It would cost $500,000 installed brand new but it would still not be “the real thing”.
The ‘50s Diner at the intersection of US 52 and Indiana 28 was undergoing a rescue operation today from a team of volunteers. The process lasted into darkness on the 19th.
Clinton County Sheriff Department and Frankfort Police Department helped with traffic control and temporarily closed some lanes on 52 to safely move the diner to its restoration location in Clinton County.
Mike Anes and Bill Dahmen worked for little or no pay Wednesday to help Shan Sheridan and the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce “rescue to restore” the “Duck In Diner” AKA “Shirley’s Diner” at the intersection of 28 and 52. Jacks, chains, low truck bed, skids and levers attracted traffic to watch the Diner extraction in progress Wednesday.
Shan Sheridan, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce CEO does not know where the Diner may end up after restoration but the first order of business is to stop any further deterioration and begin the restoration process. Who knows where it may end up in Clinton County. TPA park, Downtown Frankfort and other ideas have floated around.
Shan Sheridan wrote this Open Letter to the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:
“Thanks to the hard work of a lot of people but especially Danny Stokes and Bill Dahmen, who have been simply fantastic in this project, the old Diner on 52 will be moved today, good Lord willing!
Also a big thank you to Mr. Don Good of Good to Go who is allowing us to store the Diner at his facility on I-65. Please thank him by supporting his businesses when you can. Also another thank you to Sony and Jesse Mann the owners and operators of the Friendly Marts, for donating the Diner to us. They purchased the property from the Singh family who owns the Clark station and the North Jackson Street stations in Frankfort.
All of these people are playing a huge part in saving some local history and hopefully we will be preserving it for generations to come. Thank you Chamber Board for allowing us to move forward with this crazy idea and we will continue to trust in the Lord for provision, guidance and wisdom. One day I will share how all of this has worked out, God is pretty amazing!
Thank you again and we are praying for a smooth ride!”
Additional help Wednesday came from Gary and Melissa at Ostler Enterprises and Keith Hodges with Ostler Enterprises. Coomer & Sons provided a low trailer for transport. Industrial Pallet provided help and expertise during a critical extraction procedure. Brian Wimborough also volunteered his time to help with the rescue/extraction procedure. Dale Robey, Danny Stokes and Don Stock also played important behind the scene roles in the team effort to save the diner.
The Diner has a rich history and unique 1950’s Retro design. The difference is, this is the real thing. Cassius Clay AKA Muhammad Ali ate at the bar on a stool Shan Sheridan put in his pick up truck today. The Diner was known for its convenient location, breakfast and lunch items and was often packed, depending on how good the cook and management were at the time.
The Rescue project will now put the Diner in “Restoration Hospital” and many in the area await a full recovery.
Kaspar Media will keep you posted on the Diner’s Progress to full recovery.
CLICK HERE for photos of the Diner Rescue Project by Erick Dircks
FaceBook Users CLICK HERE
