Our Past Is Present August 22, 2018

August 22, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            We have seen many unique restaurants come and go in our town.  Some have served foods specific to an ethnicity while others have been good old American burgers and fries establishments.  Next week we will have a story about how and where pizza was first served in Junction City.  At one of our “Memories at the Museum,” people who attended shared remembrances of local businesses like the Burger Chef, Sandy’s, Pusan, Pinata and others that have come and gone.

            Bob Honeyman, a staff writer for the “Daily Union” newspaper wrote an article titled “Caboose Reincarnated As A Restaurant.”  He wrote that “when Junction City was a division point for the Union Pacific Railroad, a caboose was a familiar sight in the community.  However, now they’re seen only on the occasional freight train or not at all.

            One such caboose was turned into a restaurant, where customers could purchase a carry-out meal of chicken at the “Whistle Stop Chicken Restaurant.”  It was located at 436 Grant Avenue. 

            The restaurant was owned by Gary and Larry Allen, who had a similar operation in Council Grove.  The caboose had 400 square feet of interior space and 11 parking spaces on the property.  The grounds were leased from Gary Devin.  

            We are always interested in hearing your stories about restaurants, which hold special memories for you.  Stop by our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets and share your stories with our staff any day Tuesdays through Sundays between 1 and 4 in the afternoon. Perhaps we can even use your story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.