Milepost 603
When I was still at THE COURIER, I sometimes took day-long business trips with my supervisor Jim. If we were gone over the lunch hour and were within about 100 miles (give or take) of a White Castle, that's where we would eat. Now not everyone likes White Castle's little Sliders (mini-burgers) but that wasn't a problem for me. So we'd go in and down our lunch then move on.
In my previous post, I mentioned Clever Paper Models, www.clevermodels.net and their many offerings for the paper model builder. But it was only after I read through their blog (yes, us bloggers do read each others' postings) that I realized that they offered this model of an older White Castle restaurant.
As seen by the photo above, this is a much older building than the ones we are used to seeing today but there is little doubt that this is a White Castle. I just wonder what time frame this building came from as I see that hamburgers are only a nickel at this particular eatery. That no doubt goes back a long, long way.
There are several models on my layout that have a story behind them. Unreal Real Estate reminds me of our former neighbor. Merkel Munnitions was built by a friend of mine for his layout and later sent to me upon his passing. Then there's the root beer/malt shop named after one of my YMCA friends. The point is that when we get all caught up in this prototype modeling thing, we effectively screen ourselves from the real fun of remembering friends & associates with a structure on our layout. After working with Jim for over nine years, I won't forget him. Yet, it would be nice to take a look at a simple model on my layout just like this one and smile a little... thinking of Sliders & fries and some of those day-long business trips. Pass the ketchup, please...
Hey! There's even one available in O scale. Now THAT would look great sitting in his office, wouldn't it?
dlm
Great job Dan!!! I may have to get into model railroading!
Posted by: Jim Zellner | June 29, 2012 at 03:42 PM
White Castle started in 1921. These kind of white-glazed brick buildings, designed by Lloyd W. Ray, were build from 1925 until the mid-1930s.
The 5 cents sales lasted until 1940.
My guess it's a 1925/26 building because of the features above the entrance.
This Castle came close:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/mmf/news/bulletin/2008/well-done.html
Even closer, check page 22, and read all for more info, designs etc.:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/White_Castle_Num_16_Report.pdf
Posted by: Peter | November 11, 2012 at 08:23 PM