 |
| The Old Howard Johnson's |
Sunday night's Mad
Men episode "Far Away Places" brought back some fond memories of my
childhood. Several scenes in that
episode took place at a Howard Johnson's restaurant. It made me think of the
times my grandparents would take me back to Greensboro after spending time with
them in Raleigh. The trips back to Greensboro was always sad for me. I loved
Raleigh and being with my grandparents; I didn't particularly like Greensboro.
About a mile from my
old home, a Howard Johnson's stood off of S. Elm-Eugene St near where it
crossed over I-85 (I-40 at the time ended a mile away by Randleman Road). When
my grandparents pulled off the interstate onto S. Elm-Eugene, I knew the party
was over and the jig was up. I had to return to reality.
But sometimes a
miracle occurred. My grandparents would ask me and my brother if we wanted to
have dinner at Howard Johnson's. Of course we said "yes." By doing
so, we extended our vacation and were able to spend a few more moments with my
grandparents.
I don't remember
much about the food there. I still hear people look back with fondness about
some clam dish they had, maybe a clam sandwich. I liked their hot dogs with
just ketchup. I was a finicky eater as a kid. I do distinctly remember love
eating dessert: a brownie with ice cream and fudge on it.
I heard there are
only one or two Howard Johnson's restaurants still operating. I know it's not
the one near my old house. That placed closed around 30 years ago. I think the
old building is now a Mexican restaurant.
No comments:
Post a Comment