Along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford, PA, there’s a remnant of a time when automobile travel was in full swing and businesses took pride in creating unique spaces to stop for a while.
This is Dunkle’s Gulf Station which was opened by Dick Dunkle in 1933, according to the sign out front.
Isn’t it fabulous?
The tile facade in all its art deco glory was designed to draw the eye and cause a motorist to pull in and ask the attendant to “fill’er up!” They also repaired cars and could tip off your fluids and air up the tires while you waited.
Man, what I wouldn’t give for a full service gas station sometimes when it’s raining or humid or when I’m dressed up to be somewhere.
Mr Dunkle is now gone as is his son who inherited the place so it is now closed. I worry for its future but hope someone with deep pockets finds a way to repurpose the space for future generations to enjoy. It is truly the most beautiful service station I’ve seen and it’s worth saving.
The Lincoln Highway was the first coast-to-coast road in America, cutting through fourteen states over more than 3,000 miles. Long ago replaced by interstate and no longer used for those long road trips, much of the Lincoln Highway still exists and makes for amazing off the beaten path exploring. I would love to hear stories of things you have seen along the Lincoln Highway in your travels.
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.
When I travel, if given a choice I’ll always favor a local restaurant over a chain. Not only is it often a better experience, it’s also a literal taste of the community.
When we were in Wooster last year to shop at this fabulous downtown bookstore, we first needed a bite to eat.
Even a book dragon needs nourishment before setting out to build their book hoard.
So we found this local hangout called Muddy’s which has an extensive menu of sandwiches, pizza, salads and more. It’s in an old Cadillac dealership and has nostalgic garage decor.
The service was terrific and our food came out quickly. I recall enjoying my meal but can’t begin to tell you what I ate. This is why I take pictures of my food when I think it’s a place I’ll someday recommend!
It was some kind of sandwich maybe with tots? All I know is that it was good and quick and we had enough time to scope out that bookstore before heading up the road to the holiday lights at Stan Hywett.
Want to visit Muddy’s? Check out their website.