The year was 1951. A couple, a young child and their dog drove up the Al-Can highway after the war and soon opened, what was at the time, a small shack of a diner. They soon hired a waitress named Agnes (Aggie). They woke up early, went to bed late and peeled potatoes, fried chicken, griddled burgers, and spun a yarn in-between. 50 years later (10 years ago), Aggie was still there, cooking, smiling and helping to shape the sense of Place. The child was now grown with three siblings, three children of her own and a much different job, running the offices of a US Senator.
The man and the woman were still married and still the Host and Hostess of an ever-present gathering spot in Alaska, serving the best fried chicken, burgers and shakes around. They had created an institution. The photos on the walls told the story of those 50 years and the years preceding them. A WWII pilot, George met Peggy waiting tables at a diner in Utah when he began courting her. It was a fast romance that resulted in that previously mentioned child. On this day, some 60 years later, The Lucky Wishbone still has a line out the door during the lunch rush, has some of it’s original employees or their offspring, their original patrons and/or their offspring and is still owned/operated by 94-year-old George Brown, my Grandfather. And you guessed it, that child is my Mother.
This November 30, 2015, The Lucky Wishbone turns 60. I am so proud. If walls could speak, the stories would be many. Each of us kids have put in our time there learning what it is like to put in a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. Learning what quality product and service should be. Learning so much….about life. I personally, feel the Lucky Wishbone shaped who I am today, for many reasons. I know it has shaped the lives of many others, both patrons and staff.
To George and Peg (Grandma is smiling from above) – Congratulations! To Grandpa and Grandma – I love you and thank you! To all the employees that I worked with and ate with and grew to know as family – Salute!.
Happy Birthday to “the Bone”! (and Happy Birthday to my Tom whose birthday it is today; you still light up my life).
I think I’ll go cook up some fried chicken now myself. But Julia, might you bring some home for me?
Stacey what a beautiful and romantic story. I would love to eat at The Lucky Wishbone and meet your family, sorry your Grandmother passed. What a wonderful place it must be.
If ever your travels take you to Alaska, let me know so my family can show you around. There are many stories I could tell and yes, many are romantic. Thank you for your kind words. Grandma was strong and beautiful until the end. When I walk into the restaurant, it always feels like coming home.
Stacey, thanks for the post. Many great memories both working and eating at The Lucky Wishbone. Its been great to catch up with family this weekend.
Yes, many memories we have both had. So glad you were there this weekend and wish we could have joined the festivities. We (all 4) look forward to hearing the stories. Catching up with family is something we always put off too long… that includes us!
Where in Alaska Stacey?
Anchorage on 5th Avenue. Next time you go to Alaska (and I know you love it there) I can connect you with my Mom. You should also check out the “Bone”.
Absolutely will connect with you if we go to Anchorage.
What a lovely story – an enjoyable and moving read.
Thanks Hilda! Hope you are well.
How beautifully (and accurately) you described the Wishbone. We all have such fond memories of eating there. Knowing your grandparents has been a highlight of our lives and being a close friend of your Mother (long before I knew I would become your Mother-in-law) is so special. Blessings to all.
Thanks. I am still craving fried chicken; guess I better make some.
What a beautiful story, Stacey. Big hugs.
Hugs back! Happy New Year.