Diner News and History

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

Read more...

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*



We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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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.

Read more...

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.


Article Tools

Park Classic Diner
3893 William Penn Hwy.
Monroeville, PA
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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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.


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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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.


Article Tools


Deb's Pilgrim Diner
4 Boston St.
Salem, MA
View Map / Send to GPS*


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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.


Article Tools


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.

Read more...

Monday, February 23, 2009

Vale-Rio Diner - Phoenixville, PA


Vale-rio Diner's New Home
Photo by flickr pro road_less_trvled
and appears here under Creative
Commons
Tomorrow just about marks one year since the Vale-Rio closed. As depicted to the right, the diner currently sits in storage, a short distance from it's previous location at 494 Nutt Road, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

The diner itself was built by Paramount in 1948. Affixed over an entrance or exit door should be the builder tag "Paramount Dining Cars." In later years they did business as Paramount Modular Concepts. We've even found reference to P M C Diners Inc. From what we can tell, the company is still around, however we are unaware of any recently built diners.

Other diner manufacturers in the mid to late 1940's such as Kullman (K), with their Challenger model, and certain Mountain View (MV) diners used glass blocks in their corners. Two examples are the former Victory Diner (K) pictured here and the Tastee Diner (MV) pictured here.

Although, this model built by Paramount is unique. In addition to the streamline exterior, it incorporates Art Deco elements. Below the windows at regular intervals are circular discs burnished into the stainless panels. A query of our diner database returned other Paramount built diners with the same patterned exterior. We've listed them below and included a link to a flickr picture of the diner.

Similar Paramount diners:

11th St. Diner in Miami Beach, Florida picture;
West Bay diner in Grand Marias, Michigan picture; and
the closed Dishes Restaurant in Hartford, Connecticut picture.

Please let us know if there are other similar diners out there that we've missed.

Development forced the Val-Rio's removal from the site it occupied since 1948. Currently its future is uncertain. As we receive information about the Vale-Rio, we'll post it here.


Article Tools


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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A Look Back on February 23rd

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.

2/23/2006
Nadia Alvarado of the Post-Standard noted the first anniversary of Anne Marie Torpy's running the Canastota Dinerant.


Article Tools



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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 2/15/2009-2/21/2009

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
L&S Diner Mention
Diner News and History Website Happenings



Weekly Summary

This past week we wrote about an opening and a closing. The Hometown Grille opened in the former Route 72 Diner in Berlin, Connecticut. Closed is the East Windsor Restaurant, in East Windsor, Connecticut. Though long rumored, articles appeared on the internet confirming the pending closure of the Forest Diner in Ellicott City, Maryland and Park Classic Diner in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. We aren't sure when they will close, so enjoy them while you can.


L&S Diner Mention

Andrew Jenner of the Daily News-Record went to the L&S Diner in Harrisonburg, VA. Though the L&S isn't a factory manufactured diner, it was patterned after one. For an in depth on the subject of the incredible egg, we suggest you read his article. Mark Cubbage estimates he cooks 300 eggs a day there.


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. We are always interested in hearing about other diners that are for sale.

Additions / Deletions

We added the Windsor Grille / East Windsor Restaurant to the database.


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.


Our Second Poll Question

We've decided to extend our poll question to the end of the month. In case you missed it, we are looking for feedback on our Google Diner Map. Your input is very important and we ask that you take a minute and vote.



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.

Read more...

A Look Back on February 22nd

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.

2/22/2008
Betty Jespersen reported in the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel that Rachel Jackson-Hodsdon was a step closer to moving the former Farmington Diner.

2/22/2007
Laura Johnston's article in the Morris Ledger mentioned the development facing the land the one time Chatham Diner occupies.


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

In the News - Park Classic Diner

New Mexico Business Weekly is reprinting an article from the Pittsburgh Business Times. The Times reports the closure of three Park Classic Diner locations. Two of these are in Pennsylvania and one is in Ohio.

According to this article, Brian Butko mentions their Monroeville, Pennsylvania location is a Kullman built diner which opened in 2001.


Article Tools


Park Classic Diner
3893 William Penn Hwy.
Monroeville, PA
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Road Island Diner


Road Island Diner
Photo by Keith Walker
Keith Walker wrote letting us know about the award his restaurant just received. A little background first though. Keith completely restored a 1939 Jerry O'Mahony, Inc. designed and built diner. His restaurant competed against many others in Utah.

While we weren't there to hear it, the official announcement from Salt Lake Magazine would have sounded something like this. The 11th annual Salt Lake Magazine Dining Award for "Best Design" goes to . . . the Road Island Diner.

We congratulate Keith and his team at the diner for a job well done. The entire article listing all the recipients may be read here.


Article Tools

Road Island Diner
981 Weber Canyon Road
Oakley, UT
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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The Diner Waitress


Waitress in diner, 1981
Photo by flickr pro Seattle Municipal
Archives
and appears here under
Creative Commons
Here at Diner News and History we realize we may have neglected to mention an important aspect of diners--the diner waitress. As a seasoned professional, she knows her regulars and what you are going to order as you enter the diner. She's there for advice and at the same time, will let you know when you get out of line. In a sense, she's the unsung heroine of the diner.

Having been a waitress herself, Candacy A. Taylor began researching waitresses for her project almost eight years ago. She has put together an exhibit entitled, "Dishing It Out: Career Waitresses Across the U.S.A." It's currently on display for about the next two months at the San Francisco Public Library.

For more information visit the Candacy A. Taylor, or the library's website listed below.


Article Tools


Candacy A. Taylor M.A.


San Francisco Public Library
The Jewett Gallery
Main Library
100 Larkin
San Francisco, CA
View Map / Send to GPS*
(415) 557-4277
exhibition website



We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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A Look Back on February 21st

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.

2/21/2006
Mary Ann D'Urso writing for the Courier News, wanted to know what diner was your favorite.

We'd encourage you to share your favorite diner here. It doesn't have to be located in New Jersey, as the ones in Ms. D'Urso's article.


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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fat Boy Burgers


fat boy burgers
Photo by flickr pro gawthspork
and appears here under Creative
Commons
We realize this article isn't about a diner, though it's a business that's been around for a while--some might refer to it as an "institution." Others may consider it to be a greasy spoon. That was up till July 2007 when the previous owner, Andrew Taylor, closed the place.

Fast forward to February 16, 2008. It marked the day Matt and Jill Urbane reopened the Fat Boy. According to their blog, the response from the community has been positive.

In today's Grand Rapids Press, Chris Knape talks with Matt Urbane and got an idea of the elbow grease it took to reopen the business.

We'd be interested in hearing first hand reports from our readers in the Grand Rapids area.


Article Tools

Fat Boy Burgers
2450 Plainfield Ave. NE.
Grand Rapids, MI
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Forest Diner

The Forest Diner was the subject of today's article by Jennifer Choi and Derek Simmonsen. In that Howard County Times article, they wrote about the changes facing a business that's been in Ellicott City, Maryland for over half a century.

Although the financial transaction took place back in August 2008, some of the details were made public in today's article. Owner of the Forest Diner, Will Reich sold the property to developers. Conditions in the agreement should keep the diner open for the next four and one-half years.


Article Tools


Forest Diner
10031 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - Former Farmington Diner


Former Farmington Diner,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo
Opinion

Ann Bryant has written again about the former Farmington Diner. Her article appears in today's Sun Journal.

After having been downtown Farmington, Maine since the 1960s, development forced its removal the end of March 2008. Rachel Jackson-Hodgdon stepped forward in an effort to prevent the diner from being demolished. Just about eleven months later and now the Wilton town officials want to know what she plans to do with the diner.

We made some observations during our August of 2008 visit. The diner currently sits on Cemetery Road out of sight of Route 2. The picture above was taken while standing about 150' from the diner. The only houses we recall seeing were one to the left of the diner and one behind us. Cemetery Road appeared to be a narrow infrequently traveled country road lined with deciduous trees.

Perhaps its time for the vocal opponents to step up to the plate. Getting this diner back into service is a challenge, one which requires serious financial commitments. We've included contact information for Ms. Jackson-Hodgdon below.

As we receive information about this project, we'll post it here.


Article Tools


Rachel Jackson-Hodgdon
Socially Important Project
P.O. Box 126
East Wilton, ME 04234
thefarmingtondiner@yahoo.com

Closed
Farmington Diner
Cemetery Road
Wilton, ME
View Larger Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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A Look Back on February 19th

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.

2/19/2007
Owen Hutchinson mentions the L&S Diner in his article appearing in the Breeze.

Though the L&S isn't a factory manufactured diner, its look is patterned after one.


Article Tools


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Diner Cruises, Meetings, or Shows


Road Island Diner
Photo by Keith Walker
Does your auto club or motorcycle group meet at classic diners? We'd like to know about your club and the diners they've been to. Though it's February and the summer's still a few months away, why not consider a meet at your local diner? Let us know your group's schedule and we'll do our best to fit it into this website. Click here to email us.

Diner owners, if there is a event scheduled at your diner, or if you are willing to host one, please let us know.

Pictured is Keith Walker's Road Island Diner. It was originally built in 1939 and proudly displays a Jerry O'Mahony, Inc. diner tag. Keith completely restored the diner and opened for business in June of 2008.


Article Tools

Road Island Diner
981 Weber Canyon Road
Oakley, UT
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Diner Cruises, Meetings, or Shows


Road Island Diner
Photo by Keith Walker
Does your auto club or motorcycle group meet at classic diners? We'd like to know about your club and the diners they've been to. Though it's February and the summer's still a few months away, why not consider a meet at your local diner? Let us know your group's schedule and we'll do our best to fit it into this website. Click here to email us.

Diner owners, if there is a event scheduled at your diner, or if you are willing to host one, please let us know.

Pictured is Keith Walker's Road Island Diner. It was originally built in 1939 and proudly displays a Jerry O'Mahony, Inc. diner tag. Keith completely restored the diner and opened for business in June of 2008.


Article Tools

Road Island Diner
981 Weber Canyon Road
Oakley, UT
View Map / Send to GPS*


Cruise-in and Car Show Calendar


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - The Rosebud


Rosebud Diner, Somerville MA
Photo by flickr pro JoeBehrPalmSprings
and appears here under Creative Commons
Also in consideration for being featured on the reverse of the new Massachusetts state quarter is another diner. This one arrived at its Somerville location almost sixty-eight years ago. This Worcester Lunch Car Company built diner has held its own throughout the years and change of ownership.

Cathleen Twardzik of the Somerville News recently spoke with Helen Defrancisco, its current manager about the prospects of being chosen to represent Massachusetts. Her entire article may be read here.


Article Tools

The Rosebud
381 Summer St.
Somerville, MA
View Map / Send to GPS*


We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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A Look Back on February 18th

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.

2/18/2005
Regine Labossiere, Hartford Courant Staff Writer noted the recent movement of the former Windham Diner.

The diner opened at the end of 2005 as Mickey's Windham Diner.


Article Tools



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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

In the News - Deluxe Town Diner


Deluxe Town Diner
Photo by flickr pro Dale Cruse and
appears here under Creative Commons
Christine Laubenstein's article about the roof fire at the Deluxe Town Diner appeared in today's Wicked Local Watertown edition. Her article mentioned the source was a wiring issue in the vintage neon roof sign.

The on-site built diner reopened an hour or so later.


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Monday, February 16, 2009

In the News - Al's Diner

We've already mentioned this on Saturday in our Weekend Roundup feature. Today another article has appeared online about the competition to be on the reverse of the Massachusetts state quarter.

Holly Angelo talked with Costas "Gus" Mathews about his diner, a candidate on the ballot in the Hampden County region. He's up against quite a list of viable alternatives. Two other diners also made the list; Miss Worcester Diner and the Rosebud.

The diner is quintessential Americana. It's already been featured in numerous advertisements, was on a U.S. Postal Service stamp, so why not on the back of a quarter? We encourage you to vote by clicking on this link.


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In the News - Jim Greberis


Summit Diner
Photo by flickr pro three15bowery and
appears here under Creative Commons
The Independent Press and New Jersey On-Line posted an article about the recent grant to the American Red Cross from the Other Fellow First Foundation. Jim Greberis is a trustee for the foundation which is headquartered at the Summit Diner.

In these tough economic times, it's good to read about these acts of generosity.

The diner has been in the Greberis family since 1964 and is an example of a late 1930's O'Mahony. Many pictures of the Summit Diner were found on flickr, including some interior shots of the diner. Notice the counter's orange tile stripe which was an O'Mahony feature in the late 1930's. Several of their "Monarch" models also include this feature. According to Richard J. S. Gutman, noted diner expert and author several books on the subject, including "American Diner, Then and Now," told us this counter tile stripe feature was originated by O'Mahony and copied by the Worcester Lunch Car Company.

Article Tools


Summit Diner
1 Union Pl.
Summit, NJ
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We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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In the News - East Windsor Restaurant

This morning's news of the closure was reported by Shawn R. Beals in the Hartford Courant. According to that article, it was back in 1967 that Nick Tartsinis opened what was then called the Windsor Grille in East Windsor, Connecticut. Over the years they expanded prompting the name change.

In viewing the restaurant's website, notice the pictures showing the booths. In one section there's the counter and booth seating. The other section has booth and table seating. Common to both sections is each booth have their own jukebox. However these seats have aqua colored cusions with tufted seat backs. It's an interesting look back at interior diner styles of the era.

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


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We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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A Look Back on February 16th

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.

2/16/2006
Lebanon Daily News wrote about the former Eat Well Diner being moved.

The diner was moved to Elizaville, New York where it became the Elizaville Diner.


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Sunday, February 15, 2009

In the News - Hometown Grille

The former Route 72 Diner in Berlin, Connecticut has a new operator. According to the New Britain Herald, Mike Vinca has the keys to the place he's calling the Hometown Grille. The article mentions he's made a series of renovations. We last visited this diner a couple years ago, so we are due for another visit. We'll have a full report in a future post.

Although encased, Randy Garbin's "Diner Finder" identified this diner as being an O'Mahony built diner.


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In the News - Miss Syracuse Diner

An article about the Miss Syracuse Diner was posted online in today's Post-Standard. Dick Case talks with Dan Galloway who recently purchased the diner. His article touches on the history of the diner, including its list of names and owners throughout the years.

The diner opened in December 2008 and Mr. Galloway operates it seven days a week.


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Saturday, February 14, 2009

A Look Back on February 14th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/14/2008
One of the many articles Ann Bryant wrote about the Farmington Diner appeared in the Sun Journal. In this article she reported the diner would move to Wilton, Maine.

2/14/2002
Drew Houff of the Winchester Star wrote that the Triangle Diner was in the process of renovations.

Latest news is a summer 2009 opening as Mike's Triangle Diner.


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We invite you to visit our flickr diner photostream.

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Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 2/8/2009-2/14/2009

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
Richard Chappy's Osgood Bradley Trolley Restoration Project Update
Fifty States Quarter Program, Round Two
Diner News and History Website Happenings



Weekly Summary

It was a quiet week for diner news. We received an update about the Cheyenne Diner. George Papas, the New York City property owner of where it currently sits, has put up a fence around the diner. Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging located in Pennsylvania, is in the process of getting all the permits in place before the move to Alabama. The diner's expected to move by the end of the month.

Fox25's "Diner Wednesday" segment visited the Mill Pond Diner in Wareham, Massachusetts. Our blog post includes a link to Fox25's video.


Richard Chappy's Osgood Bradley Trolley Restoration Project Update

Providence Journal Staff Writer Peter C.T. Elsworth wrote an article about Richard Chappy's project to restore the trolley that was once part of the Veteran's Square Diner. It was around 2002, when the diner was in Warwick, Rhode Island, that a car crashed into it. Plans were to demolish the entire structure, but in August of that year Mr. Chappy purchased and moved the trolley portion to Providence, Rhode Island. During the process he's not only identified the manufacturer--Osgood Bradley, but the year it was built and the trolley's serial number. Take a look at his project page and the photographs he's taken along the way.

We should note that not too far from the building containing the trolley, sits a 1939 O'Mahony diner. This diner originally operated as the Lemoyne Diner, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After seeing the pictures of the trolley, we await seeing how his restoration of the diner will turn out.


Fifty States Quarter Program, Round Two

Several Massachusetts news outlets have written about the U.S. Mint's anticipated 2010 release of new fifty states quarters. The previous release, 1999-2008 was so successful that the Mint has decided to release a new series.

The Mint has asked the governor of Massachusetts, "...to select one preferred and three alternate Massachusetts national sites to be featured on the reverse of a quarter." This link is to the page where you may vote on your favorites. Everyone here at Diner News and History encourages you to vote. The list includes these diners: Al's Diner in Chicopee, Miss Worcester Diner in Worcester, and The Rosebud in Somerville. According to their website, voting ends close of business on February 26, 2009.


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, leave a comment on the page.

Diners for sale

We continue to get a good response to our post mentioning the buyadiner.com site. We are always interested in hearing about other diners that are for sale.

Additions / Deletions

One diner was added to the database.

Martin's Diner, found in dustboy4's picture on flickr.


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.


Our Second Poll Question

We've decided to extend our poll question to the end of the month. In case you missed it, we are looking for feedback on our Google Diner Map. Your input is very important and we ask that you take a minute and vote.



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

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Friday, February 13, 2009

A Look Back on February 13th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/13/2008
This particular article written by Betty Jespersen for the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel, was about the recent purchase the former Farmington Diner.

2/13/2007
Writing for the New York Sun Gary Shapiro talked about development plans in SoHo that don't include the Moondance Diner.

The diner left New York in August 2007 and opened in LaBarge, Wyoming about a month ago as the LaBarge Moondance Diner.

2/13/2003
Tribune-Review reporter Angel Brownawell wrote about the moving of the late 1930's O'Mahony diner that once operated as Serro's Diner.

2/13/2000
Jack Stewardson of the Standard-Times talked with Phil Paleologos about ownership of the Shawmut Diner over the years.


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Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Look Back on February 12th

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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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

A Look Back on February 11th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column. If you would like something included here, please write us.

2/11/2008
Rapid City Journal reporter Dan Daly wrote about a former Denny's that opened as Arnold's Classic Diner in Rapid City, South Dakota.

2/11/2008
Brian McCarthy wrote about the closing of the Vale Rio Diner in his Daily Local News article.

2/11/2008
Several news media outlets reported about the reopening of Middletown, Connecticut's O'Rourke's Diner. WTNH and the Hartford Courant posted articles online about this event.

2/11/2005
The Chronicle Printing Company wrote about the return of two former area diners: the Windham and South Windham diners.


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In the News - Mill Pond Diner


Mill Pond Diner, © 2007 DinerHistory.com
file photo
Fox 25 Boston continues their South Coast Massachusetts diner tour. During the Wednesday morning broadcast, one of their segments is called "Diner Wednesday." This morning Doug "VB" Goudie visited the Mill Pond Diner in Wareham, Massachusetts. Take a look at their video for glimpses of this 1950's Jerry O'Mahony, Inc. built diner's interior.

While we don't have "VB"'s future schedule, or the ability to predict where he will be next, there are two other diners in the area he hasn't visited. These diners are also early 1950's O'Mahony built diners. We're talking about Angelo's Orchid Diner and the Shawmut Diner, both located in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

During the Fox 25 video current owner of the Mill Pond, William "Biff" Goyette reminisces there's been a diner there for as long as he can remember. He spoke of a small diner, with eight or twelve stools and a door that slides--possibly an O'Mahony. We don't have anything on file about this diner and would be interested in hearing more about it.

Our diner database has entries about other former Mill Pond Diners, one of them being a Worcester Lunch Car Company #816. We aren't sure when it arrived, though it returned to Worcester around 1959. Number 816 currently operates in Spencer, Massachusetts as Charlie's Diner.

A Mountain View Diners #309 built diner became the new Mill Pond, until about 1964 when it too was replaced. This time the diner moved a short distance away to nearby Mattapoisett. Since 2003 #309 has operated as the Nest Diner.

You might wonder where the current Mill Pond Diner came from. The O'Mahony diner was once located about thirty miles away in Fall River, Massachusetts where it operated as Earnshaw's Diner.


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Mill Pond Diner
2571 Cranberry Hwy.
Wareham, MA
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

February Activities

In going through our diner database, we've found several diners that were either sold, moved, opened, or closed during February. Keep an eye on the left side of this page, as we'll post about them during the month.

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the reopening of O'Rourke's Diner, in Middletown, Connecticut. O'Rourke's was damaged in a fire, at the end of August in 2006. It took support in all forms from the local community, but after extensive interior renovations, this Mountain View Diners built diner reopened.

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A Look Back on February 10th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column. If you would like something included here, please write us.

2/10/2005
Melissa Pasanen, for the Burlington Free Press, wrote about the change in ownership for Henry's Diner.


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Monday, February 9, 2009

A Look Back on February 9th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column. If you would like something included here, please write us.

2/9/2008
Writers for the Hartford Courant mentioned O'Rourke's Diner would reopen in two days.

2/9/2003
Eric Moskowitz of the South Coast Today noted the Nest Diner has new owners.

2/9/1997
Joanna McQuillan Weeks wrote about her visit to the in her South Coast Today article.

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Saturday, February 7, 2009

Today In Diner History. . .

On this date in 1939, Allendale, New Jersey resident, Irving B. Cooper received patent number 2145919 entitled "Vehicle Body Construction." Though he filed on April 27, 1938 it wasn't until the following February when the patent was issued. This patent described a welded steel frame and other improvements to a diner car's structure. The entire patent and accompanying drawings may be viewed on the Google Patent website.

According to page 239 of "American Diner Then & Now" by Richard J. S. Gutman, Mr. Cooper, "...was vice president in charge of design and production for the diner division" of Paterson Vehicle Company. This is the company that built diners under the name Silk City Diner.


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Friday, February 6, 2009

A Look Back on February 6th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/6/2008
Ann Bryant wrote many articles for the Sun Journal about the Farmington Diner. Today's reports if this diner is to be spared demolition, time is of the essence.


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In the News - Jerry's Diner


Kent Diner
Photo by flickr pro planetschwa
and appears here under Creative
Commons
The former Jerry's Diner, once located in Kent, Ohio was in the news again. Our blog entry from December 22, updated our readers on Mike Zenone's restoration project. At that time he had removed a portion of the structure.

What you see in the picture at left, is no longer. Ravenna Record-Courier writer Steph Krell briefly noted it was torn down yesterday.


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Thursday, February 5, 2009

In the News - Emerald Diner

After operating for many years in Norwich, Connecticut, it closed in the 1980's and subsequently moved to a field. Perhaps it would have remained there and decayed if not for the efforts of J.P. Marsh in the early 1990's. He brought the 1939 O'Mahony built diner to Hubbard, Ohio in 1994. In April 2005, after a series of renovations, the Emerald Diner opened.

Fast forward to the end of 2008 where we found an advertisement listing the business for sale. Based upon the description, though inquiries made to the broker weren't returned, we knew this was the Emerald. Asking price was set at $90,000.

Today's Vindy.com reporter John W. Goodwin Jr. writes the diner's been given a new lease on life. Long-time employee Erika Saadeh now holds the keys to the diner.

We do take issue with Mr. Goodwin on a few points. His article makes such statements as, a "...shiny silver, old-fashioned railroad caboose..." and a "...1930s-era railroad caboose with the 1950s theme..." when referring to the "Monarch" style O'Mahony diner. Several pictures of the diner are available on flickr here. The exterior has been renovated over the years and with it's extensive use of stainless, it resembles diners of the 1940's/1950's. A good example of the O'Mahony "Monarch" style diner is one we stopped at along our Pennsylvania diner trip last month. flickr pro Agilitynut has two pictures of the diner we visited--the former Reading Diner. We know of two other "Monarchs," though they are in storage, awaiting restoration: Serro's and Barr's.

We wish Ms. Saadeh all the best in her venture.


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Erika's Emerald Diner
825 N. Main St.
Hubbard, OH
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A Look Back on February 5th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/5/2008
WTNH.com reporter Crystal Haynes talks with Mo Ali, owner of the closed Forbes Diner.

Soon after closure the diner was moved to storage in New Haven, Connecticut.

2/5/2006
Lisa Finneran's article for the Daily Press reports the Blue Star Diner in Newport News, Virginia is undergoing renovations.


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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A Look Back on February 4th

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/4/2001
Peter Mandel a Boston Globe reporter, wrote about the Modern Diner, a vintage Sterling diner in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

2/4/2001
Peter Mandel wrote another article for the Boston Globe. His article talked about his visit to the Silver Top Diner in Providence, Rhode Island.

The diner was moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 2002 and hasn't reopened.

2/4/2001
Charles Osgood, for his television program, "CBS News Sunday Morning" talks about his visit to Tommy's Deluxe Diner, in Middletown, Rhode Island.

Tommy's closed in 2006. About two years later it reopened as the Road Island Diner in Oakley, Utah.


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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

In the News - Star Diner

After many years of anticipation, we can now report the Star Diner in Rumford, RI quietly opened yesterday. The Providence Journal has a video clip here about opening.

We last wrote about the Star Diner in our January 25, 2009 blog entry. At that time an article appeared in the Pawtucket Times mentioning the diner would open soon.


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Star Diner
140 Newport Ave.
Rumford, RI
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A Look Back on February 3rd

Over the years, today was a busy day for diner news. We've posted some of the news summaries in this column.

2/3/2008
Mark Zaretsky's article in the New Haven Register reported that O'Rourke's Diner was days from reopening.

O'Rourke's closed in 2006 due to fire and reopened on February 11, 2007.

2/3/2006
The Pawtucket Times reporter, Douglas Hadden wrote an update on the Silver Top Diner.


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Monday, February 2, 2009

A Look Back on February 2nd

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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Search Assistance

You've entered some words into your favorite Internet search engine. Listed among the results may be some of the pages we wrote that include some of your search words. However when you click on the link it brings you to our most current front page. The results you were expecting might not be on our front page anymore. What you are looking for may even be several pages back.

Why not use the "Search" features on the left side of this page? Near the top of this page there is a blue border. At the left corner of that blue border is a search field. We suggest you enter in there what you are searching for. Or perform a tag search, also located at left.

Every so often we review the logs to see what people are searching for and the pages they were taken to. The goal of this page is to help you find pertinent information easily. As always, if you were unable to find what you were looking for, we welcome your comments.




















































































































































































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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Bought or Sold During February

2008
Rachel Jackson-Hodgdon purchases the Farmington Diner

Currently the diner sits in Wilton, Maine with an uncertain future.

Related blog entries.


We'll post more during the month.


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Diners on the Move During February

2005
The Valley Diner moved from Waterbury to Willimantic, Connecticut.

This 1950's Mountain View Diners built diner later opened as Mickey's Windham Diner in December 2005.


We'll post more during the month.


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In the News - Palace Diner


Palace Diner, © 2008 DinerHistory.com
file photo
Both WCSH6 and WLBZ2 posted a brief mention about recent activities at the Biddeford, Maine diner. John Connolly, an Irish mystery author included the Palace as a location for his documentary. A short video is included to the right of the article, where John Connolly talks about his project. Another Maine location also making an appearance is the beach in Old Orchard Beach. Plans are for Mr. Connolly and Tyrone Productions to have this on Irish television next year.

The Palace Diner was included in our August 2008 road trip. Though the diner, being breakfast only, was closed at the time of our visit. Read our blog entry about the visit here.


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Palace Diner
18 Frankin St.
Biddeford, ME
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Other blog entries we've written about the diner.


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Diner Exhibit Diner Exhibit Diners: Still Cookin' in the 21st Century Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University
315 Harborside Blvd. Providence, RI View Map / Send to GPS*
Chuck Wagon Diner Chuck Wagon Diner Chuck Wagon Diner
655 Western Tpke. Duanesburg, NY View Map / Send to GPS*
Road Island Diner Road Island Diner Road Island Diner website
981 Weber Canyon Rd. Oakley, UT View Map / Send to GPS*
Tin Man Diner Tin Man Diner 70 County Rd. North Falmouth, MA View Map / Send to GPS*

About

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Whether you appreciate diner history, the architecture, or its contribution to American culture and the food service industry, this site will be a unique resource for you. This blog is part history, current news, road trips, and our staff's insightful commentary. We thank you for visiting and encourage you to join in, sharing your own diner adventures.

Our email address is staff@dinerhistory.com. A link to contact us by email is under "Contact" located just to the left. We welcome your comments, criticisms, and suggestions.
-Diner News and History staff

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