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The Aero Diner, ca 1958
This Diner is a 1958 "Bramson", manufactured by the Bramson Engineering Co., Oyster Bay, New York. The American dining car history started in 1872 in Providence, Rhode Island. Over time the industry and demand for diners expanded, especially in the northeast. The design and construction matured from a horse drawn cart to the modern stainless steel structure that we have today. The American diner became a popular family restaurant featuring a modern, well lit dining experience with extended hours and good food at a reasonable price.
This is one of only two diners ever built by Bramson, a manufacturer of hospital equipment. The fate of it's twin is unknown. The diner was originally sold to Mr. Leo Adamik of East Hartford and was operated as the Boulevard Diner in the early 1960's. With redevelopment of Connecticut Boulevard, the diner was sold and moved briefly to Southbury, CT and then to Route 32 in South Windham. It was successfully operated as the South Windham Diner until 1995. Unfortunately, the diner then sat unused for a number of years; finally being donated to the American Diner Museum and then being offered for sale. It was purchased by the current owners in February, 2005 and shortly thereafter moved to the present location.
Although the diner was in reasonable condition at the time of it's most recent move, it still required a tremendous amount of restoration and the construction of a new kitchen. The manufacturer's 1958 advertisement claims that the "Bramson is built like a battleship" and, like a battleship, it leaked rainwater in from every imaginable spot! Although there is no instruction book on how to restore a 50's diner, every effort was made in the restoration to return it to its original condition.
Thank you for visiting!
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