Mo and I were heading back up to the Ashfield Camp for the weekend and I talked her into breakfast at the BlueBonnet in Northampton. Another Worcester Diner Car that has been expanded into a large restaurant and banquet facility. But its origination is still a Worcester diner car.
Mo was out late Friday night so we didn't get a real early start but even when we arrived around 9:45 the parking lot was full and it was obvious the Bluebonnet was a place to frequent for breakfast on Saturday morning.
Been here many times before for various meals but this was the first time I actually sat in the original diner car.
First A little history:
Bluebonnet diner is WLC # 825 delivered May 12th, 1950
The Bluebonnet Diner is the first of 3 diners that were built with this interesting configuration. It was built with 5 windows flanked by a door at each end of the front facade. The other 2 that were designed like this were the Miss Beverly Diner (No. 828) and Arthur’s Diner (No. 830). Eventually the owners of the Bluebonnet Diner wanted more room and decided to add onto the diner. They did this rather ingeniously by removing the left end wall and swinging it out to be level with the front facade. Then they made the addition behind this new front section. You can get a feel for what was done by looking closely at the details behind the windows in the wooden entryway as seen in the above photo. The diner not only has the added dining room but also a large function facility behind.
Our Experience:
The Bluebonnet is a pretty large establishment compared to most diners, thus the original diner although in tact, is probably pretty far from what was delivered in May 1950. Yes different in appearance but some things were still the same as they are for most diners:
Note the clock and the menu board - not positive if the clock is truly a worcester diner car clock but they are sure trying.
Also the diner had a Cheers atmosphere where many patrons knew each others name and the waitresses, who were excellent, had obviously put in multiple years at the establishment.
Mo had a breakfast sandwich and a side of hash - sandwich was very good and hash was okay. Could have been done a little more and contrary to normal there was probably too much corned beef in it. Not bad but could have been better.
I had one of their specials, the summer omelet which had Zucchini, Summer Squash, Onions, and mushrooms. It was spectacular and Mo and I both agreed we needed to try that one at home.
Solo diner queen photo in front of the Bluebonnet:
