My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
Born in the mid-50's, I feel so fortunate to have experienced the heyday of what I think was something that was not only incredibly unique, but also a lot of fun; especially seeing it through the wide-eyed wonderment of a child.
I remember my mother taking me to my first Horn & Hardart Automat in Center City, Philadelphia when I was probably 8 or 9 years old. At that time we lived in the suburbs, so my mother and I took the train into the city to meet my grandmother (her mother) to do some shopping, and then have lunch.
I clearly remember being utterly fascinated by how an automat worked, because back then it seemed so high-tech. And although the automat was considered cafeteria food, it was carefully prepared and scrumptiously delicious. The food tasted homemade, I kid you not.
I remember my mother taking me to my first Horn & Hardart Automat in Center City, Philadelphia when I was probably 8 or 9 years old. At that time we lived in the suburbs, so my mother and I took the train into the city to meet my grandmother (her mother) to do some shopping, and then have lunch.
I clearly remember being utterly fascinated by how an automat worked, because back then it seemed so high-tech. And although the automat was considered cafeteria food, it was carefully prepared and scrumptiously delicious. The food tasted homemade, I kid you not.
In case you're not familiar with an automat, here is a brief history:
Horn & Hardart began when Joe Horn and Frank Hardart became partners in a small coffee shop in Philadelphia in 1888. Over the next ten years they opened a half-dozen more, adding to the number of items on the menu and increasing the size of each restaurant. Throughout its growth, Horn & Hardart was always focused on quality coffee, and became known as having the best coffee on the East Coast.
In conclusion:
Personally, I would love to see the automat return because I think it would be a big hit. It's quick, enjoyable, and provides quality food. And in today's world of technology, in addition to using coins, I'm sure they would offer an "Automat App" that you could download, enabling you to simply scan your smartphone over your desired food, and Viola!...the glass door would open.
Aaaaah yes, the good ol' days mixed with the modern days.
Couldn't you just picture it?...
Horn & Hardart began when Joe Horn and Frank Hardart became partners in a small coffee shop in Philadelphia in 1888. Over the next ten years they opened a half-dozen more, adding to the number of items on the menu and increasing the size of each restaurant. Throughout its growth, Horn & Hardart was always focused on quality coffee, and became known as having the best coffee on the East Coast.
In 1902 the company opened its first AUTOMAT coin-operated cafeteria on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. The automat was based on a European “Waiterless Restaurant” but highly modified for the United States.
*a photo comparison of the very first automat location, which is not far from where I live in Center City...
*a photo comparison of the very first automat location, which is not far from where I live in Center City...
This is what it looks like presently. The upper floors of the building have been converted into apartments. The lobby level contains medical offices.
I'm so glad they preserved the original art deco automat sign...
I'm so glad they preserved the original art deco automat sign...
Horn & Hardart ground coffee tin and vintage cup and saucer...
"Put a Nickel In, Take Your Food Out."
Customers would put nickels into slots, turn a knob and open a little glass door to get their food. Below you will see a coin booth, where customers would give the booth operator their money that would be exchanged for nickels...
Customers would put nickels into slots, turn a knob and open a little glass door to get their food. Below you will see a coin booth, where customers would give the booth operator their money that would be exchanged for nickels...
After a food item was purchased by a customer, that item would immediately be replaced by an employee who worked in the kitchen behind the wall of glass doors...
A great shot of Audrey Hepburn eating at a New York City automat. She was having lunch during a rehearsal for the Broadway show, Gigi...
Very often in movies back in the 40's, 50's and 60's, you would see the use of an automat, such as in That Touch of Mink, starring Doris Day and Cary Grant...
Doris Day and Audrey Meadows...
Here is a clip from the film (there is no need to watch the whole thing, just watch about a minute and you'll get an idea of how the automat worked)...
In conclusion:
Personally, I would love to see the automat return because I think it would be a big hit. It's quick, enjoyable, and provides quality food. And in today's world of technology, in addition to using coins, I'm sure they would offer an "Automat App" that you could download, enabling you to simply scan your smartphone over your desired food, and Viola!...the glass door would open.
Aaaaah yes, the good ol' days mixed with the modern days.
Couldn't you just picture it?...
Wishing you an automatically fabulous week, y'all!
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