Diners were very popular throughout the Midwestern
U.S. in mid-twentieth century, and were known for tasty and quick meals at a low
price, often cooked to order for each customer. Of course diners still exist today in some locations.
We have a few photographs of local diners in the Sandusky Library Archives
Research Center’s collection of historical photographs. Pictured above is
Jean’s Diner, in business from 1939 to the 1960s at the corner of Warren and Monroe
Street.
Stadium Diner, now where Berardi’s Family Kitchen is located, was in
operation from 1941 to the 1980s at 1019 West Perkins Avenue. Like many other
diners, the main structure of the Stadium Diner was made from former interurban
cars.
When the YMCA was on Washington Row,
Mary’s Diner (later June’s Diner) was located nearby at 151 East Washington Row. The
diner was razed in 1967.
This advertisement from Mary’s Diner, which appeared
in the Sandusky Register Star News of
July 1, 1943, reminds us of the time during the World Wars when the Office of Price Administration
required some businesses to remain closed on Sundays. Often known as the “Blue Laws,” these regulations varied greatly, depending on the time frame and location; many states imposed Blue Laws for traditional and religious reasons. During World War II, however, laws such as these were seen as a conservation measure for the war effort. In 1943, Mary stated that she would be going fishing on Sundays, and the Diner
would remain closed.
Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to
learn more about the historic people and businesses of Sandusky and Erie
County.
