Photograph by William Fischer, Jr.

July 1, 2021

Hilton Diner

Brookville, Pennsylvania

(1937-1978)

Sherwood and Shirley Hilton established a diner down the hill on East Main Street in 1937.  In 1940, they relocated the diner downtown next to Sandt's Auto Service Station.  The original prefabricated diner was renovated in 1947 to look and feel more "streamlined". In addition to interior upgrades, the original square corners of the building were rounded off with stainless steel.  A "barrel vault" roofline and a two-sided entryway were added.  Like the Auto Service Station, the diner was open 24 hours to serve the residents of the community as well as passengers stopping along the Lakes to Sea Highway (U.S. Route 322).  Hilton's Diner stood as a symbol of Americana along Main Street until it ceased operation in 1978 and was removed from its location of 41 years.  As to where the diner is today remains a mystery. 

I am sure the residents of Brookville and certainly my husband wish Hilton's Diner still stood on Main Street, today. The Hilton Diner and all others were .. a true symbol of Americana!  If your community still has an operating diner along with a movie theatre, count yourself, lucky!

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr.

July 1, 2021

Sidenote:  My husband, Bill grew up in Brookville, PA and enjoyed going to the Hilton Diner on Main Street with his high school buddies and with his father for breakfast.  Sadly, the Hilton Diner is long gone though the memories remain forever!  The Hilton Diner story will appear on this blog in the coming days.  Stay tuned.

I can still taste the spaghetti and meatballs at the Hilton Diner in my Pennsylvania hometown!

Bill Locke