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| Howard
Johnson's Landmark: June/July 1960, page 20 |
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Milford,
Connecticut
--1040
& 1052 Boston Post Road
AKA Connecticut Turnpike
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Joining
the growing prosperity of the Howard Johnson chain, an enterprising
28 year-old named Irving R. Carter opened his first Howard Johnson's
in a converted Dutchland Farms Restaurant--it was the Constitution
State's first and marked the beginning of a new era in American
hospitality. That first site was the Fairfield
Restaurant which opened in 1935 and began HoJo's march westward
beyond its home territory of Massachusetts.
Within
a year of opening Fairfield, Carter had his second Howard Johnson's
up and running. Reportedly taking only 28 days to build, Milford
featured a giant "entry-cupola." Like others built at
about the same time, its design likely borrowed a few of Dutchland
Farm's architectural elements save for their trademark windmill
(later Howard D. Johnson acquired and absorbed the Dutchland Farms
organization). |
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| Howard
Johnson's Scoop:, December 1951, page 6 |
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| Howard
Johnson's Landmark: June/July 1960, page 20 |
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Above:
One of the big annual events of the Milford store is their Christmas
celebration for which chef "Pat" Cocchiara turns his
artistic talents toward creating a miniature Howard Johnson's
and decorative Christmas cake. In keeping with the season of remembrance,
Mr. Buckley extends an invitation to their many constant friends
to be the guest of Howard Johnson's at a special buffet. This
is their way of saying "thank you" to their guests for
loyal patronage. A sincere congratulations to Mr. Carter and his
employees for earning an esteemed position in their area for our
organization.
Below:
Milford's 25th anniversary was celebrated with 1936 prices
and special menu. Throughout its special day more than 2,700 people
were served in the 230 seat restaurant by Mr. Carter's dedicated
employees. The waiting line averaged 150 people from 4:30 to 8:30
PM, but each party only had about a 35 minute wait. It was reported
that Milford police directed traffic around the busy restaurant,
and that other eateries in the area enjoyed increased patronage
from its overflow! |
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| Howard
Johnson's Landmark: December 1961, page 28 |
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| Carter |
| Howard
Johnson's Landmark: June/July 1960, page 20 |
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Connecticut
Restaurant Mogul and his Managers
(L. to R.) George Cowras, Fairfield--14 years;
Leon Twombly, Manchester--21 years; Irving R. Carter, Franchise
Operator since 1935; Joseph V. Buckley, Milford--21 years; Kenneth
Twombly, Meriden--23 years. |
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Below:
View inside the "pub" within the Restaurant as seen
in the late 1960s and early 1970s. |
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| Postcard circa
1970s: Tim & Tom Bernert |
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| Photos
May 2, 1999: Bob Koenig |
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1960s
Reset:
About midway through its life as a Howard Johnson's, Milford was
remodeled to reflect the chain's modern 1960s era look. While
the original building remained, it was substantially altered.
Most significantly the giant entry-cupola gave way to a more contemporary
gabled entryway, and a 1960s Simple Simon and the Pieman Weathervane
topped its new space-age spire-cupola.
A
Landmark's Last Week:
In route to conduct Howard Johnson's research at the Quincy Historical
Society and to visit FAI's offices, Bob Koenig stopped for a few
quick shots of Milford. He reported that a notice posted at the
door announced that the Restaurant was to be closed in less than
a week, and it thanked guests for their many years of loyal patronage.
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