Category Archives: Vintage

The Automat

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Today it houses medical offices but this fabulous art deco building was once home to one of the country’s most popular automats.

What is an automat? I’m so glad you asked.

Basically it was a self-serve restaurant with a wall of food behind glass plated doors. You would insert your coin, turn a knob and remove the single serve plate or bowl of food. It was sort of like a giant vending machine only the food was fresh made and delicious dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, soup, salisbury steak and mouthwatering desserts.

It combined the convenience of fast food with affordability and a pleasant atmosphere.

It is very possible you’ve seen automats in old movies and there’s a great scene in the show The Marvelous Mrs Maisel where the two main characters are eating together in a truly spectacular automat. I also recall Sylvester the cat visiting one once.

We were going to or fro on Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street when I spotted this place and snapped a quick photo.

This building was the home of the old Horn and Hardart Automat and was the first of its kind in this country beginning in 1902. These places were especially popular during the Depression when diners with just a little change in their pocket could get cheap, hearty food.

This concept didn’t survive for even a full century as our last automat closed in New York on April 9, 1991.

Personally, I would like to see these places make a come back. It seems like there’s room for them in our dining landscape and the idea is just fun.

This public domain photo of a Horn and Hardart Automat illustrates the concept.

Want to know more? This CBS News story tells the story really well and includes some great imagery.

That Moment

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That moment you realize this seventy year old station wagon is cooler than anything will ever drive. No offense to my White Lightening but this Chevy Beauville is fabulous.

I saw her cruising in the wild in Frankenmuth, Michigan a couple of years ago and it was quite the treat.

The Mecca Motel

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Location is everything according to this fabulous sign at the Mecca Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel dates to 1930 when its traditional motor court design was popular with a growing group of tourists who had automobiles and leisure time,

The sign, though, is classic mid-century. My only regret is that I had to snap this picture from the car while snow swirled around us on a very gray morning. I would love to see it on a blue sky day.

But you get the gist. Ain’t she a beaut?

In case you’re in the market, you can still stay at the Mecca. Book your room or get more info here.

Manitou Springs Signs

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Trips to Colorado nearly always are rich in cool vintage signs. One morning we had a tasty breakfast at a little mom and pop restaurant called Mo’s Diner in Manitou Springs. That’s their sign pictured above.

From this spot, I was able to grab a snapshot of the LaFun Motel sign across the street. I thought for about two seconds that I might cross the street for a better view but it was snowing and slick and there were people waiting for me to get in the car.

Still, you get the gist.

And just down the street was the Ute Trading Post sign. It’s in pretty rough shape but it’s still a fantastic example of mid century creativity.

One spot, three signs, loads of charm. I liked it.

Spotted

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This isn’t a car you see in southern Ohio everyday. I liked it well enough to go around the block for this snapshot. Google says that it’s a 1969 Austin America. It reminds me of the Mini Cooper which my little nerd heart adores.

Friends, go around the block when you see something worth a second look! It’s worth the trip.

The Family

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I call them “The Family.”

They’re not my family but they’re someone’s. I find these photos abandoned in boxes and baskets in dark corners of junk shops and antique stores. They were once cherished by someone but were discarded by descendants who don’t know the people or have no attachment to dusty old photos.

I pick up these snapshots in my travels for a few bucks because they cause me to ask questions or they seem so familiar I hate to leave them behind.

I prefer snapshots to portrait photography but occasionally bring home a professional portrait if it’s eye catching.

They mostly reside together in a box and I occasionally get them out to shuffle through and daydream about.

Last month, I picked up a few pictures at Antiques Village in Dayton and promised my pal Eilene a glimpse. Eileen writes a blog that you should look into if you enjoy stories about people from the past. She also sometimes picks up snapshots and uses her amazing research skills to identify their subjects and return them to a family member.

I do not currently have a scanner so forgive me for just snapping some phone pictures.

Sometimes these photos have writing on the back with a lot of valuable information. Meet Marianne Jensen. This is her graduation picture from Mercy College in June 1957.

Here’s another that’s labeled. This is the nursery class of the Upper Arlington Church of Christ. It was taken for Mothers Day 1960. I like all their little coats.

Here’s a family Christmas card. In case you can’t read it, the names are Jim, Mike, Peg, Tom, Pat, Ernie and Julie Arquilla.

There’s a note written on the back by Julie to Marianne and Dick who lived in Florida at the time. This picture came from the same booth as the nurse Marianne photo and I wonder if they are the same person.

Some are just fun little snaps. I wonder what their story is. There are no markings at all.

Film and processing weren’t cheap back in the day so I often wonder what made someone snap a particular photo. This one isn’t marked either.

And then sometimes the reason is clear. This one is only marked “41.” He looks quite smart in his uniform. I wonder if he made it home from the war.

Some have clues. The back of this 5×7 is stamped Hyland’s Studio, 736 1/2 Fifth Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. She’s not one I would usually buy but she was too pretty to leave there.

It just makes me sad to see them abandoned so I bring them home and call them my own. Someday I might do something with them but at least they are safe for now .