January 2009 BuyADiner.com Stats

1-09 Wordpress Stats
Originally uploaded by buyadiner.com

The buyadiner.com site has released some statistics for January 2009. Looking at the graph web traffic really took off during January. Read their entire blog entry here.

A "Diner for Sale" link to the buyadiner.com site appears at the top and bottom of each page.


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A Look Back on January 31th

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

1/31/2002
Providence Phoenix columnists Phillipe and George wrote about the eviction of the Silver Top Diner from downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

1/31/1999
The New York Times writer Richard Jay Scholem talked with several Long Island, New York diner owners about what it means to be a diner.


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A Look Back on January 30th

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

1/30/2008
Express-Times reported on the Crossroads Diner celebrating it's 30th anniversary of ownership by the Zikas family.

1/30/2008
Brian McCarthy of the Phoenixville News wrote the Vale-Rio diner closes on February 24th.


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In the News - Miss Williamsburg Diner

Yesterday's Gothamist is reporting the diner once known as the Miss Williamsburg Diner, a 1950's Silk City Diner, was gutted by an early morning fire. According to their article it last operated as a restaurant called 718. flickr pro imjustsayin has a series of photos a few hours later showing the extent of the damage.


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In the News - "Diners of New York"

Diners of NY, on the cover
is the Elizaville Diner.

Following a recent Internet posting, we were directed to Margaret McCormick's article in the Post-Standard. Her article provides an opportune time for us to mention the book entitled, "Diners of NY" by Michael Engle and Mario Monti. It was good to see her article not perpetuate the misconception that all diners are made out of discarded railroad cars.

Inside its almost three hundred pages, "Diners of NY" is packed full of information about factory manufactured diners in New York state. Though for completeness, they may slip in an on-site built diner or two.

With so many diners in New York, they tackled the project by breaking the book into regions. The lines were drawn along traditionally defined regions such as the "Capital District and Adirondacks," "Catskills," "Central Leatherstocking," "Finger Lakes and Western," "Long Island," "Lower Hudson Valley," and "New York City." "Diners of NY" follows the familiar format of preceding Stackpole Books such as "Diners of New England" and "Diners of Pennsylvania."

Whether you read the book sequentially, or concentrate on your favorite region, you'll find many photos, descriptions, stories, an index of diners, and maps interspersed throughout the book. It's something you'll want to carry with you on your diner visits. Speaking of which, in many of the sections they've included suggested routes of travel. Although the book has narrow margins, there is room for jotting a few notes.

For more information about "Diners of NY" we recommend you visit the NYDiners.com website. Better yet, visit your favorite bookseller and pickup your own copy. It's a handy resource not just for residents of New York, but everyone interested in diners both past and present. Hats off to Michael Engle and Mario Monti for putting together this excellent resource.


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A Look Back on January 28th

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

1/28/2008
NorthJersey.com wrote that several New Jersey diners were to be featured in an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

1/28/2007
WNYT-TV reported about the closure of the Speedway Family Diner, in West Lebanon, NY due to fire.

1/28/2004
In the Portland Press Herald, Josie Huang wrote of the efforts Randall Chasse was pursuing to find the Miss Portland Diner a buyer.

1/28/2004

LaVerne's Diner Interior
| Pittsburgh
Photo by flickr member
theamericanroadside,
and appears here under
Creative Commons

Dan Gigler wrote of the passing of LaVerne Yorkgitis, owner of LaVerne's Diner in his Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article. His article touched on the history of the diner. While the diner was open, its future was uncertain.

About two and a half years later, another Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer, Marlene Parrish, wrote that the diner was sold to a local businessman a few months after LaVerne's passing. The photo to the right shows the interior, when the picture was taken on February 17, 2008.

1/28/2001
Jenna Russell, writing for the Boston Globe noted Ted's Diner in Milford, Massachusetts would have to move. Plans for the site was a new fire station.

Ted's did move, however it was eventually demolished in 2002.


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In the News - Al Mac's Diner

Last night we had a sense this might take place. Fox25 Boston has a feature called "Diner Wednesday." The premise is Doug "VB" Goudie travels to diners in Massachusetts, interviews the owners and they put together a segment for the show. During the Wednesday morning Fox25 live broadcast, Mr. Goudie is at the diner and from time to time the anchors check in with him. He'll be chatting it up with the owners or customers along with doing a commentary on some topical event or issue. We were there on December 3, 2008 during his broadcast from the Nest Diner, in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. A brief blog entry was posted here.

Today, Mr. Goudie traveled to Fall River, Massachusetts and visited the 1950's DeRaffele built diner known as Al Mac's Diner. Fox25 has a video posted that may be viewed here.

We last visited Al Mac's, this past New Year's Eve and blogged about it here.


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Al Mac's Diner
135 President Ave.
Fall River, MA
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A Look Back on January 27th

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

1/27/2007
One of many articles Rebecca Jackson wrote about the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner for the Smith Mountain Eagle, appeared online.

The diner and drive-in did open and has become one of our most popular blog entries.

1/27/2001
Pam Greene's article in the Syracuse Post Standard mentioned the Hunter Dinerant being for sale.


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In the News - Main Street Diner

Main Street Diner,
Plainville, CT,
Photo by flickr pro jenniferrt66
and appears here under
Creative Commons

After a thorough cleaning and some renovations, James Craven of the Bristol Press reported the Main Street Diner has reopened. Frank and Kathy Loukoumis purchased the diner towards the end of last year. Read the entire article here.

It was during the summer of 2007 when we last visited the diner. Underneath the brick exterior is a 1950s Master built diner. Though not as common on the diner landscape as say an O'Mahony or DeRaffele built diners, others do exist. A quick check of our diner database returned the closest other operating Master diner. About eighty miles up I-91 is Al's Diner in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Another query of the database for other classic diners located in the city or town with the name "Plainville." Massachusetts is at the top of the list again with a 1950's Mountain View Diner named Don's Diner.

Next time we are in the area we'll stop by the Main Street and have a full report.


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Al's Diner
14 Yelle St.
Chicopee, MA
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Don's Diner
121 South St.
Plainville, MA
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Main Street Diner
40 W. Main St.
Plainville, CT
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A Look Back on January 26th

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

1/26/2006
Kay Lazar wrote in her Boston Globe article about the Bel-Aire Diner in Peabody, Massachusetts being closed and for sale.

We aren't aware of the diner ever reopening or being moved.

1/26/2006
Alan Burke of the Eagle Tribune was another person writing about the Bel-Aire Diner being for sale.


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In the News - Star Diner

Star Diner, Rumford, RI,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo

Grand Opening? This was slipped in towards the end of Donna Kenny Kirwan's article. She also wrote in her Pawtucket Times article, dated January 26, 2009, that the diner was used as a location for "Manifest Breakfast."

We've awaited the opening of this 1950's DeRaffele built diner for as long as we can remember it being there. This blog has written about the diner several times. It will be good to see it open and expect to write about that experience soon.

During our recent Pennsylvania diner trip, we saw a similar diner. The American Dream Diner located in Harrisburg. It shares the same structural style and accent color. Some noticeable differences exist between the two diners. Such as include a centered vestibule clock. Below the windows there are three narrow enameled turquoise color bands, instead of the two wide bands as seen above. Narrow color matched vertical flutes are used below the corner windows, in contrast to the Star's wide flutes.

On the interior the Star has a distinct hood over the back bar, which the American Dream doesn't have. The stool style; pedestal and tops, and floor are another similarity.

With the number of diners DeRaffele built, there may be other diners such as the Star and American Dream out there. If you know of one, please let us know.

We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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Star Diner
140 Newport Ave.
Rumford, RI
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Tin Man Diner flickr Photo Turns 300

Tin Man Diner,© 2008
DinerHistory.com
file photo

Back on June 1, 2008 when we visited the diner, work was still being done in preparation for their opening. We captured many shots of the diner, however, this has always been one of our favorites. The subsequent blog entries we've written for "Diner News and History" have always been some of the more popular pages viewed. As a side note, we've also noticed a significant interest in the Mayberry Drive-in Theater and Diner.

When Doug "VB" Goudie of Fox25 brought his "Diner Wednesday" feature to the Tin Man on the 14th of this month, our stats went off the charts. Over the last few weeks the flickr counter for this picture surpassed our picture of the Diner Exhibit photo. According to flickr, three hundred people have clicked on the thumbnail to see the larger picture. Thank you to everyone viewing our photo of the Tin Man Diner's interior. We encourage you to visit and experience the diner for yourself. Whenever we go to the Tin Man, we feel not like we are eating in a restaurant, but a guest visiting the home Barbara Lind and her daughter Susan Kettell-Lind.


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Tin Man Diner
70 County Rd.
North Falmouth, MA
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Cheyenne Diner - NYC

Cheyenne Diner
Photo by flickr pro Holster® and
appears here under
Creative Commons

We received word from Michael Perlman that the iconic Cheyenne Diner sign will be removed tomorrow morning. The Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner sent us this press release

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
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

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

HISTORIC CHEYENNE DINER SIGN TO BE REMOVED IN PREP FOR DINER MOVE

NEW YORK, NY (Jan 24, 2009) – The iconic sign of NYC’s historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St) will be removed on Sunday, January 25, 2009 by Paul Signs Inc of Brooklyn, NY, in preparation for the move, which is to take place within the next few weeks. Michael Perlman a.k.a “Diner-Man” (http://www.observer.com/2008/diner-man-rescue) states “It is of the utmost importance to acquire the necessary permits in a timely manner, to ensure preservation via transport for this historic gem, and we urge the NYC Dept of Buildings to expedite the permits process.”

On Jan 13, 2009, Perlman brokered the deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas. The diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn’t located. Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate, and has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a classic car museum & special events center. Owens states “This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners.” Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states “This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination.”

Perlman received alternate proposals from potential buyers from Upstate NY, PA, MI, TX, & UT, but it boiled down to first-come, first-serve, when faced with a 6-week deadline to clear the property. 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 NY’s historic Moondance Diner to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007).

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. Cheyenne’s ex-owner Mike O'Connell planned to transport the diner to Red Hook, but it fell through when it wouldn't fit across the Manhattan Bridge via a 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 celebs i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, and since it's second to the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Mid-Manhattan, and a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by Paramount Diners in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through '86 after the popular chain. It retains 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, & photos during Mega Moves documentary filming, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/8095451@N08/7t0113

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 early 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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Closed
Cheyenne Diner
411 9th Ave.
New York, NY
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In the News - Liberty Elm Diner

Liberty Elm Diner,© 2008 DinerHistory.com
file photo

The "TV Diner" program as seen on the NECN cable network, has posted a review about the Liberty Elm Diner. Watch the video here.








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Liberty Elm Diner
777 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI
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Lindy's Diner

Lindy's Diner
Photo by flickr pro iandavid
and appears here under Creative
Commons

A New England winter diner scene.

Lindy's Diner website mentions the diner was built by Paramount and arrived in 1961. Paramount Dining Cars built diners in Haledon, New Jersey. As times changed, so did their name. They became Paramount Modular Concepts of Oakland, New Jersey and according to Manta, incorporated as P M C Diners Inc. in 1970.



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Lindy's Diner
19 Gilbo Ave.
Keene, NH
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Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 1/18/2009-1/24/2009

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.

Summary

It was a quiet week for diner news. In the news on Wednesday was an article about Denny's. They are not going to build a new restaurant at the former Destin Diner site after all.

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. It looks to be a 1990's Starlite diner. 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.

The following diner was added to the database:

Walt's Klassics At Olivers
2420 S. Oliver St.
Wichita, KS
-source. flickr pro ercwttmn has a few pictures of the diner in their photostream.

Our first poll question.

There's been a good response so far and we thought others might want to participate. We've decided to extend our poll question to the end of the month. Would you be interested in becoming a member of a worldwide diner organization? This organization would seek to preserve, educate, and inspire the appreciation of diners and their history in future generations. 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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A Look Back on January 24th

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

1/24/2008
Danielle Camilli's article in the Burlington County Times mentioned Olga's Diner.

Olga's, located in Marlton, New Jersey, closed for the final time on October 18, 2008.

1/24/2007
The Cabinet Press reported the former Milford Diner was sold.


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A Look Back on January 23rd

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

1/23/2008
The Hartford Courant reporter Alaine Griffin wrote about the continued effort to reopen O'Rourke's Diner.

The diner reopened the morning of February 11, 2008.

1/23/2007
K. Paul Mallasch's Muncie Free Press article made a passing reference to the Plainfield Diner.

The Plainfield closed in December 2007 and reopened the following May as the U.S. 40 Diner.

1/23/2007
Celanie Polanick of the Courier News reported the Time To Eat Diner in Bridgewater, New Jersey opened today.


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Today In Diner History. . .

On this date in 1893, Worcester, Massachusetts resident, Thomas H. Buckley received design patent number 23011 entitled "Design For A Lunch-Wagon Body." The entire patent and accompanying drawings may be viewed here on the Google Patent website.


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In the News - Destin Diner

Our November 7th, 2008 blog entry mentioned what was in store for the Destin. Wednesday's theDestinLog.com article reports Denny's plans for the structure have changed. They are no longer interested in the site. A stumbling block to potential future operators is, Denny's took out all the equipment and donated it.

We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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Closed
Destin Diner
1083 Highway 98 E.
Destin, FL
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A Look Back on January 22nd

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

1/22/2006
Pocono Record reporter Michael Sadowski wrote about the new owners of the one time Colonial Diner in Stroudsburg, PA.

1/22/2005
Andrew Wineke writing for the Gazette, mentioned two Colorado diners; King's Chef and Jo's Diner would be featured on a television program that night.

1/22/2002
Denise Marie Mize reported in the Milford Daily News that the former Ted's Diner wouldn't be restored.

The diner was demolished by the city in 2002.


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A Look Back on January 21st

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

1/21/2008
The Hartford Courant published one of the first articles outlining the future plans for Skee's Diner in Torrington, Connecticut.

1/21/2007
Jake Mooney's New York Times article mentioned the closing of Brooklyn's Tiffany Diner.

1/21/2006
Peter J. Howe wrote about the Deluxe Town Diner and recent changes at the diner. Its heat and hot water system uses waste cooking oil. The article appeared in the Boston Globe.


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A Look Back on January 20th

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

1/20/2008
Daily Local News reporter Brian McCarthy wrote about the looming closure of the Vale-Rio Diner

1/20/2008
Nicolas Millan wrote about the history of the Coach House Diner in Hackensack, New Jersey for the the Hudson Reporter.

1/20/2008
An article appeared in the the Billings Gazette about the accumulated snow caused a wall to collapse on the LaBarge Moondance Diner.

1/20/2006
Victoria Scavo wrote about the moving of the former Riley's Diner in Lynn, Massachusetts in her Boston Herald article.

1/20/2005
East Bay Newspapers reporter Peggy Aulisio wrote about the diners at the Handy Hill Creamery in Westport, Massachusetts awaiting restoration.

1/20/2003
The renovated Auburn Diner opened for business.


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Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 1/11/2009-1/17/2009

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.

We are working on 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.

Several diners were added to the database. Some of these names were found during the week in various online articles or auctions. While the LaBarge Moondance Diner in LaBarge, Wyoming isn't a traditionally manufactured diner, it opened on Monday. By the time you read this, the Rajun Cajun restaurant in Hartford, Connecticut has closed. The Cheyenne Diner was sold. 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.

The following diners were added to the database:

Al's Diner
Jersey City, NJ

Blissville Diner*

Blue Beacon*

Rip's North End Lunch*
Pittsfield, MA

Rose City Diner*
Madison, NJ

Shorty's Short Stop*

Silk City Diner
Stevens, PA

Superior Diner*
Perth Amboy, NJ


Tina's Diner*
Wethersfield, CT

Our first poll question.

There's been a good response so far and we thought others might want to participate. We've decided to extend our poll question to the end of the month. Would you be interested in becoming a member of a worldwide diner organization? This organization would seek to preserve, educate, and inspire the appreciation of diners and their history in future generations. Your input is very important and we ask that you take a minute and vote.

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.


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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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A Look Back on January 19th

1/19/2007
Courier Post Online staff writer Lisa Grzyboski's article about the Weber's Colonial Diner*.

1/19/2001
Sue Bush writing for the journal Historic Bennington, talked in depth about the Blue Benn Diner. Her article mentions the diner was built by Silk City Design. We can find no reference to this company. Though Paterson Vehicle Company did have a line of diners called Silk City Diner.


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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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A Look Back on January 18th

1/18/2008
Ann Bryant wrote about a potential solution to the Farmington Diner's troubles in her Sun Journal article.

Related blog entries

1/18/2008
Dan Wright reported the L & S Diner business had been sold in his Daily News Record article.

1/18/2008
Herald-Tribune newspaper writer Toni Whitt penned another article about a number of Mel's Diner locations in Florida.

1/18/2008
The Salem Gazette wrote about the appearance of Boston Red Sox legend, Johnny Pesky at the grand opening the Salem Diner on January 9th.

We mentioned the Salem Diner's first anniversary in last week's Weekend Roundup. We wish continued success to George and Zoe Elefteriadis in the operation of their rare, 1941 J.B. Judkins Co., Sterling streamline diner.

1/18/2007
Herb Meeker of the Journal Gazette and Times-Courier, wrote another article about the former Bluebird which reopened as the Route 40 Classic Diner in Pennsylvania.

Related blog entries

Mr. Meeker wrote the diner joined a drive-in theater. This sounds similar to the Mayberry Drive-in Theater and Diner.

1/18/2007
Alice T. Carter talked with Brian Butko about what it means to be a diner in her Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article.

1/18/2006
In the Daily Item of Lynn, David Liscio reported the former Riley's Diner was moving to Spring Lake, New Hampshire.

1/18/2005
Chronicle Staff Writer Matthew L. Brown talked about two diners making a return to the Windham, Connecticut area.

These diners, Mickey's Windham Diner opened December 2005 and Aero Diner opened about June 2006.

1/18/2003
In the Pawtucket Times, Douglas Hadden wrote about the former Silver Top Diner, and the part it played in Sherman Kew's film "Space Theater".

The Silver Top Diner remains stored since it moved March 2003 to Pawtucket, Rhode Island.


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A Look Back on January 17th

1/17/2008
Several articles about the closing of Mel's Diner appeared online, including these listed below.

Bradenton Herald writers Sara Kennedy and Duane Marsteller.

Toni Whitt of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

1/17/2007
Marianne Ivers wrote about the Chatham Diner being threatened by development in her Independent Press article.

We aren't sure what happened, so please let us know how the situation turned out.

1/17/2007

Hunter Dinerant Auburn, NY2
Photo by flickr pro Seth Gaines
and appears here under
Creative Commons

David Wilcox of The Citizen, wrote about the Hunter Dinerant. His article mentioned Judy Parker, who has worked at the 1950's O'Mahony diner, for thirty-three years.











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A Look Back on January 16th

1/16/2008
WWSB ABC 7 in Florida reported Mel's Diner closed two of its locations.

1/16/2006
An editorial appeared in the Newport Daily News about the impending closure of Tommy's Deluxe Diner

Although the diner did close in May of 2006, a new chapter in its history began about two years later, as the Road Island Diner in Oakley, UT.


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In the News - LaBarge Moondance Diner

Kay Murphy Fatheree talked with the owners and staff of the diner about opening day, this past Monday. Read her entire article in the Kemmerer Gazette.

The diner once located in New York City, is a restored building dating back to the 1930's. While not a manufactured diner, it includes features reminiscent of diners from that era. We encourage you to visit their website to see pictures of the diner and read about what it took to reopen in Wyoming.


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LaBarge Moondance Diner
6th Ave and Main Street
LaBarge, WY
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In the News - Cheyenne Diner Saved!

1/15/09 11:16 AM

Cheyenne Diner
Originally uploaded by flickr pro Lawl
and appears here under Creative
Commons

Here is the press release issued by Michael Perlman with the the details.

###

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
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

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

HISTORIC CHEYENNE DINER TO RETIRE SOUTH IN ITS GOLDEN YEARS:
New Lease On Life In Birmingham, AL!

NEW YORK, NY (Jan 14, 2009) – NYC's historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St), "the diner of popular demand" was for sale once again, but as of today, Michael Perlman a.k.a “Diner-Man” (http://www.observer.com/2008/diner-man-rescue) brokered a deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas for an undisclosed amount.

According to Perlman, the diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn’t located. Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate, and has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a classic car museum & special events center. Owens states “This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners.” Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states “This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination.”

Perlman received alternate proposals from potential buyers from Upstate NY, PA, MI, TX, & UT, but it boiled down to first-come, first-serve, when faced with a 6-week deadline to clear the property. Perlman states “It is of the utmost importance to acquire the necessary permits in a timely manner, to ensure preservation via transport for this historic gem, and we urge the NYC Dept of Buildings to expedite the permits process.” (Please direct inquiries to historicdiner@hotmail.com or pattikm@hotmail.com or Patti Miller Media Relations at (205) 587-5068, and “Diner-Man” Michael Perlman for NYC inquiries at unlockthevault@hotmail.com & (917) 446-7775.) 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 Birmingham, with the expertise of Rigger Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging, who transported 50 diners countrywide (including NY’s historic Moondance Diner to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007).

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. Cheyenne’s ex-owner Mike O'Connell planned to transport the diner to Red Hook, but it fell through when it wouldn't fit across the Manhattan Bridge via a 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 celebs i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, and since it's second to the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Mid-Manhattan, and a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by Paramount Diners in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through '86 after the popular chain. It retains 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.”

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, & photos during Mega Moves documentary filming, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/8095451@N08/7t0113

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 early 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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Closed
Cheyenne Diner
411 9th Ave.
New York, NY
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A Look Back on January 15th

1/15/2008
Lynne Adkins, for KYW Newsradio 1060, wrote about the impact of road construction has on the Trolly Car Diner

The Trolly Car is one diner we made sure to visit when we were recently in Pennsylvania about two weeks ago (1/2/2009).

1/15/2007
North Adams Transcript reporter, Bonnie Obremski wrote about the new ownership for the Chef's Hat.

1/15/2007
Another article about the Weber's Colonial Diner fire, was written by Meg Huelsman, for the Courier Post Online.

1/15/2003
Craig Wolf wrote in the Poughkeepsie Journal that the Yankee Clipper Diner, in Beacon, New York has new owners.

We last visited the diner on January 2, 2009.

1/15/2002
Tom Robbins, of the Village Voice, wrote about the Jones Diner.

We aren't sure what happened to this New York City diner. If anyone has information, please write us.


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In the News - Tin Man Diner

Tin Man Diner, © 2008
DinerHistory.com file photo

In case you weren't able to be there, Doug "VB" Goudie from Fox25 visited the Tin Man Diner in North Falmouth, Massachusetts this morning. Click here to see the video.

We've written a number of articles about the diner. The diner was built by P.J. Tierney & Sons, Inc. in 1927. Click here to read our first blog entry written in June of 2008. Near the end of this article is a link to all the articles we've written about the diner.

"VB"'s live broadcast from the diner was one of a series visited for the Fox25 "Diner Wednesday" feature. He was in the area a little over a month ago. About twenty-six miles from the Tin Man, he visited the Nest Diner in Mattapoisett, MA. We were there for that live broadcast on December 3, 2008, and wrote about here.


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Tin Man Diner
70 County Rd.
North Falmouth, MA
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The Nest Diner
81 Fairhaven Rd.
Mattapoisett, MA
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A Look Back on January 14th

1/14/1996
One of many articles appearing in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette about the former Edgemere Diner.


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In the News - Rajun Cajun

At the Rajun Cajun, © 2007
DinerHistory.com file photo

Daniel D'Ambrosio broke the story in today's Hartford Avocate. Chef Tommy Armstrong, pictured at the counter, has put the for sale sign outside the diner.

The diner was built by Paramount Dining Cars in the 1940's.



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Rajun Cajun Restaurant
2790 Main St.
Hartford, CT
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A Look Back on January 13th

1/13/2008
David K. Leff writing for the Hartford Courant mentioned several of Connecticut's classic diners

1/13/2007
One of Herb Meeker's articles about the former Route 40 Classic Diner appeared in today's Herald & Review.

Although the diner arrived in Pittsburgh about a month after this article, the grand opening was November 4, 2008. Watch the YouTube video here.

1/13/2007
Weber's Colonial Diner closed due to fire.

We aren't sure if this is a manufactured diner. If you have any information please let us know. We did find a post on Twitter from Kimberly, dated August 16, 2008 mentioning it's now called the Legacy Diner.


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A Look Back on January 12th

1/12/2006
While the focus of Johanna Sorrentino's Rutland Herald article was their Precision Valley Corvette Museum, she mentioned the attached Springfield Royal Diner.

The diner closed in August 2007. It did reopen about seven months later, with new management and under a slightly different name--The Springfield Royal Diner and Pancake House.

Coincidentally there's an article in Google News today, about a car museum that's for sale which includes a faux diner as a prop.

1/12/2000
Will Troutman waxed poetically about diners in his University Wire article.


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Weekend Roundup

Time period covered 1/4/2009-1/10/2009

We started putting this together during today's visit to the Liberty Elm Diner. In talking with Kip, she told us something we never knew about the building across the street. At one time it was called the Elmwood Theatre. Though its been many years since it was last used for its original purpose, the building currently functions as a church. We encourage you to read people's memories of the Elmwood and other theaters at the Cinema Treasures site.

In this issue. . .
Wrap up of Sunday's road trip.
New diner added to database.
Our first poll question.
Diners for sale.


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.

Wrap up of Sunday's road trip.

Last week's Weekend Roundup covered up till January third. Sunday the fourth marked the return leg of our Pennsylvania trip. Here's a list of the diners we visited:

Al's Diner - Jersey City, NJ
Bob's Diner - Manheim, PA
Capitol Diner - Harrisburg, PA
Cardinal Diner - Kearny, NJ
Lyndon City Line Diner - Lancaster, PA
Miss America Diner - Jersey City, NJ
Prospect Diner - Columbia, PA
former Tom Sawyer Diner - Harrisburg, PA currently operates as Sawyers Cantina
Tops Diner - Harrison, NJ
West Shore Diner - Lemoyne, PA

We just finished plotting about twenty new diners on our Google diner map during the upcoming week.

New diner added to database.

One diner was added to the database. While the Cheyenne Diner is threatened with demolition, there were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, moved, or sold. On the left side of the blog an article appeared this week about the Salem Diner. This past week marks their first year anniversary for owners George and Zoe Elefteriadis. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.

The following diners were added to the database:

Gabe's Diner*
1680 North Keyser Ave.
Scranton, PA

Our first poll question.

Our poll question appears at right. Would you be interested in becoming a member of a worldwide diner organization? This organization would seek to preserve, educate, and inspire the appreciation of diners and their history in future generations. Your input is very important and we ask that you take a minute and vote.

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. Speaking of which, a diner manufacturer has written us. We are working on showing what they can build for you. Stay tuned.


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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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In the News - LaBarge Moondance Diner

New Yorkers were saddened when the Moondance Diner left the City in mid-August 2007. Residents of LaBarge, Wyoming and diner fans around the world eagerly awaited its reopening. In the meantime, we wrote a few articles for this site. Our blog entry from December 30th mentioned the diner would open in January.

Good news everyone. Jeff Gearino's article in today's Casper Star-Tribune reports the diner opens tomorrow morning! During this project Cheryl and Vince Pierce encountered some setbacks which they overcame. It's good to see that the signature illuminated crescent moon sign above the diner is on again. From everyone here, we wish them the best with their diner.


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LaBarge Moondance Diner
6th Ave and Main Street
LaBarge, WY
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Today In Diner History. . .

On this date in 1893, Worcester, Massachusetts resident, Thomas H. Buckley received patent number 489893 for a "Lunch-Wagon." Though it should be noted that one-half was assigned to Ephraim Hamel, of Lynn, Massachusetts. Below is a quote from that patent document.

"The front and rear ends walls A², and A³, are provided with stained glass windows a⁹, fitted to swing inwardly, and the lights of the doors a², are also stained glass, and consequently with such construction lettering can be, and is ground thereon, to indicate and announce the character of the wagon and some of the general articles of food constituting the bill of fare, and which can be readily read from outside both day and night. . ."

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A Look Back on January 10th

1/10/2008
In the Salem News, Tom Dalton wrote about Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky's appearance at the grand opening for the Salem Diner, Salem Massachusetts.

1/10/2008
Sun Journal staff writer Ann Bryant penned one of many articles about the situation the Farmington Diner found itself in.

Related posts

1/10/2006
James J. Gillis of the The Newport Daily News, was one of the first to report the looming closure of Tommy's Deluxe Diner.

Tommy's closed that May and remained in Middletown, Rhode Island until July 2007. After a complete restoration, the diner reopened in Oakley, Utah about a year later.

1/10/2005
Globe Gazette writer John Skipper mentioned the Mason City, Iowa SuzieQ Diner would appear on "Al Roker's Diner Destinations" program.


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Diner For Sale

Many people inquire about purchasing a diner. While it can be a daunting proposition, it's a chance to be your own boss. Add to the fact it's a great opportunity to preserve a piece of history.

We have posted some new diners for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a diner, take a look at buyadiner.com. Is there a classic manufactured diner currently for sale that would benefit from the exposure to a targeted market? Let us know about it. There is no guarantee how long these will last, as some of these diners may be on the brink of avoiding demolition. Contact the sellers directly for further information.


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A Look Back on January 9th

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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In the News - Former Farmington Diner

Former Farmington Diner,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo

During our road trip in Pennsylvania this past weekend, both Betty Jespersen of the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel and Ann Bryant of the Sun Journal wrote articles about the diner.

It was back in July 2005 when we visited the diner on Intervale Road, where it had been since it arrived in the 1960s. At that time we noticed a series of interior renovations. Excepting the roof, the exterior of this late 1940s Mountain View* has fared better. In the picture you can see the signature "cow catcher" corners.

Over the last couple of years a number of articles have been written about the diner and its closing. As when any diner is removed from the existing foundation, its future may become unclear. This Diner was moved at the end of March 2008 to a field on Cemetery Road, in Wilton, Maine, where it remains there to this date. As we receive information about this project, we'll post it here.


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Farmington Diner
Cemetery Road
Wilton, ME
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A Look Back on January 8th

1/8/2008
Rebecca Jackson's in the Smith Mountain Eagle spoke of the Mayberry Drive-in Theater and Diner.

Though her article said the diner would open in the spring, it opened on October 11th. This diner has generated a lot of interest from our readers.

1/8/2007
Al Kemp's article at DelawareOnline.com mentioned the Smyrna Diner.

After many years, the Smyrna closed and during September 2008 Steve Harwin had it moved to Ohio for eventual restoration.

1/8/2000
Patricia Lowry of the Post-Gazette reviewed the new book, "Diners of Pennsylvania," by Brian Butko and Kevin Patrick.


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At Tops Diner

Tops Diner, © 2009
DinerHistory.com file photo

Updated 1/6/2009.

After a long day of driving in Pennsylvania, it was time to calculate the route home. Along that route, we did stop at a couple of diners in New Jersey and New York.

One of those stops was at Tops. When viewed from the exterior, the diner's pedigree might not be immediately known. Its liberal use of glass block and stainless steel draws from classic diner architecture. Once inside the vestibule the answer was found. Affixed above each doors is a Kullman Industries, Inc. builder tag.

Since they were taking names from the people waiting for a table, we decided to go with take-out. In the waiting area there are pictures of the former Tops Diners, giving you a sense of its long-standing history in the area. Not too long after placing the order, our food was ready and we were back on the road.

We searched our database for other diners named "Tops." Back in June 2005 we visited the old Tops Diner in Schnectady, New York. It didn't look like much had changed as we sat in this mid-1960's diner built by the Fodero Dining Car Company. Though its days were numbered. The diner was demolished around August 2006, when the much larger Tops American Grill opened.

Another diner named Tops was in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 2007 we found a postcard being auctioned online. The diner on that postcard looks to be in the style of a diner also built by Fodero. It was located on Walnut & Conemaugh Sts., facing Washington St. We'd like to hear your recollection of this diner, or its whereabouts today.


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Tops Diner
500 Passaic Ave.
Harrison, NJ
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At the Prospect Diner

Prospect Diner,
© 2009 DinerHistory.com file photo

Updated 1/6/2009.

It was back in 2004 and Randy Garbin's list of diners visited, that we first learned of this diner's previous name. During May of 2008, an article appeared on LancasterOnline.com, mentioning the diner's change of hands. Since then the diner's been operated by Michael and April Conroy.

When we arrived at the diner, the parking lot was empty and the lights were off. We noticed a handwritten piece of paper was taped to the inside of the front door. Today was the start of new operating hours. Unable to go inside and experience the diner, we took some pictures and made some observations for later publication here.

In looking at the diner, we'd have to say there are many striking features. One of them being the up angled roof overhang. Placing pictures of diners from this era side by side, reveals variations in overhang styling used by the different manufacturers. As seen in the picture, a common feature in Space Age styled diners is recessed lighting. Sometimes it's in a zigzag staggered pattern like the Prospect. Notice the edging on the Prospect's overhang. It's comprised of sections stamped with a single horizontal reverse channel. Piecing these sections together, it wraps around the overhang maintaining its streamlined appearance.

The exterior siding hass almost a candy stripe pattern. The horizontal siding is a 4/4 banded arrangement. That is, at the base of the windows begins a band of stainless, creased with three horizontal bends. Below that is a solid red band. The pattern repeats, four of each in total, ending with a solid red band. Above the windows and at the base of the diner, is a wide band of stainless. In contrast to the overhang edging, this has a double stamped horizontal reverse channel. For another discussion of exteriors, take a look at our blog post describing the O'Mahony built Supreme Roast Beef restaurant. While DeRaffele mixed horizontal and vertical striping on the exterior, the book Diners of Pennsylvania notes the Prospect is a Kullman manufactured diner. When we think of Kullman diners of this era, the Elizaville Diner is the first diner that comes to mind. Refer to Agilitynut's photos here. In contrast to the Prospect, Elizaville's corners are all slanted forward.

The interior of the diner maintains it's terrazzo style floor and stool seating. It looks like the booth seating and tables have been replaced. Perhaps the oddest thing with the diner is the inset ceiling Formica tiles. There's a random pattern of red, black and yellow tiles. We aren't sure if these are original or been subject to replacement or repainting over the years. Those colors we associate with a certain franchise fast food restaurant. Supposedly the ketchup mustard theme are disconcerting psychologically, prompting the patrons to not stay long. Perhaps this is something we'll inquire about when we get to visit the diner again, if they are open.

This brings us to our final observation. While the diner sits on Highway 462, it's approximately a quarter mile from U.S. 30. We don't recall there being any signage. What this diner needs is a large roof sign. Even better would be a huge channel neon sign with red letters spelling the word DINER. For instance, the Miss Portland has a three sided DINER sign mounted high up and visible from just about any angle.


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Prospect Diner
4030 Minute Dr.
Columbia, Pennsylvania.
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