For generations, the bright neon and shiny chrome of the roadside diner was a fascinating part of the American experience. While not nearly as numerous as they were in the mid-20th century, diners and the story behind them live on in a new collection at The Henry Ford in Dearborn.
The museum has acquired the nation’s largest collection of diner-related materials assembled by Richard J.S. Gutman, America’s leading expert on the subject. The procurement, along with the previously-obtained John Margolies collection, makes The Henry Ford the primary research source for roadside architecture and design in the United States.
Donna Braden, curator of public life at the museum, has enjoyed a great working relationship with New England-based Gutman since he worked on Lamy’s Diner at The Henry Ford. The blue and silver-themed steel diner was originally built and housed in Massachusetts in the 1940s and made its way to Dearborn in 1984.
Since 2012, museum visitors have been able to step back in time at Lamy’s Diner to enjoy such tempting fare as malted milkshakes, meatloaf and fluffernutter (peanut butter and marshmallow) sandwiches.
“He believes that bringing Lamy’s Diner here, restoring and interpreting it, helped give rise to the revival of diners back in the 80s that continues to this day,” she said. “He feels very proud of Lamy’s Diner and feels he has a stake in this place.”
Gutman, known as the “Diner Man,” has contributed to virtually every published media piece on diners over the last 30 years. His fascination with diners began while he was studying architecture at Cornell University. After discussing the unique building type with his British cohorts who had never seen anything like them before, he was motivated by their curiosity to learn more.
He turned over his reference books and other items to The Henry Ford that grew into a library of more than 7,000 images. The items include photographs, magazines, menus, historic drawings, postcards, stools, countertops and more.
“My long-standing relationship with The Henry Ford led me to the conclusion that this was the place where I wanted my collection to reside,” Gutman said. “As I have gone through the material in preparation for its move, I’ve been delighted to see the scope that it represents. There are so many ideas and countless connections waiting to be discovered by those who are also fascinated by the subject.”
While browsers won’t find much in the way of local or Michigan-centric items of interest in the collection, Braden said she and her colleagues were excited to find more historical material related to Lamy’s Diner from its maker, the Worcester Lunch Car Co., a premier New England builder.
“Through Richard’s efforts, the American diner is now generally recognized as an icon of roadside architecture and entrepreneurial enterprise,” said Patricia Mooradian, president & CEO of The Henry Ford. “With this acquisition, we are able to build upon the wonderful foundation that he helped us create many years ago and provide unprecedented access to those seeking inspiration from a design, manufacturing or start-up perspective.”
The Henry Ford is in the process of digitizing and preparing all of the materials for display. When and how they will be available to the public has yet to be determined.
