Adam and Eve on a raft, wreck 'em! - Sterling Streamliner / Roland Stickney

[Otto Puzzell]

Eats and cars, cars and eats. In the first half of the 20th century, the automobile was rapidly evolving. As the autonomous transportation revolution swept across the land, so did the landscape and architecture. Wooden inns where horse-drawn wagons used to stop - so the passengers and the motive power could refresh, feed and get watered - were replaced by eateries where patrons could arrive on foot, or by automobile, and order two eggs, scrambled, on toast (translated into counter staff lingo in this post's title). The drive-in and drive-through restaurant were not yet universal, but streamlined eateries like this one were showing up in cites, and along highways.

This particular eatery is has a direct connection with figure from the automotive industry, and was penned in the pre-WWII era. Who is the person, and what is this place called? While you work on this one, I'll go sweep the kitchen with Noah's boy. 

[Ray B.]

I'd love to solve this one, but I can't find it in my many books about diners and such places.
Are you sure about " pre WWI" ? If  so it was re-decorated later, because it looks more twenties - thirties to me.

[Otto Puzzell]

Good eye - it should have said WWII, and now it does.

[Ray B.]

The way you put it, I'd say that this "figure in the automotive industry" could be a customer of this place rather than the owner. Right?

[Otto Puzzell]

The way you put it, I'd say that this "figure in the automotive industry" could be a customer of this place rather than the owner. Right?

He could have been a customer, he was certainly not the owner.

[Ray B.]

Thanks. The only other thing I know at the time is that it's probably a Jerry O'Mahony diner, from the cabinet one can see behind the counter.

[Otto Puzzell]

That's not the name I'm looking for. The cabinet sure looks similar - perhaps the same builder of refrigerated devices supplied both?

[Ray B.]

Quite logical

[Otto Puzzell]

Perhaps our friend MG went here to put out the lights and cry?

[MG]

Perhaps.....but if so, I was apparently too intoxicated to remember the occasion!   

I know there's a clue in there somewhere. Is it location? Is this dinner in my general area? (i.e., east of the Mississippi?)

In any event, it makes me think of RIcky Nelson's "Lonesome Town".

Jeeze, I haven't had a good cry in ages.   

[Otto Puzzell]

Perhaps.....but if so, I was apparently too intoxicated to remember the occasion!   

I know there's a clue in there somewhere. Is it location? Is this dinner in my general area? (i.e., east of the Mississippi?)

In any event, it makes me think of RIcky Nelson's "Lonesome Town".

Jeeze, I haven't had a good cry in ages.   

The clue is geographic, indeed. Much more local that just "east of the Mississippi".

[neilshouse]

Is it a Worcester Lunch Car Company Diner?

[Otto Puzzell]

No sir.

[Ray B.]

There are many well-known historical diners in Rhode Island. The most famous being the Modern Diner in Pawtucket.
Anyway I can't dind one whose interior matches the one in your picture.

[Otto Puzzell]

That's the diner! Now - what's the rest of the story?

Locked for you for 24 hours.

[Ray B.]

I see two men of automotive fame connected with the Modern Diner.  This model of diner was called the Sterling Streamliner, penned by designer Roland Stickney for J.B. Judkins Co. Judkins was amous as a coachbuilder, particularly on Duesenberg chassis.

[Otto Puzzell]

I see two men of automotive fame connected with the Modern Diner.  This model of diner was called the Sterling Streamliner, penned by designer Roland Stickney for J.B. Judkins Co. Judkins was amous as a coachbuilder, particularly on Duesenberg chassis.

Spot on!