IRM has an interesting restoration project going on...

From the IRM web page:

Salem Deluxe Diner

The Illinois Railway Museum acquired the former Salem Deluxe Diner (of Salem, Ohio, later JoeÂ’s Diner of Akron, Ohio), a classic diner manufactured by the OÂ’Mahony Dining Car Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1934. It has been placed on a foundation and restoration work, starting with the roof, has begun. Inside, the most prominent feature is the distinctive black marble counter top which runs almost the entire inside length. The interior is highlighted with embossed stainless-steel panels. Ceramic tile on the floor and walls is highlighted by mahogany trim. Future restoration will include repairing window frames, enameled body panels and stainless steel trim. We hope to restore this diner as accurately as possible to its former appearance but this will depend on monetary donations sent to the diner fund at IRM , as well as information to help with authentic restoration.

To preserve the diner in its original appearance and eliminate the destruction from high-volume usage, IRM has planned an annex building to house a working kitchen and seating area that meets current health and building codes, as well as ample washrooms, so that the historic appearance of the diner can be enjoyed for years to come. This annex facility will be vital to accommodating our visitors and creating a pleasant stop for families. IRM has received an $89,000 (50/50) matching grant to help fund this annex, a sizable amount which will be available only if outside donations are made. The total cost of an annex building is estimated at $280,000.

It's not a exactly a railroad car, but definately an interesting project, that will be a real nice addition to IRM when it's done.
Click on the link for a photo and more info.

Salem Deluxe Diner
ddg14@msn.com

> IRM has an interesting restoration project
> going on...

> From the IRM web page:

> Salem Deluxe Diner

> The Illinois Railway Museum acquired the
> former Salem Deluxe Diner (of Salem, Ohio,
> later JoeÂ’s Diner of Akron, Ohio), a classic
> diner manufactured by the OÂ’Mahony Dining
> Car Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey in
> 1934. It has been placed on a foundation and
> restoration work, starting with the roof,
> has begun. Inside, the most prominent
> feature is the distinctive black marble
> counter top which runs almost the entire
> inside length. The interior is highlighted
> with embossed stainless-steel panels.
> Ceramic tile on the floor and walls is
> highlighted by mahogany trim. Future
> restoration will include repairing window
> frames, enameled body panels and stainless
> steel trim. We hope to restore this diner as
> accurately as possible to its former
> appearance but this will depend on monetary
> donations sent to the diner fund at IRM , as
> well as information to help with authentic
> restoration.

> To preserve the diner in its original
> appearance and eliminate the destruction
> from high-volume usage, IRM has planned an
> annex building to house a working kitchen
> and seating area that meets current health
> and building codes, as well as ample
> washrooms, so that the historic appearance
> of the diner can be enjoyed for years to
> come. This annex facility will be vital to
> accommodating our visitors and creating a
> pleasant stop for families. IRM has received
> an $89,000 (50/50) matching grant to help
> fund this annex, a sizable amount which will
> be available only if outside donations are
> made. The total cost of an annex building is
> estimated at $280,000.

> It's not a exactly a railroad car, but
> definately an interesting project, that will
> be a real nice addition to IRM when it's
> done.
> Click on the link for a photo and more info.

Actually, that's a fairly old article. The "Diner Annex" building is up and running, with air conditioning, new toilets, and (later this year) new food service. Work on the diner itself progresses as time/materials permit.


kevinmccabe@avenew.com