Diner News and History

A blog about diners and other things encountered along the way.
The Present

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

CT - MILFORD. Milford Diner

The Milford Diner, a mid-1940's Silk City manufactured diner has been closed for several years. Past discussions of tearing it down seem to have faded. A group has formed to restore the diner. Though it may not reopen as a restaurant.

On Sunday, December 20, 2009, there will be an event to raise funds for the diner's restoration. It will be held at the nearby Daniel Street Cafe. The event will be held from 4PM to 7PM. At 5PM the movie, "A Christmas Story" will be shown. For more details visit the Collected Stories Bookstore website.

Let them know you read about the event on DinerHistory.com.


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closed
Milford Diner
13 New Haven Ave.
Milford, CT

Daniel Street Cafe
21 Daniel St.
Milford, CT
View Larger Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Friday, December 4, 2009

VA - Harrisonburg. L & S Diner


L & S Diner
Photo by flickr pro Kevin Steele and
appears here under Creative Commons
One year went by so quickly. Back on this date in 2008, the L & S reopened its doors. This time it was under the operation of Linda Raines.

Although it isn't a classic manufactured diner, it includes several features reminiscent of those many associate with diners. Frank Lee and Ike Simmons were the first owners. It was designed by local architect D'Earcy Davis and built in 1947.

At sixty-two years of age, it doesn't look ready for retirement. Stop in and let them know you read about the diner at DinerHistory.com.


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L & S Diner
255 N. Liberty St.
Harrisonburg, VA
View Larger Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Welcome Diner


the welcome diner, phoenix
Photo by flickr pro calamity_hane and
appears here under Creative Commons
KSAZ, the Phoenix, Arizona FOX television affiliate is reporting both a car and truck crashed through the outdoor seating area and into the diner. Though it would appear the diner has escaped damage.

At the time of this incident, the 1940's "Little Chef" model Valentine diner was closed.



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Welcome Diner
924 East Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ
View Larger Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Classic Diner


Rocket Diner fo sho
Photo by flickr pro bradjward and appears
here under Creative Commons
According to the Journal-Courier reporter Jake Russell, the Classic Diner abruptly closed earlier this week. Agim Selimi had operated the diner for about the past five years.

Prior to this Starlite built diner operating as the Classic, it was c. 2000 known as the Rocket Diner (pictured at left). Notice the quilted roof line with horizontal red and blue stripes. Below the windows, are are stripes of red, separated by those of chrome and then blue. The ends of the diner are accentuated with stainless and a full glass block corner. This diner has the same exterior as the Remember When Diner, in Rochester, New Hampshire. We last visited the Remember When, a 2001 Starlite in August 2008.

At almost ten years old, Mr. Russell's article mentions it's available for $650,000. The entire article is available here.


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closed
Classic Diner
100 Comfort Dr.
Jacksonville, IL


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

In the News - Trolley Car Diner


Trolley Car Diner
Photo by flickr pro gailf548 and appears
here under Creative Commons
Just recently we posted a "tweet" about the planned next location of the Germantown Ave. favorite, the Trolley Car Diner. A different article is online regarding the diner's receipt of the "'My Block, My Business' Advertising Competition's grand prize." Look for the diner to be featured during Entrepreneurship Week, mid-April of 2010.

We last visited the Trolley Car, a 1950s Mountain View built diner about a year ago. Though we've chosen to feature gailf548's picture here. We encourage you to take a look at the rest of her flickr photostream too. Also be sure to take a look at the pictures in Schaffner's photostream of the diner at night. Atop the diner is a nice animated neon sign. Better yet, why not visit the diner and tell them the folks at DinerHistory.com sent you.


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Trolley Car Diner
7619 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Little Depot Diner


Little Depot Diner
Photo by flickr pro Elizabeth Thomsen
and appears here under Creative
Commons
Wednesday just wouldn't be Wednesday without Doug "VB" Goudie visiting a diner in Massachusetts. Boston's FOX25 morning segment recently returned after a few months break.

This morning's visit was to the Little Depot Diner in Peabody, MA. During the segment "VB" reminisced with the owners Jim and Judy Miles. Take a look at the video here. Better yet, why not visit them and tell them the folks at DinerHistory.com sent you.

The Little Depot Diner also appeared on Food Network's show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." They frequently reair the shows, so check the schedule for Episode DV0712H, "Diners Times Three."

About a year ago, "Diner Wednesday" was at the Nest Diner, in Mattapoisett, MA. We have an archived post about our visit during the segment. The Fox25 video is still online and may be viewed here.

We chose Elizabeth Thomsen's picture from flickr.com to include in our blog post. She has other pictures of the diner posted, so you can compare the exterior changes. We encourage you to take a look at the rest of her photostream too.


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The Little Depot Diner
1 Railroad Ave.
Peabody, MA
View Larger Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Saturday, October 17, 2009

Former Forum Diner - Paramus, NJ

We received this press release from Michael Perlman and the Committee To Save The Forum Diner.

Committee To Save The Forum Diner
For Immediate Release Contact:

Michael Perlman, Chair & Preservationist
(917) 446-7775
unlockthevault@hotmail.com


CLASSIC “FORUM DINER” FOR SALE:
Effort to Spare “Endangered Species” from Oblivion!

PARAMUS, NJ & NEW YORK (Oct 13, 2009) – A multi-faceted, creative preservation movement is underway by the Committee To Save The Forum Diner, to spare the historic Forum Diner (211 East State Route 4, Paramus, NJ) from demolition, and is calling upon parties of interest to come forward ASAP, and spare this gem from oblivion. Shortly after the diner’s former owners retired in 2007, Kevin Ormes’ Jeep 17 dealership was slated to rise on premise, but has since fell through. As a result, there are more preservation options than before, but time is of the essence for a diner attributed with a “series of firsts.” Reopening and restoring the Forum Diner to its former glory would become a dream come true to devoted fans, on the basis of memories made within its walls and its unique architectural style for a diner. It merits a new lease on life, so future generations can have a chance too.

PRESERVATION OPTIONS (thanks to an agreement with Kevin Ormes):

1. Purchasing the Forum Diner structure at the low cost of $15,000 ($1K per sq ft), in which the buyer would be responsible for rigging costs. All or most of the diner’s 7 sections can be transported elsewhere, and saved along the lines of Preservationist Michael Perlman’s other projects, NYC’s Cheyenne Diner transported to AL in Oct 2009 & NYC’s Moondance Diner to WY in Aug 2007. Rigger Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging, transported over 50 diners countrywide, & took dimensions of the Forum Diner. Also, a deal can be worked out with Al Suwara, who is willing to accommodate anyone seeking land to move the Forum Diner to. He owns a 15 acre property in Cairo, NY with an 800 sq ft frontage on Route 23, a heavily-trafficked main road that leads to Ski Windham and Catskill Park. 

2. The Forum Diner at its current property can be purchased for $3.9 million. The diner has a history of great business, which is marked by its convenient location on a major intersection with a school and shops nearby. 

3. The Forum Diner can be leased at $55,000/month.

     **For the above options, it is very likely that grants and tax credits are available to help finance future historically-sensitive restoration & renovation work, through the State & National Register of Historic Places.

Forum Diner History:    The Forum Diner is an architectural gem, and rare for 60s style architecture. It was prefabricated by the Fodero Dining Car Co, and was announced that "money was no object" when it came down to detail, shortly after it first opened. Joseph Fodero of Bloomfield, NJ was the mastermind of diner manufacturing (also manufacturing NYC's famed Empire Diner). The Yannitsadis brothers were the original owners of the Forum Diner. The exterior borrows from the Environmental style, and features stainless steel, wrap-around windows, groovy gold frame doors, corner entryway with stone & colored mansard roof, & decorative ornamentation gracing the top. The interior is elegant, featuring fine Greek wood fluted columns & moldings and coffered wooden-paneled walls (rare for a diner), wood ornamentation, recessed areas for chandeliers, etched mirrors with regal logos, stone, curtains, counter & stools with backrests, kitchen out back, terrazzo tiles and wave-patterned terrazzo distinguishing circular wooden booth areas. Pat Fodero, son of Joseph Fodero, came up with the idea of circular booths to seat more patrons per table, and it was first popularized at the Forum Diner. It became the norm to build large to boost business. The interior portrays the Colonial style. 

Forum Diner Photos: http://www.flickr.com/gp/8095451@N08/okNvP5 (Can be enlarged by clicking on each photo and then "all sizes" to view small, medium, or large. Some photos appear to be slightly larger, since they were taken with a super wide-angle lens)   

 
Review of Specifications
 
Address: 211 Route 4 East, Paramus, NJ
Circa 15,000 square feet 
10 ft ceilings
Historic/Rare architectural features
Lot size: 2.05
Heat: gas
Parking: 200 spaces
Seats: 220
Property with diner sale price: $3.9 million
Leasing: $55,000/month
Purchasing the structure only: $15,000 one-time fee
         
      Perlman explains: “Diners are amongst the ‘ultimate public institutions’ which harbor countless memories and bridge the generations. During the 30's - 60's eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted the tri-state area, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, and their loss is often most heartfelt. It is essential to preserve & reuse all remaining classic freestanding diners. Despite time constraints, we are committed to doing all we can for a noble cause.” The Committee’s consensus is that “A steady market for such nostalgic gems, coupled by the fact that they were manufactured to move; can ensure a victory for the Forum Diner.”

Parties of interest can contact Committee To Save The Forum Diner Chairman Michael Perlman at unlockthevault@hotmail.com & (917) 446-7775, and all information will be relayed to the property owner.

###

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Friday, October 9, 2009

"Diners, Drive-ins and Dives"

"Tell Me About the Sauce. . ."

We knew the "DDD" crew were off to Alaska after reading Guy Fieri's tweet on the fourth. Yesterday a video was posted on Youtube. It provides an interesting behind the scenes view of day two at Big Daddy's BarB-Q.

Liberty Elm Counter
Liberty Elm Counter,
© 2009 DinerHistory.com
During this video we recognized several of the crew members. This past July we posted a blog entry about "DDD"'s visit to the Liberty Elm Diner in Providence, RI. While acquiring video, the man in the middle of the photo talked with the Elm's customers. He posed questions which elicited more than a standard one or two word response. And when nearby conversations interfered with their videoing, the Elm's customers were admonished. Everything appeared to go smoothly and it will be interesting to see how the episode comes together. It is expected to air later this year.

Information when Big Daddy's will appear on "DDD" will be posted here as it becomes available.


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Big Daddy's Bar-B-Q
107 Wickersham St.
Fairbanks, AK

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

A Look Back on . . .

October
2005
Kullman Industries files for bankruptcy. Assets of the company were later purchased by Kullman Buildings Corp.


2003
Miss Mendon SignFormer Miss Newport Diner of Newport, VT moved to storage in Salisbury, MA. This picture from September 2009 finds the diner in Mendon, MA. We'll write about its opening as the Miss Mendon when more information becomes available.


2001
Former China Buddha of Wayne, PA moved to Buffalo, NY. It later reopened as the Lake Effect Diner.

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Mt. Sinai Heritage Diner - Mt. Sinai, NY

Recently flickr pro Heritage Diner Restaurant added us as a flickr contact. In looking through their photostream, we noticed the diner appears to have been renovated. A Google query for more information provided an interesting result from InsiderPages.com. This exterior picture was taken prior to renovation with the caption, "The Mount Sinai Heritage Diner Established 2002."

Traditional factory built diners had a history of no two being exactly alike. After seeing this flickr picture, it reminded us of another diner--the Valley Diner Restaurant in Derby, Connecticut. It underwent a renovation by DeRaffele of New Rochelle, New York. On March 20, 2009, the Connecticut Post published an article about the Valley's renovation. As of this blog entry it is still available online.

We already had an entry in our diner database for the Mount Sinai Diner. Though we've entered Mount Sinai Heritage Diner as a new record. Our Garmin nRoute map had neither diner, so we plotted its location for a future visit. If anyone has information about this diner or its history, please let us know.



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Mount Sinai Heritage Diner
275 Route 25A
Mount Sinai, NY
View Map / Send to GPS*

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

In the News - Former Serro's Diner

Yesterday's Architectural Record mentions the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor (LHHC) organization. Charles Linn talks with their executive director, Olga Herbert about the Lincoln Highway Experience project.

The diner will be a central feature of the planned museum. Serro's is a late 1930s Jerry O'Mahony Dining Car Company diner. It's a rare "Monarch" model. See Agilitynut's website for pictures of Fegely's Reading Diner a similar diner. The Northampton Diner in Northville, NY was open when we visited it about three years ago. Fegely's and Northampton both have similar interiors and retain original elements. Our visit to Fegely's was on a diner trip taken at the beginning of this year.

Serro's last operated in the Greensburg, Pennsylvania area as the Willow Diner. Closing in the early 1990s, it was moved to storage. In 2003 it was moved again and to a different storage site in Pennsylvania.

Restoration of this diner is an exciting and ambitious project. We'll post more information about the diner and the museum as it becomes available.

The entire Architectural Record may be read by clicking here.

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Cheyenne Diner - NYC (Part 2)

We received another email from Michael Perlman and the Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner. This press release states the diner's second section will move tonight.

On flickr, Rego-Forest Preservation Council has a photostream of recent diner pictures. The Eater website has a view where the first half once was.

Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner
For Immediate Release For NY Media Relations:
Michael Perlman, Chairman & Preservationist
Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner
(917) 446-7775 (On scene: Calling Preferred)
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

For AL Media Relations:
Patti Miller
(205) 587-5068
historicdiner@hotmail.com
pattikm@hotmail.com

HISTORIC CHEYENNE DINER TO CONTINUE LONG-AWAITED TRANSPORT TO ALABAMA ON SEPT 16, 2009 (2ND SECTION OF DINER)

NEW YORK, NY (Sept 16, 2009) – NYC’s historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St) will be granted a new lease on life, and began its long-awaited move to Alabama on the evening of Monday, Sept 14, 2009, and the 2nd section will be transported on Wed, Sept 16th around 11 PM (Call Perlman for time info). Since the Cheyenne’s dimensions are 15 ft x 96 ft (2,000 sq ft), the diner will be transported via flatbed in 2 sections to Alabama, with the expertise of Rigger Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging of PA, who transported 50 diners countrywide (including a role in NY’s historic Moondance Diner to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007). Over the last few weeks, the concrete surrounding the diner was broken & the diner was cut in half. Devoted patrons, Committee members, and passersby will now have a rare opportunity to witness “history in the making” as hydraulic jacks will be installed underneath the Cheyenne Diner’s 2 sections, rolled forward to the curb on i-beams, and hoisted up onto a flatbed.

On Jan 13, 2009, Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner, Chairman Michael Perlman, 26 of Forest Hills, NY brokered the deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas, after convincing Papas to be receptive based upon the diner’s historic reign. The diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn’t located. Perlman received alternate proposals from potential buyers from Upstate NY, PA, MI, TX, & UT, but it boiled down to first-come, first-serve, and Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate. On Jan 25, 2009, the iconic Cheyenne Diner neon signs were carefully removed by Paul Signs Inc of Brooklyn, NY. The acquisition of city permits contributed to the 8-month wait since the deal was brokered.

Perlman states: “It is bittersweet that one of the last historic freestanding diners in Manhattan won’t remain close to its roots, but I take pride in knowing that the beloved Cheyenne Diner will not only retire down south for its golden years, but undergo a rebirth thanks to its dedicated owners who think outside of the box, and patrons can reminisce & make new memories in an Art Deco gem. The Committee will be on site to converse with patrons, document the move, & wave adieu to its Manhattan chapter.”

Joel Owens has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a recreated Jay Dee Bakery (98-92 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY), a Cheyenne Diner museum, classic car museum, rebuilt historic theaters, & a special events center. Owens states “This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners. We ultimately plan on creating a small town with a historic feel, so future generations can have a chance to experience mid-century nostalgia, which is being lost.” Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states “This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination.”

Backtracking... As Chairman of Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner, Perlman presented a proposal to property owner George Papas (owner of nearby Skylight Diner & developer for Cheyenne property) on closing day, Sunday, April 6th 2008, and convinced him to work together. A 9-story condo is slated to rise on premise, which marked the end of the diner's 68 year-run for its Manhattan chapter. Perlman a.k.a “Diner-Man” (http://www.observer.com/2008/diner-man-rescue) found ex-owner Mike O'Connell, who planned to transport the diner to Red Hook, but it fell through when it wouldn't fit across the Manhattan Bridge via flatbed, and the next option, transporting it by barge, proved 3 times as costly as traditional figures a year ago.

HISTORY: The Cheyenne Diner is a highlight in terms of its diverse patronage including celebrities i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, and since it's third to the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Manhattan, and a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by the Paramount Dining Car Co. in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through '86 after the popular chain operated by the Zelin family. It features a majority of its original &/or distinctive elements. The streamlined façade features vertical and horizontal stainless steel securing bowed colorful enamel panels, wrap-around windows, a curved entryway with glass block, & a reverse channel illuminated neon sign. The interior features a streamlined barrel roof, counter & stools, & Indian tribal coins. The Cheyenne was recently granted 1st prize on NYC-Architecture.com's “Top 10 NY Diners/Restaurants.” Spiros Kasimis was the tenant for approximately two decades.

Perlman explains: “Diners are amongst the ‘ultimate public institutions’ which harbor countless memories and bridge the generations. During the 30's - 60's eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted NYC’s 5 boroughs, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, and their loss is often most heartfelt. It is essential to preserve & reuse all remaining classic freestanding diners. Despite time constraints, we are committed to doing all we can for a noble cause.” The Committee’s consensus is that “A steady market for such nostalgic gems, coupled by the fact that they were manufactured to move; can ensure a victory for the Cheyenne Diner.”


PHOTOS:
Cheyenne Diner in operation in May 2007 & April 6, 2008 closing day photos, vintage photos, sign removal photos, & all photos from move to be posted, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157604354225329/
 
1941 photo (pan & zoom 3rd in sequence), courtesy of NYPL:
http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchdetail.cfm?trg=1&strucID=401863&imageID=712065F&word=9th%20avenue%2033rd%20street&s=1¬word=&d=&c=&f=&lWord=&lField=&sScope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&total=14&num=12&imgs=12&pNum=&pos=14
 
NYC Diner Preservation Record

- Sam Chinita housed in freestanding diner (8th Ave & 19th St), demolished 2000
- River Diner (11th Ave & 37th St), demolished Mar 2004
- Lunchbox Diner (357 West St), restored in 2002, but closed & remains abandoned
- Munson Diner (11th Ave & 49th St) transported to the Catskills in 2005
- Moondance Diner (80 6th Ave) transported to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007 & reopens in 2009 (Michael Perlman founded the Committee To Save The Moondance Diner in spring 2007, which made him an official NYC preservationist after working with Extell Development, and granting it a new lease on life in LaBarge, WY) 
- Staten Island's Victory Diner transported in Aug 2007 to SI's Midland Beach Promenade & reopens in 2009  
- Some icons holding onto their own: NYC's Empire Diner (10th Ave & 22nd St), jet-age Market Diner (11th Ave & 43rd St) reopened Dec 2008, Air Line Diner/currently Jackson Hole (Astoria Blvd & 70th St), Square Diner (33 Leonard St near Varick St & W Broadway).

###

Read more...

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Cheyenne Diner Moving

Here is the press release as received from Michael Perlman, and the Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner.


Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner
For Immediate Release For NY Media Relations:
Michael Perlman, Chairman & Preservationist
Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner
(917) 446-7775 (On scene: Calling Preferred)
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

For AL Media Relations:
Patti Miller
(205) 587-5068
historicdiner@hotmail.com
pattikm@hotmail.com

HISTORIC CHEYENNE DINER TO BEGIN LONG-AWAITED TRANSPORT TO ALABAMA ON SEPT 14, 2009 & WILL UNDERGO FUTURE RESTORATION

NEW YORK, NY (Sept 13, 2009) – NYC’s historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St) will be granted a new lease on life, and begin its long-awaited move to Alabama on the evening of Monday, Sept 14, 2009 (Call Perlman for time info). Since the Cheyenne’s dimensions are 15 ft x 96 ft (2,000 sq ft), the diner will be transported via flatbed in 2 sections to Alabama, with the expertise of Rigger Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging of PA, who transported 50 diners countrywide (including a role in NY’s historic Moondance Diner to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007). Over the last few weeks, the concrete surrounding the diner was broken & the diner was cut in half. Devoted patrons, Committee members, and passersby will now have a rare opportunity to witness “history in the making” as hydraulic jacks will be installed underneath the Cheyenne Diner’s 2 sections, rolled forward to the curb on i-beams, and hoisted up onto a flatbed (First section will move on evening of Sept 14th and second section to be announced on Sept 15th or 16th).

On Jan 13, 2009, Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner, Chairman Michael Perlman, 26 of Forest Hills, NY brokered the deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas, after convincing Papas to be receptive based upon the diner’s historic reign. The diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn’t located. Perlman received alternate proposals from potential buyers from Upstate NY, PA, MI, TX, & UT, but it boiled down to first-come, first-serve, and Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate. On Jan 25, 2009, the iconic Cheyenne Diner neon signs were carefully removed by Paul Signs Inc of Brooklyn, NY. The acquisition of city permits contributed to the 8-month wait since the deal was brokered.

Perlman states: “It is bittersweet that one of the last historic freestanding diners in Manhattan won’t remain close to its roots, but I take pride in knowing that the beloved Cheyenne Diner will not only retire down south for its golden years, but undergo a rebirth thanks to its dedicated owners who think outside of the box, and patrons can reminisce & make new memories in an Art Deco gem. The Committee will be on site to converse with patrons, document the move, & wave adieu to its Manhattan chapter.”

Joel Owens has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a recreated Jay Dee Bakery (98-92 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY), a Cheyenne Diner museum, classic car museum, rebuilt historic theaters, & a special events center. Owens states “This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners. We ultimately plan on creating a small town with a historic feel, so future generations can have a chance to experience mid-century nostalgia, which is being lost.” Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states “This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination.”

Backtracking... As Chairman of Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner, Perlman presented a proposal to property owner George Papas (owner of nearby Skylight Diner & developer for Cheyenne property) on closing day, Sunday, April 6th 2008, and convinced him to work together. A 9-story condo is slated to rise on premise, which marked the end of the diner's 68 year-run for its Manhattan chapter. Perlman a.k.a “Diner-Man” (http://www.observer.com/2008/diner-man-rescue) found ex-owner Mike O'Connell, who planned to transport the diner to Red Hook, but it fell through when it wouldn't fit across the Manhattan Bridge via flatbed, and the next option, transporting it by barge, proved 3 times as costly as traditional figures a year ago.

HISTORY: The Cheyenne Diner is a highlight in terms of its diverse patronage including celebrities i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, and since it's third to the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Manhattan, and a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by the Paramount Dining Car Co. in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through '86 after the popular chain operated by the Zelin family. It features a majority of its original &/or distinctive elements. The streamlined façade features vertical and horizontal stainless steel securing bowed colorful enamel panels, wrap-around windows, a curved entryway with glass block, & a reverse channel illuminated neon sign. The interior features a streamlined barrel roof, counter & stools, & Indian tribal coins. The Cheyenne was recently granted 1st prize on NYC-Architecture.com's “Top 10 NY Diners/Restaurants.” Spiros Kasimis was the tenant for approximately two decades.

Perlman explains: “Diners are amongst the ‘ultimate public institutions’ which harbor countless memories and bridge the generations. During the 30's - 60's eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted NYC’s 5 boroughs, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, and their loss is often most heartfelt. It is essential to preserve & reuse all remaining classic freestanding diners. Despite time constraints, we are committed to doing all we can for a noble cause.” The Committee’s consensus is that “A steady market for such nostalgic gems, coupled by the fact that they were manufactured to move; can ensure a victory for the Cheyenne Diner.”


PHOTOS:
Cheyenne Diner in operation in May 2007 & April 6, 2008 closing day photos, vintage photos, sign removal photos, & all photos from move to be posted, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157604354225329/

1941 photo (pan & zoom 3rd in sequence), courtesy of NYPL:
http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchdetail.cfm?trg=1&strucID=401863&imageID=712065F&word=9th%20avenue%2033rd%20street&s=1¬word=&d=&c=&f=&lWord=&lField=&sScope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&total=14&num=12&imgs=12&pNum=&pos=14

NYC Diner Preservation Record

- Sam Chinita housed in freestanding diner (8th Ave & 19th St), demolished 2000
- River Diner (11th Ave & 37th St), demolished Mar 2004
- Lunchbox Diner (357 West St), restored in 2002, but closed & remains abandoned
- Munson Diner (11th Ave & 49th St) transported to the Catskills in 2005
- Moondance Diner (80 6th Ave) transported to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007 & reopens in 2009 (Michael Perlman founded the Committee To Save The Moondance Diner in spring 2007, which made him an official NYC preservationist after working with Extell Development, and granting it a new lease on life in LaBarge, WY)
- Staten Island's Victory Diner transported in Aug 2007 to SI's Midland Beach Promenade & reopens in 2009
- Some icons holding onto their own: NYC's Empire Diner (10th Ave & 22nd St), jet-age Market Diner (11th Ave & 43rd St) reopened Dec 2008, Air Line Diner/currently Jackson Hole (Astoria Blvd & 70th St), Square Diner (33 Leonard St near Varick St & W Broadway).
###

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Today in Diner History. . .

On this date, Nicholas Caracasis of Roslindale, MA received Patent number: D116621 for his diner design. The design and accompanying text may be seen here.


Article Tools


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Sunday, September 6, 2009

Today in Diner History. . .

On this date in 2006, Skee's Diner in Torrington, CT was added to the National Park Service's, National Register Of Historic Places. In January 2008, the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce announced their plans to purchase and relocate the diner. After restoration the structure will serve as a tourist information center.

Our last visit to this 1926 O'Mahony diner was in March 2008.


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Closed
Skee's Diner
589 Main St.
Torrington, CT
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Liberty Elm Diner


Liberty Elm Diner,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo
Providence, RI
Today the Liberty Elm, a 1947 Worcester Lunch Car Company built diner, celebrates it's second anniversary. Carol "Kip" DeFeciani and Diane “Tink” Horstmyer are the owner/operators of the diner.

Stop in today for some good food and conversation. Be sure to let them know the staff at Diner News and History sent you.



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Liberty Elm Diner
777 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

In the News - Former Andy's Truckee Diner

According to several online news reports, a video crew for Apple Computer was on site at the diner yesterday afternoon. Andy's Truckee Diner as it was formerly known, changed its name to "JAX at the Tracks" about the middle of last month.

We noticed this 1940's Kullman built diner was for sale during 2008.

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In the News - Red Robin Diner

Johnson City, New York -- The diner celebrated 50 years today. Read the Press & Sun Bulletin article here.

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

In the News - Chelsea Royal Diner

Brattleboro, Vermont

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In today's Brattleboro Reformer, Chris Garofolo reports the owners of the Chelsea Royal purchased a parcel of land next to the diner. It had been slated for commercial development, though plans changed and the land became available.

The article also mentions they are considering building a greenhouse on part of the land. Could this be another diner joining the sourcing food locally trend? On July 29th, WIVB posted an article about Tucker Curtin, owner of the Lake Effect Diner, in Buffalo, New York. He is teaming up with nearby farmers to incorporate their products into the food served at the diner.

Probably most notable are Tod Murphy's efforts. As owner of the Farmers Diner, in Quechee, Vermont, their philosophy is to spend three quarters of every dollar on food within seventy miles of the diner. A streamline 1946 Worcester diner is an integral part of their Quechee restaurant. They recently added another location in Middlebury, however, this location doesn't include a classic diner.

Local food is fresher food. We encourage you to support your local diner and farmers market.

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Monday, August 3, 2009

In the News - Former Fegely's Reading Diner

We last visited this O'Mahony "Monarch" model diner seven months ago at its storage location on Carsonia Avenue in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. About that time there were claims the diner had fallen into disrepair. When we arrived on site we found that not to be completely accurate. Although the diner's about seventy years old, the interior looked almost factory original. Agilitynut has some nice pictures of it here.

During that visit we had an opportunity to talk with a board member of the Archbury Foundation about the diner and its future. The month prior an article written by David Mekeel appeared online in the Reading Eagle. It mentioned the possibility of the diner moving a short distance away, to the Antietam Valley Recreation and Community Center.

Those plans for the diner have changed. Today WFMZ reports the diner is on the way to Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.

As with any structure of its age, this diner will require a certain level of restoration. We'll post more information here as it becomes available.


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The Archbury Foundation
P.O. Box 6408
Wyomissing, PA 19610

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
85 S. Walnut Street
Boyertown, PA 19512
(610) 367-2090

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Friday, July 31, 2009

In the News - Liberty Elm Diner

We received an email from the crew at the diner. It's existence as a neighborhood diner, and woman owned small business in Rhode Island is in a precarious position. The diner was one of 1,200 businesses told to close. Taxes, more specifically, past due state sales tax is at the center of the issue. Read the Providence Journal article for more information. We thought we'd include an article from the CNBC website. It ranks Rhode Island 48th, almost dead last in terms of being business friendly.

Liberty Elm Counter
Liberty Elm Counter,
© 2009 DinerHistory.com
Today, about noon we visited the diner. Upon our arrival, there was a sign at the front steps of the diner. It advised us of taping for the Food Network's show, "Diner's, Drive-Ins & Dives." Judy, the diner's baker, pictured at left told us they were also there this past Tuesday.

For this scene, the crew setup at the end of the counter. Kip, an owner of the diner, took the order from two customers: chowder and turkey sandwiches. We weren't sure what they ordered for a beverage -- maybe coffee milk, the official state drink. Shortly thereafter things moved to the kitchen for shots of Kip preparing their sandwiches. With the sandwiches assembled and plated, the crew shifted back to the end of the counter.

It was time to bring the cups of chowder out. While the crew talked with the customers about the chowder, Kip was at the diner's pass through window. We glanced over at the sandwiches as she awaited the cue to deliver them. First thing we noticed was it looked like watercress underneath the thick sliced toasted Tuscan bread. In the middle was hand carved turkey from the whole bird they roasted at the diner. As an aside, during one of our past visits, Kip told us she picks up the bread from a bakery in Cranston, RI, a short drive from the diner. The Liberty Elm places an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients. About the watercress? She corrected us, those were pea greens from a local farmer.

While we were there we talked with Kip, and she said the state has accepted partial payment, allowing them to remain open. There is a payment schedule setup, so the diner needs your continued support. Several things are in the works, so it's best to contact them directly.

Mid August marks the second anniversary for the diner under the ownership of Kip and Tink. The diner itself was built in 1947 by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, of Worcester, MA. Though the original diner tag is one of the original items missing, it would display serial #806.

The Food Network segment is expected to air near the end of the year. Stay tuned for details.


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Liberty Elm Diner
777 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI
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Monday, March 16, 2009

In the News - Doc's Little Gem Diner

Online there are two articles about the closure in the Post-Standard. Yesterday's article looks at the history of the diner. Today's is a short three sentence mention that closure looks certain.

We'll post more information here as it becomes available.

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In the News - Former Chuck Wagon Diner


P8180053G-The Salem Diner
Photo by flickr pro mountain_man_ny_2
and appears here under Creative Commons
Today's Daily Gazette reports on the progress to restore and reassemble the diner's iconic neon sign.

As seen in the picture, the sign once served as a beacon to travelers along South Neil Street in Champaign, Illinois. In 1976 the diner closed and this 1956 Mountain View Diner built diner was moved to several other locations in Illinois.

Though it wasn't until late November 2007 that Tom Ketchum brought the diner to Princeton, New York. The diner's restoration has been chronicled in mountain_man_ny_2's flickr photostream.

We'll post more information about the diner and its restoration as it becomes available.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

In the News - Floyd's Diner

This piece of information just came across our desks. Anthony Clark's article in the Gainesville Sun reports Floyd's Diner has been sold.

It's a one sentence mention and we'll post it here.

"Instead, he closed the deal Monday for Floyd’s Diner in High Springs to go to a Michigan family that owns three diners there."
We instantly thought of Jonelle and Randy Roest, owners of Rosie's. Agilitynut's website has a listing and pictures of the diners at "Dinerland" in Rockford, Michigan.

We'll post more information here as it becomes available.

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

In the News - Salem Diner


P8180053G-The Salem Diner
Photo by flickr pro galfred
and appears here under Creative Commons
The Salem Diner in Salem, Massachusetts was one of the area restaurants featured in NECN.com's headline story. Colleges and Universities in the North Shore region of Massachusetts have a program where a student may purchase meals from off campus restaurants.

Zoe Elefteriadis, owner of the Salem Diner talks about the program's positive impact on their business. An interior view of the diner may be seen in the video here.


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Salem Diner
70 Loring Ave.
Salem, MA
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Modern Theatre - Boston, MA


modern theatre
Photo by flickr pro zoezolka and
appears here under Creative Commons
The Suffolk Journal has a mention of Suffolk University's current building project. The University is in the process of disassembling the Modern Theatre's facade and constructing a new building. In its place a multipurpose building will be built, including student housing, a gallery, and a theatre. This website has more about the project.

According to the Cinema Treasures website, the Modern Theatre opened in 1914 and for almost three decades.

Although the Modern Theatre was included in the "Washington Street Theatre District," which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1979, that didn't guarantee its survival. However, the facade will live on. After a restoration it will be put back into place on the new building.


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In the News - Gracie's Diner

Wednesday took the morning viewers of WFXT Fox 25 to Webster, Massachusetts. During the segment, Doug "VB" Goudie "Diner Wednesday" talked with Paul and Lisa Fennuchio. This past October marked the third year of ownership for this husband and wife team.

The entire video may be seen here.


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Gracie's Diner
595 S. Main St.
Webster, MA
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Monday, March 9, 2009

In the News - Former Wirebridge Diner

Larry Garard of the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel wrote about the latest use for the Worcester Lunch Car Company diner. Formerly operating as the Wirebridge Diner, it appeared to be closed during our Maine road trip in 2005.

According to Mr. Garard's article, Philip Robinson purchased the building and renamed it "Robinson's General Store." In this transition, we aren't sure what has changed compared to the renovations we noted during our visit. Next time we are in the area we'll stop in and post a full report.


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Sunday, March 8, 2009

New Site

We have created an archives site for all our posts that don't appear on this page. If you would like access, please email us at staff@dinerhistory.com. Just as any newspaper online, library or institution with archives would require you to sign in, or be a member, so will this new site. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

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Winter Diner Picture


Chelsea Royal Diner 01
Photo by flickr pro Tom Hilton and
appears here under Creative Commons
As we await the first day of spring, here's one last picture of a diner taken during the New England winter of 2009.

The diner was built by the Worcester Lunch Car Company and delivered in 1939.


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Chelsea Royal Diner
487 Marlboro Rd.
West Brattleboro, VT
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A Look Back on March 8th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 3/1/2009-3/7/2009

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

In this issue

Weekly Summary
Garmin Communicator Update
Farmington Diner
Massachusetts State Quarter Poll Results
Diner News and History Website Happenings



Weekly Summary

This week saw the closing of one diner--Betty's. We noted the closure here.

Otherwise, there were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, or moved. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.

Connecticut Post writer Tony Spinelli wrote an article about the renovation going on at the Valley Diner. Here's a link to our article reflecting on the changes to the diner.


Garmin Communicator Update

Garmin recently released an update to their browser plug-in. For those not familiar with the software, here's a brief overview. Garmin wrote a piece of software that lets your web browser send to and receive information from your Garmin GPS unit.

You may notice at the end of our articles under "Article Tools" we include the address information for diners. The line View Map / Send to GPS is a link which takes you to Google Maps. If you have the software installed and your GPS device plugged in and powered on, one of the options on the Google Map screen will be to send the information to your GPS. With the ubiquity of GPS receivers in automobiles, having this browser plug-in allows you to quickly and easily find the diner.

Download the Garmin Communicator update version 2.6.3.0 here.


Farmington Diner

Another article was published online about the diner. Betty Jespersen's article in the Friday's edition Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel mentions plans which sound like those of the former Big Dig Diner. Rachel Jackson-Hodsdon envisions a place to train people for the food service industry. If this is a project you'd like to be involved in, we suggest you contact Ms. Jackson-Hodsdon. See our blog entry from February 19th for further information.


Massachusetts State Quarter Poll Results

The results are in and none of the diners received enough votes. Read the press release about from the governor's office. Here's a link to our article from February 14th about the poll.


Diner News and History Website Happenings

Our work continues on creating individual diner pages. We encourage you to visit our page "Diner Listing By State." Clicking on the state will take you to another page listing some of the diners we've mentioned. Let us know what type of information you would like to see appear on the diner's individual page. If there's a missing diner or information that you would like to fill in or correct, please leave a comment on the page or email us.

Diners for sale

We continue to get a good response to our post mentioning the buyadiner.com site. If you are interested in purchasing a diner, buyadiner.com just might have one for you. We are always interested in hearing about other diners that are for sale.

Additions / Deletions

The following diners were added to our diner database.

Charley's Diner*
Philadelphia, PA
-source was an online matchbook auction.

Dalt's Court Street Diner
Athens, OH
-source

New City Diners "American Beauty"
Bardonia, NY
-found on their website

New City Diners "American Traveller"*
-According to their website, this location is still in the works for somewhere in New Jersey.

Ramoco Grill Diner
Ramsey, NJ
-source was an online postcard auction.


Our Second Poll Question

We aren't sure if our readers are aware of another feature of the Diner News and History site. Google Maps is where we are creating an online diner map. We usually add diners and other points of interest as we mention them on this site. Here is a link our Google Diner Map. If you notice a manufactured diner missing from the map, why not let us know and we'll add it. Better yet, why not join us in maintaining this map? Email us for more information.



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We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.


(*) This diner was added provisionally pending further investigation. If you have any information on them please write us.

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Friday, March 6, 2009

New Diner Planned for Boston


Market Diner
Photo by flickr pro Doug Letterman and
appears here under Creative Commons
In the news today is the Boston Herald article by Donna Goodison. According to her article, Continental Concepts has a 225-seat restaurant on the drawing board. It's expected to open in Boston, Massachusetts in the 2010 time frame.

While it won't be a factory manufactured diner, it will include elements reminiscent of a 1960's diner. The 1960's are included in what's referred to as the "space age" era. Optimism of the time was reflected in the design of diners. Manufacturers included very large overhanging roofs with recessed lighting and zig-zag roof lines. Pictured above and to the right is the Market Diner in New York City. It was built in 1964 by DeRaffele Manufacturing Company, Inc. in nearby New Rochelle. The diner reopened in December of 2008.

Earlier in the week we wrote about another article mentioning Richard J. S. Gutman. Continental Concepts has retained the services of Mr. Gutman in their design of the Continental Diner. This isn't the first time Mr. Gutman has been involved in restaurant design. Several years ago he consulted with Silver Diner Development, Inc., on the design of their diners. In January Bulletin Newspapers published Scott Wachtler's in depth interview with Mr. Gutman. That article includes a picture of his kitchen with a Worcester Lunch Car Company inspired counter. Mr. Wachtler's entire article may be read here.

We'll follow this story as it develops.


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Market Diner
572 11th Avenue
New York, NY
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Thursday, March 5, 2009

In the News - Victory Diner

It was in August of 2007 that the Victory Diner left its Richmond Road home. The diner has since been in storage at a parks department office near Father Capadanno Boulevard on Staten Island, New York. Back then it was thought the diner would reopen spring 2009.

Bree Driscoll with NY1 reported the diner will be part of a $10 million project at Midland Beach. If things go as planned, they could get started during the summer and be complete about a year later. We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

In the News - KJ's Airport Diner

WFXT Fox 25 brought their "Diner Wednesday" morning segment to this Worcester Lunch Car Company built diner in Shirley, Massachusetts. A short video has been posted online.


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KJ's Airport Diner
108 Lancaster Rd.
Shirley, MA
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In the News - Diner Exhibit

We last visited the museum about a month ago. It was the opening of Becky Haletky's exhibit entitled, "Time to Eat." Today Gwenn Friss wrote an article about the permanent exhibit, "Diners: Still Cookin' in the 21st Century" on display at the Johnson & Wales Culinary Archives & Museum. We thought our readers would like to know more about the exhibit.

As you step through this Kullman Industries, Inc. designed and manufactured entrance, you embark upon your journey through diner history.

Richard J. S. Gutman drew upon the past forty years (and more) of researching, photographing, restoring, and authoring numerous books about diners. As you walk through the exhibit, you will see items from his extensive collection on display. It wouldn't be considered a static display, as the exhibit is refreshed throughout the year. The exhibit is "interactive" as there are photographs, video, an actual diner restoration in process, and guides available to answer your questions.


Ever Ready Diner,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo
Speaking of the restoration, let's take a look at the diner on display. It was built in 1926 by the Worcester Lunch Car Company in Worcester, Massachusetts. Over the years the diner evolved and was renovated. It last operated a short distance from the museum, as the Ever Ready Diner in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. During our June 2008 visit, the museum staff graciously talked with us in detail about the restoration. Not too long before we took this picture, the stained glass was installed above the windows.

One of the first things you might notice when looking inside the diner is the hood over the cooking area. It's a stainless steel hood similar to those seen in some late 1940's/early 1950's Worcesters. On the ceiling steel strips frame the sand and red Formica sheets. That Formica pattern is similar to the style used in the Peterboro.

Perhaps what caught your eye first was the diner's floor? In some 1920's diners, we've seen a foot rail installed. With the Ever Ready, a tiled foot rest was constructed and covers the floor's mosaic tile border. If you've ever visited the Deluxe Diner in Rumford, Maine, you'll instantly recognize the same floor tile pattern. We noticed some of the missing ceramic hexagon floor tiles had been replaced. Atop the foot rest the tile is arranged in a pattern similar to that of the Fish Tale.

We encourage you to visit the museum and view the exhibits. More work remains to be done on the Ever Ready to bring the it back to the way it was. If you would like to be part of this restoration, we encourage you contact the museum.


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Diners: Still Cookin' in the 21st Century
Johnson & Wales Culinary Culinary Archives & Museum
315 Harborside Blvd.
Providence, RI
View Map / Send to GPS*
(401) 598-2805
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10AM-5PM


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Monday, March 2, 2009

In the News - Valley Diner


Valley Diner,
© 2007 DinerHistory.com
file photo
During the Connecticut leg of a 2007 diner road trip we stopped at many Swingle Diner Company built diners. For this comparison, we'll mention the Bridgeport Flyer in Milford, CT, Penny's III in East Norwalk, CT, and the Valley Diner in Derby, CT. All three had environmental exteriors including large stones and terracotta tile awning / roof lines. The Valley also included hints of wood and brick. Pictured at right is how the Valley looked like in November 2007.

You can see some of the work being done in two lane blacktop's flickr photo October 2008. The exterior siding above and below the windows had been removed. Notice the right side of the new and larger vestibule taking shape. The forms for the new concrete steps were in place.

In today's Connecticut Post, Tony Spinelli gives us an update on the progress of DeRaffele's renovations. According to the article, they expect things will be completed by next month. The article also includes a series of photographs. You've seen our picture and compared it to two lane blacktop's. Take a look at the fourth picture in Mr. Spinelli's article. While a dramatic change, it draws elements from its prior environmental roots. It's also a departure from the chrome, neon, and tile exteriors DeRaffele used in diners like the Athenian III in Milford, and the Blue Colony Diner Restaurant in Newtown, CT.

We'll post more information about the diner and its renovation as it becomes available.


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Valley Diner Restaurant
636 New Haven Ave.
Derby, CT
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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Diners on TV

3/4/2009
KJ's Airport Diner on "Diner Wednesday."

3/20/2009, 3/21/2009, 3/22/2009
Food Network's "Al Roker's Diner Destinations"
Check your local listings for times.

We'll post information here throughout the month.

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In the News - Betty's Diner

According to Montanette Murphy of the Utica Observer-Dispatch, Betty's Diner in Marcy, New York has closed. Dave and Tammy Riker, owners of the diner have decided to move on.

Betty's is a 1951 Silk City Diner which we last visited back in 2005, the year the Riker's purchased the diner.

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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 2/22/2009-2/28/2009

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

In this issue

Weekly Summary
Casey's Diner Mention
La Barge Moondance Diner
Larry Cultrera
Diner News and History Website Happenings
Our Second Poll Question



Weekly Summary

Last Saturday we wrote about the pending closure of the Park Classic Diner. Two days ago news reports to replace the diner with a chain drug store appeared online.

Otherwise, there were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, or moved. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.


Casey's Diner Mention

We thought we'd mention Nicole Simmons of the MetroWest Daily News recently crowned Casey's Diner with having the best burger. Her article may be read here.


La Barge Moondance Diner

News of the diner's opening back in January is reaching more news outlets. In the past couple weeks the diner has been written up by the Associated Press, Boston Globe, Colorado Springs Gazette, MSNBC, and others. Here's the results of Google's news search.


Larry Cultrera

Mr. Cultrera has written about diners and roadside related places for a number of years. Currently he authors a blog entitled, "Diner Hotline." In addition to his blog, many of his vintage photographs are posted to his flickr photostream.

Recently he told us of some upcoming presentations for this year. On Wednesday March 18th at 7PM, he will give a presentation called "Local Roadside Memories" at the Medford Public Library. The library is located at 111 High Street, in Medford, Massachusetts (View Map / Send to GPS*). We'll post more as information becomes available.


Diner News and History Website Happenings

Our work continues on creating individual diner pages. Let us know what type of information you would like to see appear on the page. If there's missing information that you would like to fill in or correct, please leave a comment on the page or email us.

Diners for sale

We continue to get a good response to our post mentioning the buyadiner.com site. If you are interested in purchasing a diner, buyadiner.com just might have one for you. We are always interested in hearing about other diners that are for sale.

Additions / Deletions

The following diners were added to our diner database.

American Diner
Cleveland, OH
-source Diversified Diners

Dino's Seaville Diner*
Ocean View, NJ
-source

New City View Diner
Whitehall, PA
-source the hungry pard blog. They include an exterior picture showing what looks to be a DeRaffele Manufacturing Company Inc. built diner similar to the demolished Thru-Way Diner.

Preston Diner
Essington, PA
-source online postcard auction

Shore Diner*
Egg Harbor, NJ
-source


Our Second Poll Question

We aren't sure if our readers are aware of another feature of the Diner News and History site. Google Maps is where we are creating an online diner map. We usually add diners and other points of interest as we mention them on this site. Here is a link our Google Diner Map. If you notice a manufactured diner missing from the map, why not let us know and we'll add it. Better yet, why not join us in maintaining this map? Email us for more information.



Article Tools


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.


(*) This diner was added provisionally pending further investigation. If you have any information on them please write us.

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Senator Theatre - Baltimore, MD


The Senator Theatre
Photo by flickr pro zizzybaloobah and
appears here under Creative Commons
We remember writing about the Senator a few years ago on our previous website. At that time financial difficulties put the future of this Art Deco theatre into jeopardy. Things went down to the wire. Through a combination of donations from the community and loans the theatre avoided closure.

Maryland Daily Record writer Liz Farmer recalls past challenges the theatre faced in her recent article. She outlines what the theatre is up against this time, as financial difficulties have put it in danger of closing again.

At times classic theatres and diners both find themselves in the way of development and progress. In some opinions, these gems of the roadside have long outlasted their purpose. A single screen theatre such as the Senator is replaced by a multi or a mega screen venture. Diners on the other hand are typically replaced by a non-food service chain businesses.

We'll monitor the situation of the Senator and post here as information becomes available. Meanwhile Liz Farmer's in depth article may be read here.


Article Tools


Cinema Treasures listing for the Senator Theatre.


Senator Theatre
5904 York Rd
Baltimore, MD
(410) 435-8338
View Map / Send to GPS*



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Thursday, February 26, 2009

March 2009 Diner Visits

It's about that time again--to hit the road. This time we are looking for your suggestions. Do you have a favorite diner you want us to visit? Let us know. . .

Are you a diner owner and want us to visit your diner? This is a great opportunity for your diner to appear on the Diner News and History website.

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In the News - Park Classic Diner

As an update to our blog post on the 21st about the diner, a new article appeared online. The Tribune-Review Publishing Company staff writer, Michael Cristiano updates us on the situation facing the diner. According to his article and without a dissenting vote, the Monroeville Planning Commission has given the go ahead for plans to remove the diner and build a chain drug store in its place.

We'll follow the situation and post about it to this website as the situation develops. Mr. Cristiano's entire article may be read here.


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Park Classic Diner
3893 William Penn Hwy.
Monroeville, PA
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A Look Back on February 25th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.

2/25/2008
Brian McCarthy wrote about the closing of a landmark--the Vale-Rio Diner.

2/25/2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Vernon Clark wrote about the impact road construction was having on local businesses. One of those Germantown Avenue businesses mentioned in the article was the Trolly Car Diner.


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Deb's Diner - Salem, MA

Fox 25's "Diner Wednesday" hosted by Doug "VB" Goudie visited Deb's this morning. They have a short video clip on their website.


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Deb's Pilgrim Diner
4 Boston St.
Salem, MA
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mickey's Diner - St. Paul, MN

It was on this date in 1983, that Mickey's was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The diner was built by O'Mahony and arrived in 1937*. Keith Walker, owner of the Road Island Diner, sent us some information about the diner. Mickey's is fifty feet long by ten feet wide and is serial number 1067.

flickr has many images of the diner. We've selected a few to include in our post as we highlight some of Mickey's features.

Exterior


Mickey's Diner
Photo by flickr pro cliff1066 and appears
here under Creative Commons
The diner's streamline exterior features stainless steel and porcelain enamel panels. "Mickey's Diner" was lettered in an Art Deco style typeface below the windows. Monitor roofs were popular in diner architecture. That's one feature people associated with train cars and travel, so it was incorporated into diners. Notice the mechanism that opens the orange and white stained glass clerestory windows. These are almost the same style glass used in the Fegely's Reading Diner.

Interior

diner
Photo by flickr pro Klaus M and appears
here under Creative Commons

Several aspects of the diner are shown in this picture. Notice the interior walls with horizontal striping, which is reminiscent of the tiled walls and stripe used in the O'Mahony Monarch models. The mosaic ceramic tile floor, counter stool tops, pedestal and base are also visible. Notice the turquoise blue box at the end of the diner, towards the top of the ceiling. It reminds us of Seeburg speakers we've seen in other diners, like the Blue Moon Diner, a Worcester Diner, in Gardner, Massachusetts.


Mickey's Diner
Photo by flickr pro timbu and
appears here under Creative
Commons
A pre-requisite for an authentic diner experience includes some cooking being done behind the counter. In the smaller diners, this is usually an owner or family member working the grill. See the well worn counter top--it could speak volumes about the people dining there over the years. Above the cook, on the hood is a triple panel bill of fare. The opposite end of the hood has another one mounted there too.


Mickey's Diner
Photo by flickr pro timbu and
appears here under Creative
Commons
At only ten feet wide, there's not enough room for a row of tables opposite the stools. This picture highlights the mahogany trim detail around the windows. Above the windows notice the curvature of the roof and its rose clored Formica-like panels.

Being listed as a historic place is not a guarantee. Time will only tell if Mickey's is around for another seventy years.


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Mickey's Diner
36 W. 7th Street
St. Paul MN
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.


* Conflicting Internet references are found in regards to the manufacture date of Mickey's. Their website says, "St. Paul's 24 hour host since 1939." Wikipedia states the diner was built in 1937. Given that the serial number for Mickey's is #1067, and the Road Island Diner's is #1107, it's possible 40 diners were built in 1939. Even the Minnesota Historical Society lists the range of 1937 to 1939 for manufacture date. This is something we'll look into further.

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