On Wednesday evening, February 14, 1940, Norway became part of an already established trend in “affordable” dining: the Norway Diner opened its door. The entrepreneur behind the creation of this edifice of grilled gastronomic delights was a man best known for his skill as a driver and trainer of racehorses, Pierce Chappelle of Lewiston. The Norway Diner was built onsite by John Jacobsen, a local carpenter who became a leading home building contractor in the area. The lot had been empty for some time and was located between the J.J. Newbury Store and the Z.L. Merchant Store (now the Norway Savings Bank administrative block). According to the December 22, 1939 Advertiser-Democrat, the building was described as” one story with a Main Street frontage of forty feet. A kitchen will be attached to the Newbury side.” Booth and counter service would be available. Cooking was done with gas and the building was heated by hot water.

The concept of the diner had its beginning in Rhode Island when Walter Scott converted a horse-drawn wagon and sold coffee, eggs, sandwiches, and pastry to factory workers on the late shift. Later, lunch cars were developed and manufactured by T.H. Buckley of Worcester, Massachusetts operating under the name Worcester Lunch Car Co. These early lunch cars had large wheels for easy relocation. Sometimes retired streetcars were converted for use as diners and lunch cars. Later, they were designed with more amenities such as more counter space and bathrooms. Early diners were fashioned to resemble the railroad dining car. As the trend grew, the diners developed a more sophisticated appearance with stainless steel, rounded exterior corners, lots of glass, more seating, and a permanent location. They could be purchased and moved completely outfitted with dishes, silverware, and cooking equipment.

As diners became more popular, operation often expanded to 24 hours a day. During the Depression, diners survived by providing low-cost food to their patrons. To make these eating establishments more attractive to women, they were sometimes named “Miss (name of the town) Diner”. Sadly for Norway, the Norway Diner was sold and, in the early days of January 1940, moved to Brunswick where it was renamed the Brunswick Diner. According to the Brunswick Times-Record of January 15, 1997, the diner had been recently restored to
1950s décor. Diners always had the welcoming smell of coffee, toasted bread, and grilled food. Many had a jukebox and there was always the glass tower of pies and pastry as well as the call from the kitchen, “order up”. Fascinating information and interesting artifacts can be found at the Norway Museum and Historical Society, open from 9 to noon on Saturdays year-round. Stop by to view our displays.