I will be doing a slide presentation based on my Classic Diners of Massachusetts book at the Medford Public Library on January 23, 2012. The presentation will be similar to the one I did for the Somerville Public Library with some modifications. These will include some images of diners from Medford’s past.

Here is the blurb the Library posted on their website….

Classic Diners of Massachusetts A Lecture by Larry Cultrera

Monday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts was the birthplace of “night lunch wagon” manufacturing industry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These horse-drawn food carts eventually evolved into classic American diners. For many years, diner builders like the Worcester Lunch Car Company and J.B. Judkins Company operated in the Bay State, although few new diners opened for business after 1960. This left the state with a high concentration of some of the best-preserved diners built during the early to mid-twentieth century, including the Capitol Diner in Lynn, the Route 66 Diner in Springfield and Buddy’s Diner in Somerville.

Medford native Larry Cultrera is a diner historian and the author of the Diner Hotline blog. His new book Classic Diners of Massachusetts has just been released by the History Press.The Library is located at 111 High Street (Route 60) on-street parking as well as a small parking lot behind the building is available.

Rosebud Diner of Somerville, Mass. changing owners soon

Rosebud Diner postcard designed by Larry Cultrera

I got a phone call on January 1st from old friend Arthur Krim, a founding member of the Society for Commercial Archeology. It seems he was contacted by Kristi Chase of the Somerville Historical Comission who was concerned about the future of the Rosebud Diner. Arthur asked me if I had any knowledge of the possible sale of the diner, I told him that I had not heard anything. I last saw Bill Nichols (whose family owns the diner) back in November at my “Author Event” held at the Somerville Public Library and nothing was mentioned then. Arthur informed me that Kristi had heard from someone who stated he was in the process of purchasing the Rosebud and wanted to change or alter the neon sign on the roof. I told Arthur that I would look into the situation.

I called Bill Nichols shortly after talking with Arthur and asked him what was happening. He said everything was fine and that he knew nothing about any changes concerning the diner. So I thought, well maybe this was just a rumor. The next day I called Kristi Chase and she in turn reitierated what she told Arthur and the news sounded credible. Because the diner is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Historical Commission needs to be informed on possible changes to listed properties. Well I called Bill back and told him what was said. Needless to say he was surprised and a little upset, it seems his dad  was selling the diner and had not yet informed him.

I again contacted Bill this past week after he had spoken with his dad who told him that someone had approached him with an offer to by the building/business. Bill says he is not sure of the actual timeline but estimates the change in ownership will happen possibly within the next month or month and  half. I am sad for this change and hope that nothing drastic happens to this long-time landmark in my life.

Glenn Wells’s RoadsideFans website migrates to WordPress

Good friend, colleague and occasional road trip buddy Glenn Wells received a nice Christmas present from his stepson Ray Milstrey, an updated website/blog. Ray also created the old RoadsideFans website, but now that the site has migrated to WordPress, it will become interactive. Here is what Glenn says about the move……

The new RoadsideFans.com is a WordPress blog, and if that seems familiar, it’s because several other roadside-related web sites already use WordPress – Diner Hotline, Retro Roadmap, Diner Hunter, and Lincoln Highway News among them. As with the others, visitors to RoadsideFans will now have a chance to leave comments – simply click the arrow at the top right and scroll down to the bottom of the posting. There will probably be more new features yet to come as I become more familiar with WordPress.

You will find several features from the old web site on the new RoadsideFans.com. By clicking FEATURES on the bar above, you can access the Howard Johnson’s, barbecue chicken, and Taconic Parkway features from the old web site. However, the Online Diner Tours and some other photo features from the old site have been retired. Most of these were a decade or more old, and many of the places no longer exist or have changed names. I am considering uploading the pictures to a Flickr account to maintain the historical record. 

I want to congratulate Glenn on the updated website and wish him good luck. I know I have enjoyed using wordpress for Diner Hotline! You can find a link to RoadsideFans in my blogroll as well as here….
http://www.roadsidefans.com/

Southwest Diner chain, 5 & Diner sets plans in motion with expansion program. Has new connections to Massachusetts

5 & Diner, a 1950′s retro-diner chain started in Phoenix, Arizona back in 1989 has announced new expansion plans that have a local connection to Massachusetts. According to the info below that was reported in an article on Restaurantnews.com, the chain currently has 12 outlets in five states, including one here in the Bay State. Back in 2007 I was watching the locally produced “Phantom Gourmet”  TV show and they did a piece on the newly opened (August, 2006) 5 & Diner located at 525 Lincoln Street in Worcester, Mass. Up until that time I had no knowledge that one of these had been opened up this way!

So on February 24, 2007 I took a ride out to Worcester with my brother Rick and pal Steve Repucci to check this place out. One thing I found curious is that the restaurant did not open until 7:00 am, which is late for this area. Especially in Worcester as there are so many classic diners that in fact do open earlier.

5 & Diner @ 525 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Feb. 24, 2007 exterior photo
by Larry Cultrera

5 & Diner @ 525 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Feb. 24, 2007 exterior photo
by Larry Cultrera

5 & Diner @ 525 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Feb. 24, 2007 interior photo
by Larry Cultrera

These diners are built on site although I understand it comes in prefabricated pieces like a kit (this is unsubstantiated). The news piece below mentions the new ownership of  5 & Diner as Bob and Laurie Watson of LPM Holding Company located in Maynard, Mass. They were the ones who opened the Worcester location. Anyway the company is starting a new franchise program and have contracted with two national firms to help with the undertaking. Below is the piece from restaurantnews.com with all the details…..

’50s-style restaurant franchise forms Strategic Partnerships to help with Re-Launch of franchise program

Maynard, MA  (RestaurantNews.com)  As part of its aggressive franchise growth plan to bring back the roadside diner experience across the country, 5 & Diner has announced strategic relationships with retail commercial real estate service provider Cassidy Turley and retail construction specialists Northboro Builders, to help potential franchisees with site selection and store build outs.

What started in 1989 as a one-store concept in Phoenix quickly became known throughout the region as the most authentic, unique, and cool ‘50s diner experience in the country. The franchise, which has developed over the years to 12 locations in five states, is entering a new stage of growth as it looks to propel the brand name throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions by attracting new franchisees with a fresh prototype, revamped menu and new leadership.

5 & Diner’s relationship with Cassidy Turley, a leading commercial real estate services provider, will ensure proper execution of site search and real estate processes.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with 5 & Diner and supporting their identification and selection of properties across the nation,” said Rick Bagy, Vice President of Cassidy Turley. “We’ve built a scalable growth model that enables our restaurant and retail clients to open more than 4,000 locations annually and we’re excited to help 5 & Diner reach their growth goals with the right locations.”

In addition, the partnership with Northboro Builders will assist franchisees with turn-key packages that include architecture, construction, project management and permitting, for opening new restaurants.

“I have been working closely with 5 & Diner as they plan their national expansion of the brand. I applaud the team they have assembled and their dedication to enhancing the concept and having the best product possible for their new franchisees,” said Ken Nahigian, Vice President of Business Development & Operations with Northboro Builders. “Northboro Builders is unique in our complete turn-key approach to national franchise build-outs and we look forward to contributing to 5 & Diner’s inevitable success.”

To help attract new franchisees, 5 & Diner has launched a new prototype designed to lower development costs and introduce a non-freestanding development option. The authenticity and unique nature of the business means that franchise competition is nearly nonexistent – as an authentic ‘50s diner concept, 5 & Diner isn’t just another burger joint or family dining chain. And with locations currently in five states there is plenty of room to grow. Typical development costs range from $450,000-$750,000 and the average unit sales volume is more than $1.1 million.

Heralded and loved for its classic ‘50s décor complete with chrome, bright lights, juke boxes and open seating, 5 & Diner is cashing in on the $33 billion family dining segment. To inquire about franchise opportunities, visit www.5anddinerfranchise.com.

About 5 & Diner

Founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1989, 5 & Diner has become known for its no-holds-barred ‘50s flashback theme, top-quality food at an affordable price, and award-winning burgers and shakes. Currently with 12 locations across five states, 5 & Diner prides itself on providing the customer with the most authentic ‘50s diner experience in America. In 2008, 5 & Diner was purchased by Bob and Laurie Watson of LPM Holding Company, Inc. with a vision to spread the company across the nation and share the joy that it brings them everyday. For franchise opportunities, visit www.5anddinerfranchise.com, and for general information visit www.5anddiner.com.

About Northboro Builders

Northboro Builders, Inc. is a retail construction specialist established in 1998 that provides self-performing construction and project management for retail store projects nationwide. The company offers complete turn-key packages which include architecture, construction, project management and permitting. From coast to coast, Northboro gives every job the same meticulous attention to detail while setting and meeting tight deadlines. Visit www.northborobuilders.com for more information.

About Cassidy Turley

Cassidy Turley is a leading commercial real estate services provider with more than 3,400 professionals in more than 60 offices nationwide. The company represents a wide range of clients—from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, from local non-profits to major institutions. The firm completed transactions valued at $18 billion in 2010, manages 455 million square feet on behalf of private, institutional and corporate clients and supports more than 25,000 domestic corporate services locations. Cassidy Turley serves owners, investors and occupiers with a full spectrum of integrated commercial real estate services—including capital markets, tenant representation, corporate services, project leasing, property management, project and development services, and research and consulting. In 2010, the firm enhanced its global service delivery outside of North America through its partnership with GVA. Visit www.cassidyturley.com for more information.

I will be keeping tabs on this to see what future developments occur!

L.A.’s Phil’s Diner closes after only being open for 8 months

After spending thousands of dollars and 12 plus years of time, Phil’s Diner in the NoHo section of L.A. was opened to a lot of fanfare close to 8 months ago. Restored and reopened by Malissa and Casey Hallenbeck, they hoped it would help herald the beginning of a new era, not just for this 1920′s vintage diner but for the burgeoning neighborhood.

According to Richard Gutman’s American Diner Then & Now, Phil’s Diner was more than likely built by Charles Amend, a transplanted Easterner who quite possibly had previously worked for P.J. Teirney Sons prior to coming to California. Originally part of J.F. (Phil) Phillips’s chain of diners This diner closed by 1998 and needed to be relocated because of a proposed new North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station.

old snapshot of Phil’s Diner at it’s old location from my collection
I’m not sure whose photo this is or where I even got it from.
(I seem to recall a John Baeder connection)

I received this photo by Joe Freeman, Circa 2001

I received this photo by Joe Freeman, Circa 2001

I received this photo by Joe Freeman, Circa 2001

Phil’s Diner Fresh n’ Fast prior to reopening. Photo from Phil’s Diner
Facebook page

Here is a report dated 12/20/2011 from the Daily News Los Angeles website by Gregory J. Wilcox, Staff Writer….

Phil’s Diner closes in NoHo, seeks new owner

Phil’s Diner, which brought some nostalgic panache to the NoHo’s Arts District in its brief second life, has closed. For now. The $1.1 million undertaking fell victim to bad timing, said Casey and Malissa Hallenbeck, the former owners who closed the retro eatery on Dec. 11, eight months after opening it.

Construction activity at the adjacent Laemmle NoHo 7, an art house film complex that opens today, hurt business as did the weak economy, the Hallenbecks said. “We’re going to try to recover financially as much as possible…and move forward,” said Casey Hallenbeck, who is also a set decorator in the entertainment industry. The longtime North Hollywood residents said they invested $600,000 of their own money in the project and the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency contributed $460,000. The 1920s era diner underwent an extensive restoration and was moved from the west side of Lankershim to the east side.

But this is not the end of Phil’s. NoHo developer JH Snyder Co. is in the process of taking over ownership and will find a new owner for the 26-seat diner with an outdoor patio. And it looks like this might not be a tough task.

“Folks right now are coming to us,” said Kacy Keys, Snyder’s senior vice president and general counsel. “We’ve gotten four or five phone calls so far and the Hallenbecks brought someone in to see us as well.” The Hallenbecks had a 25-year lease on the property in the 5400 block of Lankershim Boulevard with options for 30 more years.

“We wanted them to succeed. We’re sorry to see them go but we’re happy to see other parties interested,” Keys said. The redevelopment agency is comfortable with the situation, too. “It’s unfortunate the operator was unable to make a go of it, but we’re optimistic that Snyder will be able to quickly find another operator that can ensure that Phil’s Diner continues serving the Valley for decades to come,” spokesman David Bloom said in an email.

Malissa Hallenbeck said the diner closing just before the theater next door opens “does seem kind of ironic.” “It also is a telltale sign that it’s not our time to move forward,” she said. “Personally I feel that I’ve grown a lot and I’ve learned a lot. Situations like this really remind you what’s important, like health, family and a marriage.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents North Hollywood, said the diner’s closure is a temporary setback for the district. “I’m sorry our friends at Phil’s Diner were not able to weather the startup. We can’t control every wind and it was a windy time to get started,” he said. And today’s opening of the theater complex is the most important development for NoHo since the Red Line subway, LaBonge noted.

The theater and diner will eventually get a chance to complement each other, said Keys. “We think there is a strong market there and the theater will make it even stronger,” she said. Nancy Bianconi, editor of nohoartsdistrict.com, a community website, is also sad that the Hallenbecks could not find success. “Everybody in the community was waiting for Phil’s to open and I can tell you from personal experience the food was good,” she said. “I’m hoping that Melissa and Casey can go onto the next chapter. I’m glad they stuck with it so that Phil’s Diner has a new life.”

The Hallenbecks acquired the diner in 1998 with plans to restore it. And Casey Hallenbeck considers that part of the project a success. “My love was not running a restaurant. It was the love of the project — to build it and restore it — and put it there for the community,” he said.

Poirier’s Diner, operating as the Sandwich Factory in the early 1980′s
Photo by Larry Cultrera

Subject: Immediate Release – Historic Diner Being Moved on Tuesday, December 13th – Immediate Release

The historic Poirier’s Diner (a 1947 Kullman, the second Diner in Rhode Island to be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is on the move!
For more than 50 years, and under many different names, such as “Armand’s, Krystal’s, the Top Hat, Arnold’s and most recently, the El Faro, the Diner served the working men and women of Olneyville at its location on Atwells Avenue at Eagle Square. Saved from the wrecking ball when Eagle Square was mostly demolished, on this coming Tuesday the 13th, the Diner will be placed on a truck and rolled down the block to its new home at 1380 Westminster Street on Providence’s historic West Side.

The company long known as Kullman Industries and more recently trading under the name Kullman Buildings Corporation has reportedly gone out of business. Started in 1927 as Kullman Diners by Samuel Kullman, it was one of the longest lived companies in the diner industry. Although with corporate restructuring and new ownership in recent years, the company focused on what they termed “offsite” construction, building all types of modular structures from schools, prisons and other non-commercial applications and basically dropped diners from their product line.

Kullman Diner Builders Tag from the 1950′s

The Fillin’ Station Whately Diner in Whately, Mass. is a Kullman Diner
Circa 1960 vintage.

Kullman Industries Builders Tag from the 1980′s

A view of the old Kullman Factory in Avenel, NJ from 1983.
That’s my blue 1979 Chevy Van in front.

The Route 9 Diner in Hadley, Mass. is a Kullman Diner Circa 2000

A recent logo for the company

here is a link to a news piece about the auction…
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/auction-of-kullman-building-corp-assets-set-for-tuesday-dec-13-under-direction-of-alco-capital-assignee-for-benefit-of-creditors-135182808.html

We had another nice Author Event yesterday, this time at Booklovers’ Gourmet located at 55 East Main Street (Route 12) in Webster, Mass. It is a small store set in the first floor of an old house packed with new and used books, as well as a small selection of gifts and artwork for sale. They also have a decent selection of coffee’s, tea’s and chai’s along with some fresh pastry from a bakery in nearby Putnam, CT. Owner Debra Horan was very nice and we met some customers who purchased my book. For those who could not make it, the remainder of her stock (of Classic Diners of Mass.) have been signed for anyone who wants to purchase it.

Left to right, Denise Cultrera, Larry Cultrera and owner Debra Horan
at Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster. Photo by Lorraine Ostrokolowicz

Original Dunkin Donut store gets a retro revamp

The original Dunkin Donut store located at 543 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass. has just received a quick 11-day renovation that has the place looking like a modern version of its 1950′s look. The store located near the corner of Bracket Street and the Southern Artery (Route 3A), was first opened in 1948 by Bill Rosenberg, (the founder of Dunkin Donuts) under the name “Open Kettle” and was an adjunct to his other business, Industrial Luncheon Service.

By 1950 Rosenberg decided  the name of the store needed to reflect the actual product that he was selling, basically coffee and donuts.  That is when the name changed to Dunkin Donuts.

Publicity photo from Dunkin Donuts featuring the original Quincy location.
A fair number of the Dunkin Donuts locations in the Boston area have an enlargement of this hanging somewhere prominently in the stores.

The signage was notable with the letters “in” actually dipping down lower than the other letters symbolizing the “Dunkin” part of the name. The building has gone thru many “looks” over the last 60 years, reflecting the chains appearance in any given time. The new renovation represents a retro look back in a modern sort of way! It even has a small “L” shaped counter with fixed stools evoking the feeling and ambiance that the early stands had.

I first heard about this from the Boston Globe, November 30, 2011 in an article written by Christina Reinwald for the business section of that day’s newspaper. I would put a link to the article but you now have to be a subscriber to read it. That’s technology for you! Anyway, after reading the article, I decided a quick trip was in order to shoot a few photos and today (Sunday) seemed to be the ideal time.

So, on the way over Denise and I went and had breakfast at the Wheelhouse Diner (also in Quincy) and boy, that place was hopping when we got there. Grill-man extraordinaire, Doug Showstead was his usual pleasant and efficient self. He always makes us feel welcome and told me at least 10 people have come into the diner in the last month or so and mentioned about the appearance of the Wheelhouse in my Classic Diners of Mass. book.

After breakfast we drove over to Dunkin Donuts so I could take my photos. As you can see, the new signage is a smaller version of the original, only with backlit plastic covered letters instead of neon.

Original Dunkin Donut store at 543 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass. December 4, 2011 photo by Larry Cultrera

Original Dunkin Donut store at 543 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass. December 4, 2011 photo by Larry Cultrera

Original Dunkin Donut store at 543 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass. December 4, 2011 photo by Larry Cultrera
I was standing in the middle of the street to get this shot, thank goodness it was a Sunday morning!

A close-up of the little plaque they have to the right of the entrance announcing that this is the first Dunkin Donut store, circa 1950.

This little project was a combined effort between the franchisee and the Corporate Headquarters of Dunkin Donuts to make the store look the way it does. According to the report, this will be the only Dunkin Donut outlet to reflect this style! Overall, I like the look and always enjoy when a company makes a nod to their past. I applaud all involved.

Left to right, Rick Cultrera, Phil Paleologos, Larry Cultrera & Mimi Powell
at Baker Books in North Dartmouth. Photo by Denise Cultrera

The Author Event held this past Saturday at Baker Books went really well. Before we got to the Event, we visited with our good friend Phil Paleologos of the Shawmut Diner. Denise and I split a famous Shawmut Diner “Cheese Roll” which I had been anxious to try since I mentioned it among the menu items in the book. It was everything I thought it would be, I am addicted to it! Actually it tasted like a grilled cheese sandwich which could never be bad! Phil had a couple of copies of the book on hand and he announced to the whole diner (which was packed with customers) that a “famous author” was there, and held up the books! Those 2 copies were immediately bought up and I autographed them on the spot.

Well after having our mid-morning snack, we drove over to the nearby Baker Books store on U.S. Route 6 in North Dartmouth where I gave an impromptu talk and signed some books. We saw old friend Bethany Smith and met some new ones as well. Special thanks to Mimi Powell, the store manager who was very gracious. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend checking this great independent book store out!

Next Author Event to be held at Booklovers’ Gourmet

The next Event will be this coming Saturday, December 2, 2011 at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Located at Booklovers’ Gourmet, 55 East Main Street (Route 12) in Webster, Mass. Here is a link to the stores event page… http://www.er3.com/book/events.html

Hopefully some of my Central Massachusetts readers can make it over to Webster!

List of places selling Classic Diners of Massachusetts

I have a preliminary list of places selling the book….

Baker Books – North Dartmouth, MA

Blanchard’s 101 Diner – Worcester, MA

Boulevard Diner – Worcester, MA

Charlie’s Diner – Spencer, MA

Deluxe Town Diner - Watertown, MA

Deluxe Station Diner – Newton Center,  MA

Don’s Diner – Plainville, MA

Front Street Book Shop – Scituate Harbor, MA

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Arts Museum – Providence, RI

Lynn Museum – Lynn, MA

Miss Adams Diner – Adams, MA

Owl Diner – Lowell, MA

Porter Square Books – Cambridge, MA

River’s Edge Card and Gift – Ipswich, MA

Salem Diner – Salem, MA

Shawmut Diner – New Bedford, MA

Tatnuck Bookseller – Westborough, MA

Tex Barry’s Coney Island Diner – Attleboro, MA

Toad Hall Bookstore – Rockport, MA

Zak’s – Manchester By The Sea,  MA

Of course the book is available through all Barnes & Noble stores as well as barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com

New blog by my friend Michael G. Stewart

I am happy to announce there is a new blog called Neon Dreamscapes, A Photographic Diary of Michael G. Stewart. Subtitled “Opening The Door To Visual Experience”. It features a varied and interesting subject matter from Michael’s own musings to some of the projects he is currently working on. I higly recommend it!  Here is the link, I will also put it into my blog roll ! http://neondreamscapes.wordpress.com/

Ed’s Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

Ed’s Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

Ed’s Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

After shooting the photos of Ed’s, I continued driving through Brattleboro, missing 3 other diners but somehow coming across the old Royal Diner sitting well off the road. It was being used as part of something called the Royal Yard Restaurant. I cannot recall how I even knew it was there, either someone told me about it (possibly Dave Hebb) or there was a sign pointing me to its location. This diners original location had been closer to downtown and was moved out a few years before. As I remember hearing, the diner was sitting on blocks near the intersection of Route 5 and Route 9 (where Rte. 9 goes east into New Hampshire and may have sustained some vandalism before the “Royal Yard” people took it over and relocated it to their property.

Royal Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

Royal Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

Royal Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

Royal Diner, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo by Larry Cultrera

The Royal Diner, Worcester Lunch car No. 736 (1939 vintage) was altered after being installed here. It originally had the 2 side entrances and only windows across the front facade. For some reason the owner decided to remove 2 windows and install the “double” front door. Also, as the interior view shows, he made a sort of skylight or sunroof to allow light to come in to the interior. It remained here for a few years but was among the missing by August of 1988. It turned up shortly thereafter on Route 9 in West Brattleboro and has been operated as the Chelsea Royal Diner since.

Just before leaving Brattleboro, I was near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 5 and glanced over at a Tire Warehouse Store. My eye was drawn to the window and door configuration of the office for the establishment and recognized another Worcester Diner covered by a mansard roof and sporting newer windows. I took 2 photos and actually went inside. I asked whoever was working there about the diner and was told it had originally been in Keene, NH. I have since figured out it had to be the Buster Brown Diner, Worcester Lunch Car No. 770.

Tire Warehouse, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

Tire Warehouse, Brattleboro, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

As you can see by the photos, it was a cloudy, almost dreary day 29 years ago. After photographing the Tire Warehouse, I decided to head over to Bennington and have lunch at the Blue Benn Diner. About halfway across Route 9, I encountered a very bad snowstorm. The driving got treacherous and I was a little worried after witnessing a couple of accidents. But I persevered and made it over to the Blue Benn.

Blue Benn Diner, Bennington, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

Blue Benn Diner, Bennington, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

Blue Benn Diner, Bennington, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

Blue Benn Diner, Bennington, VT – November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

I believe the last couple of shots of the Blue Benn were shot with a different roll of film as I recall running out and going into the downtown area and finding a camera shop to buy more film. It was time to start heading home and I felt taking Route 9 back was not an option so I headed south on Route 7 into Massachusetts. I knew that there was supposed to be a diner in Adams, Mass. and figured while I was out there I would check it out. I rolled into town and it was still snowing when I saw the Pier 53 Restaurant, formerly the Miss Adams Diner, Worcester Lunch Car No. 821. It was altered by stonework covering the exterior but was pretty much intact.

Pier 53 Restaurant, Adams, MA- November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

Pier 53 Restaurant, Adams, MA- November 26, 1982 photo
by Larry Cultrera

I figured that by heading south instead of east, I might be able to get around driving through mountainous roads in this snowy weather. I decided not to try going over Route 2 east of North Adams as I thought my 1979 Chevy van (without snow tires) was not up to going over that type of hilly terrain. I continued on Route 8 through Adams and was able to find a route that had one major incline. I managed to make it over that obstacle (barely, as 2 cars behind me wiped out on the hill in the snow). A few miles later, the snow turned to rain and I found my way into Greenfield. I stopped for gas and the service station attendant (remember those guys?) asked me where all the snow on my van came from ? I told him, just down the road buddy! Ah, the good old days!

Some of my family showed up in Somerville, left to right, my brother Don and his wife  Jane, my brother Steve, me and my brother Rick.
photo by Denise Cultrera

This was billed as the first “Meet, Mingle and Read” event at the Library and Library Director Maria Carpenter was very gracious and pleasant to work with. My new slide presentation was well received and there were quite a few members of the audience that participated in the question and answer part after the presentation. The library had some catered “diner-like” food for people to partake of (it was from the local “Sound Bites” restaurant, none of the 3 diners in Somerville could accomodate the request for food).

Some members of my family showed up for this including my brothers Steve, Rick and Don and Don’s wife Jane, as well as Denise’s cousin Maryann Bancroft and her husband Rick. Another old friend, Vinny Bordonaro stopped by as well as a former co-worker of mine Ed Lecaroz and his friend Beth. Old friend and owner of the Rosebud Diner, Bill Nichols was there along with David Hebb, one of my long-time diner roadtrip buddies as well as newer friends Glenn Wells and Mike Engle. Glenn and Mike get the long distance award for driving all the way from the Albany, NY area to attend! Many thanks to my wife Denise for all her help including the photos she shot. I think she is getting pretty good with the Nikon Cool Pix camera.

left to right, David Hebb, Mike Engle, Glenn Wells and myself.
photo by Denise Cultrera

This coming Saturday at 11:00 am, it is on to Baker Books in North Dartmouth, Mass. as well as a radio interview with New Bedford’s Shawmut Diner owner and local radio personality Phil Paleologos at 10:15 am on Tuesday, November 22 (WBSM-AM). Here is a link to the event page at Baker Books….
http://www.bakerbooks.net/events.asp

I am looking forward to my second “Author Event” this coming Saturday November 19th to be held at the central branch of the Somerville Public Library located at 79 Highland Avenue in Somerville, Mass. This will be the first talk of the new “Meet, Mingle and Read” a Director’s Feature at the library and is held in conjunction with The Harvard COOP Bookstore, who will be providing copies of the book for purchase. Not only will I be signing copies of Classic Diners of Massachusetts but I will also have a short slide presentation.

On another note, the first “Author Event” at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough was really great! We sold quite a few books and saw some old and new friends in the bargain! Rich Beaubien, Denise J.R. Bass and Paula Walsh (all mentioned in my acknowledgements in the book) came by as well as Mike O’Connor (owner of Worcester Lunch Car No. 705) and John Harmon, former owner/operator of Lulu’s Diner in Malden.

Also, Phil Robbins, who lives in the Westborough area attended. Phil has been to 2 of my recent slide presentations and it was no surprise to see him at this event. I want to thank Rick Gemme for coming by. Rick is the great nephew of the late Charles Gemme, the vice president and superintendent of the Worcester Lunch Car Company. Charlie had a hand in the design of virtually every diner that came out of that factory.

I would like to thank the management at Tatnuck Bookseller, they have a really nice store and it made for a pleasant experience. Alex (not sure if he was the assistant manager) was very helpful and I would highly recommend a visit to this store if you are ever in the area. They have a huge selection of gifts, books and a nice cafe.

At Tatnuck Bookseller Gift Gallery and Cafe, pictured left to right
(front) Rick Gemme and Denise Bass (back) Phil Robbins, Mike O’Connor, Paula Walsh and Larry Cultrera, Photo by Denise Cultrera

Here is the first sighting of my book at the local Barnes & Noble in
Saugus, Mass. this past Saturday, the 5th of November.
photo by Denise Cultrera

So now it is starting to be offered at the local bookstores and also quite a few diners! I am expecting an updated list from Dani McGrath, the sales representative from The History Press of all the diners selling the book, but here are the name of diners I know are selling them………
The Miss Adams Diner in Adams,  Don’s Diner in Plainville, Tex Barry’s Coney Island Diner in Attleboro, and the Four Sisters Owl Diner in Lowell along with The Salem Diner in Salem, Boulevard Diner in Worcester and Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown as well as the Deluxe Station Diner in Newton. I believe the Culinary Arts Museum (Johnson & Wales University) in Providence is selling the book as well.

Here are some flyers for the upcoming Author Events…..

The first as I mentioned in the previous post is at Tatnuck Bookseller Gift Gallery & Cafe this coming Saturday. The store is located at the corner of Route 9 and Lyman Street in Westborough, Mass.

The next will be the following Saturday November 19th at the
Somerville Public Library. This will be held at their Main Branch
located at 79 Highland Avenue in Somerville, Mass. This will not only be
for a book signing but I will also do a short slide presentation.

The next one is Saturday, November 26th at Baker Books in North Dartmouth, Mass. I understand there will be Gift Certificates to the Shawmut Diner of New Bedford available to people who buy the book at the store. I will also be interviewed the Tuesday, Nov. 22nd on Phil Paleologos’s radio program on WBSM-AM at 10:15 AM in conjunction with this event. For those who do not know, Phil and his wife Celeste are the owners of the Shawmut Diner!

The next event will be at Booklovers’ Gourmet on December 3, 2011. This store is located at 55 East Main Street in Webster, Mass.