., William Barron Hilton, and Eric Michael Hilton. It is the virtue that unites men and inspires their noblest efforts., Love one another, for that is the whole law; so our fellow men deserve to be loved and encouragednever to be abandoned to wander alone in poverty and darkness. Steven M. Hilton, son of Barron and grandson of Conrad, joined the Foundation in 1983 and was named president in 1998, CEO in 2005, and chairman in 2012. The youngest brother of Paris, Nicky and Barron Hilton, Conrad was sentenced on Monday to two months in prison for admitting that he used drugs in violation of his parole stemming from a 2015 arrest. Offer valid for two rooms and at participating properties only. Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr. (July 6, 1926 February 5, 1969) was an American socialite, hotel heir, and businessman. Conrad Nicholson Hilton (December 25, 1887 - January 3, 1979) was an American hotelier who founded the Hilton Hotels chain. Norway. His brothers are William Barron Hilton and Eric Michael Hilton. San Antonio, Socorro, New Mexico Territory, United States, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, United States, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPCQ-D11, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V9N8-K4Q, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MML7-9H4, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGS2-JN6, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXTC-67F, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V4DC-Q1H, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Hilton, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Hilton, 22 degrees from Sebastian Constantino de Arce, "California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (, "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (, "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," database with images, FamilySearch (. His son, Barron Hilton, who spent much of his career helping build the Hilton Hotels Corporation, contested the will, despite having left the company as acting president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors. Family Spouses Patricia McClintock (November 26, 1958 - 1965) (divorced, 2 children) He added an entire floor by dividing a ballroom horizontally and building it halfway between the original floor and the high ceiling. Conrad Hilton - IMDb By the 1960s the company reorganized its foreign operations, going into partnership with outside corporations and foreign governments. All rights reserved. They're very good at ignoring problems.". decided to join his father's business interests, and he became a 2023 The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Login to find your connection. In addition to his reputation as a leading hotelier, Conrad Hilton was a entire estate to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to alleviate human As the depression came to an end, Hilton was back into his hotel business. Conrad Hilton - IMDb He attended Goss Military Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico Military Institute at Roswell, and St. Michael's College in Santa Fe. During the Great Depression, Hilton was nearly forced into bankruptcy and lost several of his hotels. His son, Barron Hilton, joined the Foundation in 1950 and served as board chair from 2007 to 2012. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Conrad_Hilton_(croped).jpg, http://newsnyork.com/hilton-family-scandals-started-long-before-paris-new-book/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dorothy_Johnson_and_Conrad_Hilton._Havana,_Cuba._March_23,_1958.jpg. "It's just sad Conrad won't be there for his niece's birth. His parents are Richard Howard Hilton and Kathy Hilton. Many Hilton hotels became franchises or were only partially owned by the Hilton chain. [6], In October 1949, Hilton met Elizabeth Taylor at Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles. He believed that each property should have its own style, not look like a part of a chain. Conrad Hilton | Encyclopedia.com In 1919, Conrad Hilton set out for Wichita, where he tried to buy a bank and backed out when the seller raised the price at the last moment. Discover Conrad Hilton's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Hilton was author of Be My Guest (1957) and Inspirations of an Innkeeper (1963). [18][20] Shortly after, he dated Mexican actress Silvia Pinal, whom he met at the opening of a hotel in Acapulco. Despite suffering a huge financial setback during the Great Depression, Hilton was able to build a hotel empire. This article is about Conrad Hilton Sr. For his son, see, "Be My Guest" by Conrad Hilton, copyright 1958 by the Prentice Hall Press, Associated Press. In 1942, Hilton married Hungarian actress ZsaZsa Gabor in a civil ceremony. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. In 1942, he shifted his headquarters to Los Angeles and from there he began to expand eastwards. Conrad Hotel Locations - Find Hotels - Hilton Family tree of Conrad HILTON - Geneastar budding hotel empire was crippled by the Depression of the early 1930s, Hilton served in the U.S. Army during World War I. In addition, he managed to combine hotels with restaurants and casinos. Book directly for the best rates during your next stay. The Hilton Hotels Corporation finally bought the hotel outright in 1972. As a family foundation, our board of directors includes a majority of Hilton family members. Later in 1934, when trouble broke out between the couple, he granted her a divorce going against his will and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. 2023 The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. He retired as president and CEO in 2015 and remained chair of the board until he retired from this role in 2020. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/conrad-hilton-165.php. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Explore Hilton's portfolio of hotels and distinct brands across the globe. In 1942, he married Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, and together they had a daughter named Francesca. He was the eldest son of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton and the first husband of actress Elizabeth Taylor. Conrad Hilton was born on 25 December, 1887 in New Mexico, USA, is an Actor. History | Hilton Foundation He not only bought back his old properties, but in 1939 he also built Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 6 3 (1.91 m) Mini Bio Hotel magnate Conrad Nicholson Hilton was born on Christmas Day of 1887 in San Antonio, New Mexico. Geni requires JavaScript! It was not only the first hotel that he built, but it was also the first hotel with the name Hilton attached to it. Later he attended the New Mexico School of Mines, but soon afterwards He later purchased the Carte Blanche Credit Company and an interest in the American Crystal Sugar Company, as well as other enterprises. If so, login to add it. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. PDF Conrad N. Hilton, Innkeeper Extraordinaire, Statesman and - UMass Hilton, Conrad Nicholson (1887-1979). Born Conrad Nicholson HILTON American businessman and investor Born on Sunday, December 25, 1887 in San Antonio, New Mexico, USA , United States Died on January 03, 1979 in Santa Monica, California, USA Born on December 25 50 Deceased on January 03 39 Family tree Report an error Halvorsen Nils 1775 - 1832 Trulsdatter Kari 1786 - 1855 Pedersen Hans He has been remembered as a giant in the hotel business and for his lasting impact on the hospitality industry. That gift led to the construction of the South Wing, which opened in 1989 and added 94,000 square feet (8,700m2) of education and meeting space to Hilton College. Properties in his hotel chain included the famed Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, which he leased in 1949. It was with the intention of buying a bank that he arrived in Texas at the height of the Texas oil boom. His second principle was esprit de corps. "Of course they're disappointed," says a source of 22-year-old Conrad's parents Kathy and Rick Hilton. His first wife left him against his will in 1934. Young Hillon was president of, died Tuesday at Mary Washington will be held at Dies at 42, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, VA, USA, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, Los Angeles County, California, United States, Culver City, Los Angeles County, California, United States. Meet the Hiltons: A who's who of one of the most famous - Tatler Never losing his sense of responsibility for others, he left nearly his entire fortune to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation with a mandate to relieve the suffering, the distressed and destitute without regard to race, religion or country. The building consisted of 14 storeys and the hotel offered all kinds of services. Conrad Nicholson Hilton was born to wealth. Conrad Hilton always insisted that local building materials and furnishings be used, and local people trained to staff the hotels policies which enhanced the American image abroad. It involved motivating the staff to provide excellent service and this he did by giving them credit when the guests were pleased with their stay at the hotel. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. After expiry of his terms Conrad returned to San Antonio and raised enough money to start a bank. However, not wanting to tie up his money, he took the land on lease for 99 years, a concept that was still new in Texas. Born in 1887 to a Norwegian migrant father and a German-American mother, Conrad Nicholson Hilton rose from humble backgrounds to build perhaps the best known hotel brand, both in the U.S. and globally. This page has been accessed 2,711 times. During the 1950s and 1960s, Hilton Hotels' worldwide expansion facilitated both American tourism and overseas business by American corporations. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he kept on acquiring hotels both at home and abroad. Image Credit Birthday: July 6, 1926 ( Cancer) Born In: Dallas, Texas, United States 10 10 Quick Facts Also Known As: Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr., Nicky Hilton Jr. Died At Age: 42 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Elizabeth Taylor (m. 1950-1951), Patricia McClintock (m. 1958-1965) father: Conrad Hilton mother: Mary Adelaide Barron However, he did not dither from his goal and once the depression was over, he began to add more hotels to his chain. Travel Agent Rate - Hilton Offers In his last will, he charged the Foundation to: The last will leaves latitude for the board of directors to translate noble goals into specific, practical actions. Born towards the end of nineteenth century to a hard working father, who owned a general store and a devout mother, he learned the value of both work and worship early in his life. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. His business acumen was built on a keen sense of property values, good timing, patience and skill in negotiating, an understanding of financial dealings, and a singular talent for picking the right man for the right job. He attributed his success to his philosophy that man with Gods help and personal dedication is capable of anything he can dream. Among industry firsts, Hilton Hotels developed the concept of franchising hotels, launched the first airport hotel, introduced the first multi-hotel reservation system, and became the first U.S. coast-to-coast hotel chain. In 1924, Hilton decided to build his own hotel, Dallas Hilton which was opened to the public the following year. His concern for the disadvantaged was genuine and deep, and he Astrological Sign: Capricorn, Death Year: 1979, Death date: January 3, 1979, Death State: California, Death City: Santa Monica, Death Country: United States, Article Title: Conrad Hilton Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/conrad-hilton, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: September 15, 2022, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. He is interred in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City. Mr. Hilton currently serves on the board of the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters and has served on the boards of the BEST Foundation for a Drug-Free Tomorrow and Don Bosco Technical Institute. Conrad has had a drug problem for years since he was a teen, and it's never gotten better.". [17], Hilton dated various actresses such as Terry Moore, Mamie Van Doren, Arlene Solof, and Jeanne Carmen. "The Hiltons cope by deflecting. Over the years, he contributed many millions to the work of the Foundation, and following his fathers example, he left more than 97% of his estate to the Foundation when he passed away in 2019. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Hilton was married twice, once to actress Elizabeth Taylor and later to oil heiress Patricia "Trish" McClintock. His father had died by that time and he had to take charge of his father's businesses, which was not really doing well. Get online throughout the hotel with free standard WiFi during your stay. World Peace Through International Trade & Travel was Conrad Hiltons motto for Hilton Hotels, relieve the suffering, the distressed, and the destitute, shelter little children with the umbrella of your charity. Hilton bought Casa Encantada on 10644 Bellagio Road in Bel Air, Los Angeles, in 1950 and occupied the house until his death in 1979. . Catholic Sisters were frequently a conduit for his Book direct for the best price and free cancellation. Hilton, a Norwegian immigrant, born in Hilton, Ullensaker, Akershus, Hubbs served as chair and CEO from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. His father, "Colonel" A. H. "Gus" Hilton, was the leading merchant and trader in the tiny sun-baked mining village of San Antonio, New Mexico. 2. His father, Augustus Halvorsen Hilton, was an immigrant from Norway while his mother, Mary Genevieve (ne Laufersweiler) was an American citizen of German descent. An attorney and CPA, Hubbs had worked closely with both Conrad and Barron Hilton and had managed the Foundation since 1969 in his capacity as assistant secretary treasurer. Mr. [18][19] In 1957, he dated actresses Natalie Wood and Joan Collins. Next in 1949, Hilton obtained Hotel Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico on a 20-year lease. (Laufersweiler), who was of German descent, and August Halvorsen advance key causes. - IMDb Mini Biography By: frankfob2@yahoo.com, His strong religious beliefs included taking the phrase "til death do us part" seriously. During this bad period, he remembered his mother telling him that the prayer was the best investment he could make and indeed, it helped him a lot. All Rights Reserved. The story of how the legend was born . They had one child, Francesca Hilton, before divorcing in 1947. Guided by the example of his German-American mother and Norwegian immigrant father, Conrad Hiltons life was grounded in a deep faith in God and country, an intrinsic belief in hard work, and the ability to dream big. He was also profoundly influenced by the Catholic Church and its Sisters. Conrad Hughes Hilton's father is a famous businessman, while his mother is a former model. By the time he retired, the chain owned 188 hotels in 38 cities within the country and 54 hotels abroad. Nicky Hilton died at age 42 of a heart attack in West Los Angeles, California. Conrad Hilton built a thriving global hotel enterprise, and throughout his life, his genuine concern for those less fortunate led him to charitable giving.