What comes to mind when you think about a diner? Eggs? Waffles? A 1950's malt milkshake shared by two? I associate diner history with the latter, however I recently learned that the diner concept actually dates back to 1872 when a man in Providence, Rhode Island decided to bring coffee and breakfast treats (and pie!) to workers via his horse and wagon.
So what was the first diner on Long Island? Rumor has it that it is the Colonial Diner in East Meadow. The earliest reference I found on the diner only dated back to 1968, however it is possible they didn't advertise in the papers. The Oceanside Diner (my hometown!) apparently opened about 1940 and the National Diner in Hempstead was opened by 1941. I really thought I would find a diner older than the 1940's though. Perhaps I am romanticizing the idea as I now am craving a chocolate egg cream. mmmmm.
The National Diner was located next to the fire department and stood at the corner of Jackson and Main St. These buildings no longer exist and definitely were part of a much more charming Hempstead. As you drive through Hempstead today it can be difficult to imagine this town and village as a much more green tapestry with a quaint town square surrounded by farmed land. Hempstead actually dates back to the mid 17th century. Many of its original proprietors left soon after due to the English and Dutch conflict of 1653.
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