The Swan Street Diner stands as a remarkable example of early diner car craftsmanship, originating from the prestigious Sterling Company and brought to life by the J.B. Judkins Company of Merrimac, Massachusetts. Between 1936 and 1942, Judkins meticulously constructed these diner cars, each one sequentially numbered upon completion. The Swan Street Diner proudly bears the number 397, marking its creation year as 1937.
This diner is more than just a place to eat; it’s a piece of history. It showcases exquisite mahogany trim and a distinctive barrel-vaulted ceiling. The walls and ceiling are clad in gleaming porcelain enamel, a hallmark of Sterling diners. What set Sterling apart was their complete in-house manufacturing process. Every component required to build these diners was crafted under their roof, ensuring unparalleled quality control and meticulous craftsmanship. Each Sterling diner was a bespoke creation, built section by section directly on the intended site. The customizable nature extended to the diner’s width, length, kitchen location, door placement, window arrangement, and back wall sections. This modular design allowed for rapid, on-site assembly of a truly custom-built dining establishment.
This sectional construction offered a smart business model for aspiring diner owners. They could begin with a smaller setup and expand as their business flourished, simply by adding more sections to the diner car. This was particularly appealing to returning soldiers after the war, offering them a pathway to business ownership with a relatively reasonable investment.
The Swan Street Diner car’s journey began as the Newark Diner in Newark, New York, situated near Rochester, NY. In 1937, it arrived in segments and was assembled on location. Its strategic position near the Erie Canal and Route 31 provided a consistent flow of patrons. Over the years, the diner has been under the stewardship of three owners. Paul Scolfield was the original proprietor, followed by John Reynolds, and then Jim McBride, who lovingly ran the diner for an impressive 27 years until 2013. It was at this point that the Larkin Development Group acquired the diner, recognizing its historical significance and potential.
In a move to preserve this piece of Americana, the Swan Street Diner was transported first to Akron, Ohio, and subsequently back to Buffalo for a comprehensive restoration. Great care was taken to maintain the diner’s original character. The interior porcelain enamel panels, the bar stools, and the mahogany wood trim are all original elements, meticulously preserved. While the booths have been newly constructed, they faithfully replicate the footprint of the original Newark Diner booths. Similarly, the counter has been rebuilt to mirror the original glass top design, ensuring the Swan Street Diner retains its authentic vintage charm for generations to come.
