With their flashy neon signs and shiny silver exteriors, classic American diners are central to New Jersey culture. Diners have served as gathering places for families and singles, blue-collar workers and CEOs, students and tourists, for more than a century. While many local favorites, like The Excellent Diner in Westfield, exist only in memories, New Jersey was once the hub of diner manufacturing.
Join award-winning Jersey author Michael C. Gabriele as he presents “Stories from New Jersey Diners: Monuments to Community,” based on his book of the same title, at this month’s meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains.
Gabriele’s thoroughly researched book recounts stories collected from interviews with diner owners, patrons and experts. He brings to life delicious memories of quintessential diner food and fond recollections of the people who cooked, served and ate it, while chronicling the booming manufacturing industry that brought mobile eateries to Americans from coast to coast.
A graduate of Montclair State University, Gabriele is also the author of The History of Diners in New Jersey, The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey, as well as New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History & Tradition.
The upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.
On Sunday, December 4th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm our museum will be open and participating in the township holiday celebration. The museum is beautifully decorated with the theme of “A Victorian Christmas.” The tree is decorated with presents underneath while excited children and mothers peer at the antique toys. The mannequins are dressed in opulent and authentic clothing from the late 1800s. Join us for caroling around our 1885 Mason & Hamlin reed pump organ. There will be tasty treats and hot mulled cider available. The museum is located at 1840 East Front street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey adjacent to the Alan Augustine Town Green.
