Frances DiBella dies at 83
The owner of a great neighborhood movie theater in Syracuse died last week. Frances DiBella operated the Palace Theater built by her father in the Eastwood section of town, running it for 45 years after he died.
Roadside featured the theater's marquee on the cover of an issue about neighborhood theaters in 1996.
According to the Syracuse Post-Gazette, her nephew Michael Heagerty will continue to run the operation for the foreseeable future. (Thanks to Karen Noonan for the tip)
New magazine issue, web changes on the way
Yes, again the site has become a little quiet of late, for which we again apologize. We've been busy putting the final touches on the next issue, which will feature both the Six East Restaurant and the Blue Benn Diner. We also will have three new book reviews, a Moody's Diner recipe, and lots of news and commentary.
Normally, we show the new cover when we make this announcement, but this time, you're in for a surprise. We'll reveal it only as it rolls off the presses.
We are also in the process of a major revamp of our website, the results of which you will see by June. It will feature a much greater degree of interactivity and security. You're sure to love it.
Bowling alley to get bowled down
The local preservation community threw down a gutter ball in their attempts to save the Java Lanes in Long Beach, California. So, hurry up and get your pictures because the city issued their demo permit on April 1. Read more here.
Miss Worcester threatened -- big time
Just when you thought the story of the Miss Worcester diner couldn't get worse, the news that the Talbert Trust has contacted Dan's Diner Salvage, AKA Daniel Zilka to consult on a future restoration should send off major alarms in Worcester's preservation community. The Talbert's would do well to request references from Mr. Zilka.
Folks, we know that the continued controversy surrounding Mr. Zilka and our discussion of it has made many of our readers wonder what happened to the diner preservation community. We also miss the early days of the last decade that seemed to bring together people from all over who had an appreciation for this institution. Indeed, the well seems poisoned, and no one more that us would like to put all that in the past. Frankly, we'd prefer not to report on the activities of this individual at all, but facts are facts, and this organization has a responsibility to report as best it can on those facts.
Mr. Zilka's moribund organization, the American Diner Museum, failed to hold its annual meeting this year as scheduled, putting it in default of its charter. Last year, it filed an annual report with the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office listing an officer who had resigned in the previous year, leaving any board meeting that did take place without a quorum. No quorum, no meeting, no board, no official corporation.
It's last official event, a celebration dinner in honor of the Shawmut Diner, attracted exactly two members who do not otherwise serve on the board. Its last newsletter came out in April of 2003 and it contained a "state of the museum" letter from Mr. Zilka heavily spiced with fabrications, fallacies, and dubious achievements. The diners in its collection continue to rot. That's the bottom line.
For all practical purposes, the American Diner Museum is now a defunct organization. It will never sail into Heritage Harbor because that organization has also hit its own financial rocks. Even Mr. Zilka must know this, because according to Worcester Magazine, the Talberts are considering putting it up in their own facility, the former Worcester Lunch Car building. We can't think of a better place to put it, to be honest, but who's going to pay for it? Our sources tell that the Talberts certainly don't have the money, and neither does Mr. Zilka.
May the Diner Museum rest in peace, but may it also properly notify the state of Rhode Island so that they can take control of its bank account (containing by our very conservative estimates at least $60,000), and its wealth of historical artifacts.
The Diner Museum was a great idea. We believed in its mission. No one is more sorry than we are to see it die. We can only hope it doesn't take the Miss Worcester Diner down with it.
And so closes the book on the American Diner Museum.
Miss Worcester shut down
The Sheriff's department of Worcester County, Massachusetts shut down the Miss Worcester Diner yesterday and evicted its proprietor, Tina Budzinski. Budzinski now finds herself caught in the middle of a property dispute between the Ruggieri family, which claims ownership of the diner since 1989 and the Talbert Trust which owns the property under the diner and claims ownership of the diner as well.
A report in the Worcester Telegram describes Budzinski in te ars as she and shocked customers packed up her equipment before sheriffs put a padlock on the 1948 Worcester diner.
Portland seeks buyers for diner
The city of Portland, Maine has issued a Request for Proposals in an attempt to find a buyer or lessee for its newly acquired Miss Portland Diner. The 23-page RFP outlines the city's requirements for the new owner/lessee and makes it very clear that it seeks someone to operate the structure as a diner somewhere within city limits. The city has also worked closely with diner historian Richard Gutman in its assessment of the diner's viability and prospects for restoration.
If you are interested in owning and operating this well-preserved classic in a thriving community, contact Matt Fitzgerald at the City of Portland Development Office at 207-874-8654.
Lancaster amusement park reopens
An amusement park closed since the early 1980s will reopen this spring under new ownership. The Rocky Springs Amusement Park in West Lampeter Township, Pennsylvania still needs a lot of work, but so far its new owners Sam and Elaine Stoltzfus have poured $600,000 into the park's restoration. According to a report in the Lancaster New Era, the Stoltfusses have spent most of the money repairing the existing buildings and infrastructure. The park's rides and memorabilia sold at auction in 1984. Much of the effort so far has gone into restoring the original carousel roundhouse, which the couple plan to use for special events. The carousel it once housed will turn again soon in Lancaster Square.
For more on this story, click here.
Glenside wimps out
Last Monday I had the pleasure of sitting through a public presentation for a proposed redevelopment of the Glenside trai n station in Pennsylvania’s Cheltenham Township. I actually live in nearby Jenkintown, but the issue draws my attention for several reasons. First, I spend at least two hours a week sitting with my iBook at Elcy's Coffee House located inside the existing station, and since its serves as my auxiliary office, I have an obvious concern for its future. More -->
Another Worcester diner fight
The Worcester Magazine reports this week of the looming battle over the Miss Worcester Diner in Worcester, Massachusetts. Reporter and Roadside contributor Brian Goslow penned a piece that describes a battle over who actually owns the structure -- and we suggest every diner owner operating on leased property take note.
It appears that the Talbert Trading Company, which abuts the Miss Worcester's location, will make the case that the diner is real estate and therefore a permanent fixture. Tina Budzinski, who has operated the diner since 1996, has paid rent to Frank Riggieri in that time. Riggieri purchased the diner, or so he thought, in 1989.
“The law is very clear. The diner is real estate, having been affixed to the land approximately 55 years ago,” reads the letter from Talbert, dated February 9, 2004 and quoted in the Magazine article. “It is assessed by the City of Worcester as real estate and it was already attached to the land when my clients bought the land in 1950. The trade fixtures which are attached to the real estate, including the signage, the stoves, the booths, the stools, the counter, the glass cases, the steamers, and the freezers, are also part of the real estate. Do not attempt to remove any of these items when you vacate the premises.”
Read Brian's comprehensive account here.
Miss Adams...again
Maybe Jae Chung should just put a revolving door on the Miss Adams Diner. The North Adams Transcript today reports that the beleagured diner in downtown Adams, Massachusetts has changed hands yet again! Bill England-Horsfall lasted a total of two months, and he's now passed the spatula to Dave Lewis, a caterer.
The diner remains the property of Chung, and since he's bought the diner and property from Barry and Nancy Garton in 1999, the diner has seen a succession of managers and even a change in operational style when it became a hot dog stand in 2002. Keep your fingers crossed that this one will take. Read the Transcript report here.
Preservation Alert, take two
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Photo by Ron Saari.
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[Editor's note: The text of this alert comes from the Recent Past Preservation Network website. We fully endorse this effort.]
The Parasol is a well-loved landmark in Seal Beach, California. Built in 1967 by the firm of Mayer & Kanner, the umbrella shaped restaurant is Southern California's last remaining example in The Parasol restaurant chain and symbolizes Programmatic architecture at its best.
Over the years, The Parasol has become a popular tourist destination and is visited by architectural students and families alike. Above all, The Parasol is the pride of the Seal Beach community and a meeting place for residents who appreciate the delightful atmosphere. Development of the shopping center adjacent to The Parasol poses a threat to this treasured landmark.
Please show your support towards the preservation of The Parasol! Contact RPPN member, Adriene Biondo, at astroluxe@mindspring.com.
Diner opens in Erie
The end of an era for the Morgan Family in Butler, Pennsylvania signaled the start of a new one for Sean Candela. The Erie Times-News reports that Candela's new venture, Sally's All-American Dessert Diner has opened for business on the road to Presque Isle State Park. Candela purchased his diner from the Morgan family, who operated the diner as the Eastland Diner. Previous to the Morgan era, the Serro Family had purchased the spectacular Mountain View for their Pittsburgh-area chain of diners.
We wish Sean all the best and hope to visit him soon. (Thanks to Les Althouse)
Fresh links to Wisconsin history
We have included a new roadside-related link to a wonderful website at the Wisconsin Historical Society that chronicles the roadside development of that state. Because there are so many fascinating sub-sections of the site as submitted by the Society, we have inserted only the link to the summary section. Here, then, are the links to the sub-sections with submitted descriptions of the well-researched narratives on their site.
Hit the Road: Early Road Development
Roundabout routes, mud-clogged, rutted roads, and poor bridges made traveling in early Wisconsin both hazardous and uncomfortable. Explore the beginnings of Wisconsin's transportation network and see how Wisconsin's earliest trails and overland routes evolved into a network of roads and highways. Hitch up your wagon and blaze the trail of early Wisconsin transportation history.
Hit the Road: Later Road Development
During the twentieth century, Wisconsin undertook ambitious programs of road improvements, bridge repairs, and state trunk and interstate highway construction to provide fast, efficient, and a relatively safe means of travel. The popularity of the automobile is responsible for the sophisticated network of interstate, state, and county highways that connect communities across Wisconsin and the country. Buckle up and enjoy the trip.
Are We There Yet: Fill'er Up
The gas station, also called the filling or service station, developed in the early twentieth century to serve the growing number of car owners. As pioneers of the commercial strip, stations were on the forefront of roadside commerce. Over time the gas station evolved from a modest shed into a full-scale service station and eventually the modern convenience station. Fill up your tank and join us on a road trip to visit many distinctive Wisconsin stations.
Are We There Yet: Sweet Dreams
Wisconsin's earliest travelers on the military road and early trails needed a place to stop and rest along the route. As road networks developed, the stage inns and lodging houses that served travelers were replaced by automobile camps and cabin courts geared toward the automobile traveler. These, in turn, were replaced by motels and modern hotel chains. Rest your heels and relax with some of Wisconsin's historic lodgings.
Are We There Yet: Buildings with Taste
Dining out in nineteenth-century Wisconsin was primarily an experience of the wealthy and the traveler. Before the 1920s, the automobile tourist had few dining options, especially places that were appropriate for women and children. The exponential growth of automobile travelers in the 1920s led to the creation of roadside food stands, followed by drive-ins, fast food restaurants and family restaurants. Bon Appetit!
Preservation alert
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Photo by Ron Saari.
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[Editor's note: The text of this alert comes from the Recent Past Preservation Network website. We fully endorse this effort.]
Java Lanes, the oldest bowling alley in Long Beach, California, is threatened with demolition! Built in 1958 by the firm of DeRosa, Daly & Powers, it is the very last of the authentic Polynesian style bowling centers in Southern California. Java Lanes' swirling neon 'BOWL' sign is a stunning example of Googie. Java Lanes has been the home of the exotic Lava Lounge, one of the city's largest entertainment venues whose live entertainment permit was denied by Long Beach City Council in July 2002.
In February 2004, Long Beach City staff recommended approval of Brookfield Homes of Costa Mesa's request to build 79 condominiums on the Java Lane site. Java is the sister bowling center to the 1958 Kona Lanes, which was demolished in 2003. Kona photos here.
Contact Adriene Biondo, Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee and RPPN member, at astroluxe@mindspring.com.
Wal-Mart loses one
Though the score is still heavily in its favor, the Wal-Mart juggernaught has hit a serious bump in the road in California. It's attempts to bypass the local zoning regulations and build one of its Supercenters got voted down by a 2 to 1 margin in Inglewood. This defeat came despite spending more than $1 million on a campaign to get its way. According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, Wal-Mart had hoped "to obtain building permits without a public hearing or environmental impact study." Tuesday's vote denied them that priviledge. Read more by clicking here. (Membership required.)
More on Amtrak business travel
The media seems to buzz about Amtrak of late, particularly in light of the tragedy of Spain. We just returned from another trip to New England via Amtrak last weekend, and in general, had a typically pleasurable experience. This particular trip generated the photo taken above of the New York skyline as the train crossed over the Hell's Gate Bridge.
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Program notes |
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| This Saturday, April 10, at 1:00 P.M (eastern) Randy Garbin will make an appearance on AM 1060 WBIX in Boston to discuss, what else? Diners! He'll be joining Tom Shanahan, owner of the Four Sister's Diner in Lowell, Mass and two other owners to be announced for a fun round-table discussion of the business.
If you live outside the Boston area, you can tune in via the internet by linking to www.WBIX.com, or www.AroundTheTowns.com. It is a call-in show, so its a good time to chime in with your own comments. Hope you tune in. |
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Strangely enough I don't typically see coverage of the outstanding quality of the coffee served on the Metroliner snack bars or on the sleeper cars, so it compels us to reiterate this observation. Granted, it's a small thing, but all important to java junkies such as me. A cup costs $1.50 and includes free refills, providing you save your paper cup.
My trip took us from Philadelphia to Springfield, Massachusetts and back. Compared to the hyper-restrictive airlines, the flexibility of train travel makes up for many of the system's other shortcomings. I had tickets thanks to redeemed points from Amtrak Guest Rewards (www.amtrakguestrewards.com), that allowed travel to Boston until July 1 with few restrictions. Since I only needed to go to Springfield, I just hopped off train #140 when we arrived at the station leaving it to continue to Boston along the inland route.
Returning to Philadelphia required the purchase of a $19 ticket from Springfield to New Haven, where I picked up the Regional #93 to Richmond, Virginia, which of course passed through Philadelphia using my return Boston to Philadelphia ticket. Try doing that with the airlines without major haggling.
A couple of caveats: Train #140 only takes the inland route only on Saturdays. Amtrak otherwise runs regular shuttles between Springfield and New Haven along the tracks they already own and stopped its daily inland service last year.
Also, strictly speaking, the conductor had cause to throw me off #93 at Penn Station given that I now occupied a seat on a sold-out, reserved-only train. After leaving Penn Station, New York, she not only took new tickets, she also checked the receipts of existing passengers. I fully expected the conductor to eject me in Newark, but for whatever reason, she didn't. Why the previous conductor didn't tell me this in New Haven, I'll never know.
My trip each way took a relatively short 6 hours and arrived at both destinations within 15 minutes of its schedule.
For another take on Amtrak's business accommodations on a longer route, read Joe Brancatelli's account of his travels from New York to West Virginia by clicking here.
Beautiful diner breathing easier
The Phoenixville News reported last week that the spectacular Vale-Rio Diner will go smoke-free as of June 1 thanks to the efforts of local high school students. The splendid 1948 Paramount is one of the few remaining with the burnished circle stainless skin. Find the Vale-Rio at 114 Nutt Road/Route 29 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the town that is also home to the rejuvenated Colonial Theater, seen in the movie "The Blob."
Fresh Joe online today
Traveling man, Joe Manning, pays a visit to his new favorite town, Springfield, Vermont and tells the tale of the Springfield Lunch. Read all about it by clicking here.
Pennsylvania's first diner on Register
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The Park Dinor on 4019 Main Street in Erie, Pennsylvania is now a national landmark. |
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According to the Associated Press, the Park Dinor in Erie has become Pennsylvania's first diner listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All we can say is that for a state with more than 260 diners, it's about time!
Congratulations to owner George Gourlias and staff from us all here at RoadsideOnline.
Transitions
Last week, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the sale of the Country Club Diner in Philadelphia to Michael Petrogiannis, ending nearly fifty years in the hands of the Perloff family. Petrogiannis also owns the Warminster West Diner in Warminster, Pennsylvania and Tiffany Diner in Philadelphia as well as the Michael's Restaurant chain in the outlying Philly suburbs.
A local report noted the reopening of the long-shuttered Village Diner in Millerton. Its new owner, Ali Aboueid, will rename the later-model Silk City the Millerton Diner and give it a fresh look. According to an article in the Harlem Valley Times, "The whole kitchen is being renovated. New equipment is being brought in. The bathrooms have been redone. The dining room is in the process of being updated. Aboueid ... is in the process of changing the old worn mosaic style tile to a contemporary black and white."
Finally, Patti's Lakeview Diner in Geneva, New York will close at the end of May and become the property of the city. Lovingly restored by Patti Guererri in 1998, the diner now sits in the way of a planned transportation hub and will end up in a new location across the street. Once in place, the city then will solicit bids to lease the historic diner. (Thanks to Karen Collizzi)
Amtrak for business travel?
Frommers Online recently published a comprehensive and quite fair assessment of a typical Amtrak experience from a business travel perspective. Having rode the rails numerous times in the past ten years, we have to concur with most, if not all, the commentary. Read more by clicking here.
Incidentally, various news outlets have reported healthy increases for Amtrak's overall ridership numbers in the past year, and we continue to read about more proposals to expand the passenger rail system, either through Amtrak or via regional systems. With gas prices continuing to rise, the prospects for rail look better and better.
South Street Diner celebrates 7
The folks at Boston's South Street Diner announce the celebration of their seventh anniversary with dinner specials served from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. Owners Robin and Sol Fidell recently sent us the following email announcement:
Together we own and operate the only 24 hour restaurant in Boston, South Street Diner. It has been seven years since we began this venture and it has been quite an experience. No other place would you be able to meet such a vast variety of people sharing eggs and homemade dinners, whether it be at 2pm in the afternoon or 2am in the morning.
Over the years we have continuously added several improvements: credit card machine, full menu 24 hours a day, a beer and wine license till 1am, and our most recent addition: outdoor patio seating from April through October open from 6am- till 4am daily. As we continue to improve, we keep to the basic philosophy; serve quality, comfort food for a reasonable price. This is a true diner, serving diner style food updated for the 21st century
We would like to thank you for your support and invite you to celebrate our 7th year anniversary. The following specials will be running throughout the month of March in celebration of our anniversary.
Anniversary Dinner Specials 11am-11pm -- $10.
Soup or salad, coffee, tea or soda; your choice of: Prime Rib, 1lb. NY Sirloin, or 1 ? lb. Boiled Lobster all served with two sides, completed with a slice of apple pie or pudding
Anniversary Breakfast Special 5am-11am
Monday-Friday -- $3.80 all served with tea or coffee; your choice of pancakes, French Toast, Waffle or 2eggs, meat, home-fries & toast
So come on down, the juke-box will be free all month long, so, step back in time and rock around the clock, join us for any of our Anniversary Specials all month long. Don't forget our patio will be opening April 1st, so you can enjoy outdoor seating all day and night. We offer some of the friendliest service in town and we are always open. Hope to see you soon.
Visit the diner's website for more information at www.southstreetdiner.com
Charlie's on ice
Steve Turner called in yesterday to update us on his progress reopening Charlie's Diner. Steve confirms that he has his sights set on a piece of land in Spencer, Massachusetts near a cluster of fast food restaurants and a shopping plaza, and that he's currently in the permitting process. Disabled access remains a concern for Steve and his architect, but the new location will offer an expanded seating area that will hopefully satisfy the requirements.
Steve says he has kept busy "swinging a hammer." With the diner closed since last April, Steve has worked in construction and has even begun to pursue his certification in that industry. Unfortunately, the closing of the diner has also meant the suspension of the Turner's catering business. Without a licensed kitchen to prepare the meals, his sister Kris and father Charlie have taken jobs in the kitchen at a retirement community in the area.
Steve hopes to have the diner up and operating by this summer. Should that finally happen, then he plans to tell the world what he really thinks of Worcester's failure to help him and Charlie's Diner stay in town -- where they belong.
Miss Portland closes
The Boston Globe and various other papers have reported on the closing of the Miss Portland Diner in Portland, Maine, shutting down the city's only real diner. The news must come as a relief to its owner Randy Chasse, who has made various attempts to get out of the business for the last ten years. In 1994, he announced an essay contest to give the diner away (with a $100 submission fee), and even tried Ebay.
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Fegely's ready to move | |
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The Archbury Foundation has announced that it will soon move Fegely's Diner off of its longtime location on Route 422 outside of Reading to a secure storage site. Their email newsletter included the image at left showing the diner in its current condition. |
However, back then, the location didn't enjoy the same demand as it does today. Apparently, because of the district's increasing development activity, Chasse can now afford to give the diner to the city and sell the land underneath it.
Yesterday, the Portland City Council formerly voted to accept this gift with the intention of moving it to another part of the city. While the city will retain ownership of the diner in its new location, it will lease out the space to prospective operators. This would mark a radical development in the history of diners, given that most municipalities seem content to let these gems get away (see above).
RoadsideOnline applauds the development.
New ozoners online
Scans of the headlines reveal that the revival of the drive-in theater seems to have taken hold. Looks though that most of the new facilities have sprung up south of the Mason-Dixon line. A recent report tells of a new tri-screen theater in Arizona. Read all about it here.
The Heritage thieves
Yessiree, the Internet is one amazing thing. For trivia freaks such as myself, there could be no better invention. I remain dumbstruck by the true wonder of looking up information on, say, the company that makes Skee-Ball and a half-hour later finding myself on a website that describes the mysteries of Oak Island. Every surf becomes a learning adventure.
One such online excursion led me to page posted by Paul Coyne, a true roadside enthusiast, who also happens to have his own online diner directory. On this page, Paul boasts about his prized acquisition, an actual Worcester Lunch Car clock, that he bought from an unnamed individual back in 2000. Paul goes on to actually identify this clock as coming from the demolished Windsor Diner in Windsor, Vermont.
Sad but not true. >--Read more-->
Midway a long way from home
Roadside acquired this photo of the long-closed Midway Diner, which last operated in Rutland, Vermont. It now sits in storage at American Infrastructure, a developer in Worcester, Pennsylvnania, after its last owner Tom Tresch finally gave up on his dream to reopen the 1950 Silk City near his home in Brandon, Vermonth. The Midway closed in 1995 to make way for a new, site-built restaurant.
Vree's is history
Larry Cultrera called us yesterday to let us know that Vree's Diner on route 107 at the Lynn/Saugus line in Massachusetts has met up with the bulldozer. The renovated Sterling diner last operated in the 1970s and stayed dormant ever since. And yes, the exquisite porcelain panels have disappeared as well.
Big Mama hangs up apron
The little diner on Canal Street in Brattleboro, Vermont with the ungainly name of Big Mama's Green Mountain Diner has closed up for good this week. Inside the white clapboard facade rests a relatively intact 1920s Worcester diner that had a pretty good run in the late 1990s as Ray's Diner. We heard little of "Big Mama's" tenure in the place, but we keep our collective fingers crossed for its future.
More on the new Jersey drive-in
We found yet another story about the return of drive-in theaters to New Jersey. NJonline also reports on the rebirth of the Delsea Drive-In Theater, which plans to reopen this summer and will include a skate park and a "1950s style restaurant" on the premises (why not a diner?). Read more here.
Historic diners highlighted
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Newly added to the National Register: Above, Pat's Diner in Salisbury, Mass., and the Agawam Diner in Rowley, Mass. |
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Last week, two stories appeared in the Merrimack River Current featuring Pat's Diner and the Agawam Diner thanks to their recent inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places. Pat's, a Worcester diner in Salisbury, Massachusetts, spent most of its existence as Ann's Diner.
Then in 1999, its latest owner Pat Archambault stripped the structure of its original porcelain panels and replaced them with plywood T-111. In the story, she professes a desire to restore the facade, but not long after she took it over, she informed us that she had the original panels in her basement.
The Agawam, of course, is simply legendary. At one time, the Galanis family owned four of them, eventually consolidating into the single Rowley location.
Massachusetts now has 20 diners on the Register, far ahead of any other state. Indeed, New Jersey, the "diner state," has none so far. It had originally placed Ted's Diner in Milford, but its demolition in 2002 removed it.
Read about Pat's here. Read about the Agawam here.
City to tear down mall
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Above: The view down Front Street in Worcester, Mass., destroyed by what they built in 1971 (below). Both views face east towards the city's Union Station. |
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We admittedly had to double check the calendar to see if April Fool's day had snuck up on us, but no, we verified the report. Last month, the Worcester Telegram reported that the new owners of the Worcester Fashion Outlets, originally known as the Worcester Galleria, a 21-acre, blockbusting retail and office complex, have announced their intentions to raze most of the structure. In fact, they plan to rip down everything but the office buildings.
The news almost had us wanting to move back.
Since 1971, the Galleria loomed large in the city's downtown, and thanks to a combination of bad planning and general economic forces, the mall eventually sucked the life out of the district. Its construction literally severed the primary east-west artery into the city's heart, Front Street, and wrapped a whopper of a poorly designed parking garage around the a good portion of the complex. By the mid-1980s, the place had all but died.
Resurrected just in time for our moving there in 1994, the mall became an Outlet Center, but that too slowly faded away. By 1998, serious people had called for at least the restoration of Front Street if not a complete redevelopment of the entire parcel. Initially written off as crazy, it does look like the idea will finally happen.
In this week's Worcester Magazine, Roadside contributor Brian Goslow writes with a twinge of nostalgic yearning for the Galleria's halcyon days as a magnet for the area's mall rats. Read all about it by clicking here.
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| Artists rendering of a the proposed Brownstone Township Town Square.
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Walkable communities
in demand
In a sign of a growing and very positive trend, more and more bland suburbs have initiated plans to redefine themselves as "walkable communities," one of the five ingredients in our Recipe for an American Renaissance.
To wit, the Detroit News recently published an article about the attempts of two Wayne county suburbs to introduce mixed-used development. Brownstone Township plans small retail spaces, and an 8 acre town square "where residents could walk and shop."
The article quotes Kathleen Salla, Canton Township's downtown and community development coordinator: "We don't have any landmarks. Residents expressed a desire for a sense of place. We're searching for ideas to let people know who we are."
Read the complete story here.
Town misses Miss Adams
Some early reports on the reopening of the Miss Adams Diner look very positive for its prospects. Owner Jae Chung continues to search, with little success, for a winning formula since the departure of Barry and Nancy Garton in 1999. In 2002, the beleagured diner became a hot dog stand, but that didn't last either. Now, the diner is a diner again and under the management of Bill England-Horsfall, and hopeful crowds have returned to give this latest effort a try. We plan to have a definitive report soon, but we'd love to hear from you. If you've stopped in at the diner, drop us a line.
Hartford diner going Cajun
The Hartford Courant reported recently that the former Terry Square Diner, a grand post-war Paramount, will become the Rajun Cajun. Thomas Armstrong has already begun to move his popular restaurant from New Park Avenue to the diner last known as Hal's Aquarius, which closed in early 2003. In a quote that doesn't bode well for the diner's preservation, Thomas says in the Courant article:
"This is 2004," Armstrong says. "We can't do the same things they did in 1952. Technology has changed. People's eating habits have changed. We're trying to offer some of the past, but also new stuff for the future."
Find the diner at 2790 North Main Street.
Hollywood diner expands hours
The Baltimore Sun reports that the Hollywood Diner has expanded its hours to better cater to its market. Formerly open only for breakfast and lunch during the weekdays, the diner has begun to serve weekend hours as well.
The Hollywood has starred in several movies, most notably as the lead in Barry Levinson's movie "Diner" and has since served as a part of a program to retrain teenagers with records of non-violent crimes for jobs in the food service industry. Owned and operated by the non-profit Chesapeake Foundation under the management of Ivan Leshinsky, the diner has struggled with its own profitability since its opening. Leshinksy seeks to make this part of the program at least self-supporting.
| Another excerpt from the forthcoming Diners of New England | ||||
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When Stephen Jagiello returned to his native Kensington, he had already spent almost two decades in the food service industry, and like many others with his degree of experience, he wanted his own place. Joe's Diner had closed in 1997 after the death of its owner. Jagiello decided to revive the retaurant only after much consideration an, but ultimately took the leap and purchased the diner. He and a devoted corps of volunteers spent months cleaning and repairing a diner and attached kitchen worn down from years of deferred maintenance. In 2001, the diner reopened as Even Stephen's. Jagiello actually doesn't think of his restaurant as a true diner, because he doesn't believe he offers the traditional diner experience, which serves meat loaf and mashed potatoes, and the vintage structure has sadly lost most of its original architectural features. Several past renovations have changed or removed all but its general outlines, leaving only the original door and the ceiling. As a result, you will hear Jagiello more likely refer to his restaurant as a café. He speaks fondly, for instance of the Flash in the Pan, an upscale, reservations-only, bistro in a diner formerly on Route 1 in Peabody, Massachusetts, and sees himself eventually branching out into an upscale menu. Even Stephens also provides catering and every three weeks, they take reservations for a full-course dinner where Jagiello can showcase his talents. Yet, the existing menu hardly looks alien to any experienced diner patron. Its menu heavy on sandwiches and breakfast items, and its neighborly atmosphere embody everything a diner represents in this area. This ambivalence likely results from the diner's location on the cultural fault line between veritable New England and virtual New York. Visit the diner's website: www.evenstephensusa.com. |
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