Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Boston Store Cafeteria Shines

Gimme Gravy, on my Mashed Potatoes...That song gets stuck in my head when I hear people talk about the super mashed potatoes from the cafeteria in the basement of the old Boston Store. You could also get a hearty bowl of vegetable soup or a super sweet milkshake. Thankfully, I don't associate those items with any songs.

The Cafeteria was in the basement of the Boston Store at 718 State Street in Downtown Erie, PA. It was always packed with students from Gannon College, Prep, Villa and St. Ben's, just to name a few. So, grab your tray and make your way through the original 'fast food' restaurant.

Everything is so shiny in this shot of the cafeteria, just as it was on every floor in the store. I like the glass block on the outer wall. The tables are set up for two or four people at each setting. Thanks to Bill for sending in this awesome photograph.

Click here to share your Boston Store Cafeteria memories.

Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie

9 comments:

  1. was escorted out of there several times...reason why? dipping my straw wrapper in the gravy and sticking it on the low ceiling like a blow gun. Also the best minced ham sandwich and chocolate milk shakes in the world. There also was a trumped up incident just outside the caf at the bargain basement brassiere display. Love the photos and memories.
    Thanks Captain Dan WMCE 88.5

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    1. Captain Dan, you are such a rascal. Causing a ruckus everywhere you go. Some things never change!

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  2. What I remember most was getting HUGE hot fudge sundaes with Mom when we rode the bus downtown to pay on her bill once a month. Yummy!!!

    Then when I worked near downtown at Republic Heater, I'd often go to the Boston Store for the Blue Plate Special. It always had REAL mashed potatoes and gravy, a vegetable, a meat and a roll. That was good too!!!

    What wonderful memories!

    God bless.
    RB
    <><

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    1. I hear they also served a mighty fine order of shoestring fries.

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  3. When I was a freshman @ Gannon, I'd hit the cafeteria on a cold day for a bowl of soup, a roll and coffee which I think was all acquired for a cost of a mere buck. I didn't realize it at the time but I was really 'living large." Such a splendid space and place; thanks for allowing me to revisit it.

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  4. If I was really really good when I went with my mom shopping, she'd buy me a "Mexican Sundae" at the Boston Store cafeteria. It was a hot fudge sundae with salted peanuts and whipped cream. The best. I didnt always earn one, though.

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  5. This is great! I showed my mom. She doesn't have a computer, so I printed it for her to see. She remembers all the fun times shopping downtown with her friends. Thank you so very much!

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  6. Ah yes
    Back in the days, we piled in some one's cars and tooled on down after school from Mercyhurst "Seminary/High School" to met with all our friends from other schools and eat those wonderful shoestring fries and drink cokes!
    NB

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  7. Minced Ham Sandwich! Have never found anything like it. I have made several attempts to create the texture and flavor, but to no avail. Also there isn't a slice of white bread as soft as the minced ham sandwich bread. I am almost 70 and I still wake up in the night remembering that sandwich, and the craving keeps me awake!. Mom and always had a hot fudge sundae after the sandwich.

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