My family had a mandatory standing order to stop and eat at the Red Apple Rest any time we were driving past it - mostly from Brooklyn to my Aunt’s house in Monticello, NY. This was during the 1960’s and 70’s. A tradition I tried to follow even into the 80s.
Back in 1993 I had occasion to drive by on a trip to Watertown, NY and I brought my camcorder. I got these shots of the place, which was still open 24 hours at the time, under the second owner.
It is a shame how many of those businesses declined after the construction of the Thruway; I hike in Harriman State Park, and a few years back stopped at a roadside place with the wife and kids. It was like stepping back in time thirty years; the fries were brought to the table in little cardboard “cars” (1950s designs), and you’d never know you were only about an hour north of NYC.
You have no idea (OK, maybe you do) how comforting it was starting that clip and the FIRST THING you hear is Bob Grant doing a Dial-A-Mattress spot (leave off the last S for Savings!).
Thanks for sharing. Sit down phone booths, that’s something you’ll never see again. Had a rush of childhood flashbacks on that one.
Great vid! The late, great Bob Grant on the radio was a nice touch.