Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 X State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register - Federal agenc) - previously determined eligible by the National _ Local governmen Register - University _ designated a National Historic Landmark - Other - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 1 OMB No.
1024-0018 The Diners of Massachusetts MPS Miss Worcester Diner Worcester (Worcester Co.), MA 7. Description Miss Worcester Diner, 302 Southbridge Street, Worcester (1948) is a well preserved and late example of the traditional barrel-roofed diner form in Massachusetts. Manufactured in 1948 as #812 by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, the Miss Worcester displays the form for which the company is best known. The diner is located in a historic industrial area dominated by the elevated tracks of the Providence & Worcester Railroad on the west side of Southbridge Street. The Miss Worcester is situated adjacent to thesidewalk atthe intersection of Southbridge Street and Quinsigamond Avenue, with its narrow end fronting Southbridge Street. Directly south across Quinsigamond Avenue is a brick industrial building that once housed the manufacturing operations of the Worcester Lunch Car Company.
Occupying the same parcel as the diner, and extending north and northeast of the diner, is a brick mill (1870s) that was used to process wool waste in the late 1940s, when the Miss Worcester was installed. For the purpose of this nomination, the property boundary has been drawn to exclude the brick mill. The Miss Worcester is seven bays wide and three bays deep, on a brick foundation, with a rounded hipped roof clad in metal, and porcelain enamel wall panels in pale yellow with light blue detailing. Entries with short staircases and canopies projecting from the barrel roof are located at either end of the diner. These entries contain wood doors. Windows have single-hung steel sash. Signage appears on the exterior wall panels and in a contemporary, internally lit standing sign (ca. 1980, non-contributing) on the west side of the diner.
A one-story, concrete block kitchen wing projects from the north (rear) wall of the diner, away from the intersection. The wing dates to ca. 1948 and includes a passage lined with glass block at the diner's northeast corner. Due to the placement of the diner on its lot, the wing is a secondary feature that does not compromise the integrity of the factory-built diner. On the interior, the Miss Worcester retains its full-length marble counter with staff entrances at the ends. Seating consists of fourteen steel counter stools with red enamel accents, and five booths at the windows along the south (front) wall. The booths are laminated plywood replacements. Grill and food prep areas are located behind the counter, with additional kitchen operations in the rear wing.
In contrast to the pale yellow and light blue color scheme of the exterior, the interior finishes are principally dark red, cream, and brown with steel accents, as seen at the counter apron, the back bar, and the walls beneath the windows. The end walls and grill hood have a wood finish, the barrel ceiling is plastic laminate with wood braces, and some enamel cabinets remain in the back bar. The floor tilesbrown, tan, and cream - extend to the footrest at the counter stools. Archaeological Description While no ancient Native American sites are located on the nominated property or in the general area (within one mile), sites may be present. The diner is located in a historic industrial area of Worcester where the natural environmental characteristics of the landscape have been obscured by mill, transportation-related, and diner construction.
While the diner's site may have originally been nearly level and well drained, the nearest wetlands are currently located over 1,000 feet away. Given the above information, the size of the parcel (less than one acre) and the presence of the existing diner and earlier diner on the site, a low potential exists for locating significant ancient Native American resources on the property. A moderate to high potential exists for locating historic archaeological resources on the property. Additional documentary studies combined with archaeological survey and testing may identify archaeological evidence of (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7/8 Page 2/1 OMB No.
1024-0018 The Diners of Massachusetts MPS Miss Worcester Diner Worcester (Worcester Co.), MA outbuildings and other industrial related structures associated with the brick mill built on the same parcel as the diner in the 1870s. Similar research may locate evidence of the earlier diner that predated the Miss Worcester diner on the same property. Historical evidence indicated the earlier diner was extant until after the Miss Worcester was constructed indicating evidence of the earlier diner may exist on the adjacent site. Archaeological evidence may exist from occupational related features associated with industrial activities conducted at the brick mill from the 1870s to the mid- 20" century. (end) 8.
Statement of Significance The Miss Worcester Diner(1948) is a fine and late example of the traditional barrel-roofed diner produced by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, the state's premier diner builder and a major force in the design and construction of Massachusetts diners before World War II. As a postwar example of the company's handcrafted work, the Miss Worcester illustrates the diner form most closely associated with the history of Massachusetts diners since the 1920s. Locally, Miss Worcester Diner has long been considered the city's signature diner, situated directly across the street from the Worcester Lunch Car Company factory building and serving as a working model for prospective diner buyers.
Retaining integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, Miss Worcester Diner meets Criteria A and C of the National Register at the state and local levels. According to the records of the Worcester Lunch Car Company, the Miss Worcester was diner #812 built for Dino Sotiropoulos [sic] and delivered on June 14, 1948. The diner was installed at 302 Southbridge Street, directly across the street from the company's factory at 4 Quinsigamond Avenue. Several individuals had operated a diner at the Southbridge Street address since at least the late 1930s. Worcester directories indicate that at least one diner building preceded the Miss Worcester on this site. Fred Gramm operated Carroll's Diner at this address in 1939, and in 1940, John P. Holden began operating the Star Diner. From the mid-1940s to 1948, George L. C.
Bianchi of Worcester was proprietor of the Star Diner. Bianchi was also manager of Bianchi Tile & Marble Company, based at his residence at 5 Pine Tree Drive, Worcester. The company was a supplier of marble, tile, slate, rubber tile, "lino-tile," and asphalt tile. In 1949, Dino Soteropoulos [sic] operated the Star Diner at 302 Southbridge Street, according to the directory of that year. Soteropoulos resided on Central Street. Though the Miss Worcester was delivered to Soteropoulos in 1948, the diner is not listed by name in the Worcester directory until 1950. This may indicate that the owner had not yet disposed of the previous diner on the site when construction of the Miss Worcester was completed. The 1949 Sanborn map for Worcester shows the present building, with its concrete block kitchen annex, on the site. In 1950, Dino Soteropoulos and Theo C.
Soter, both of Central Street, were the operators of the Miss Worcester, joined by Andrew T. Soter in 1951. It seems likely that Soteropoulos was related to the Soters and that sections of the family had shortened the name. The three men continued to run the diner until about 1963, when Costa Mitro of Webster acquired the diner. George Army, who resided at 397 Massasoit Road, ran the Miss Worcester from 1968 until his (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 8/9 2/1 Section number Page OMB No. 1024-0018 The Diners of Massachusetts MPS Miss Worcester Diner Worcester (Worcester Co.), MA retirement in 1979, after which he continued, until at least 1985, as the president of the business known as Miss Worcester Inc.
The (2001) operator of the business was Tina Budzinski, a former waitress at the Miss Worcester and the Corner Lunch, 133 Lamartine Street (mid-1950s, NR 2000), located one block away, and the current [2003] owner is Frank Riggeri. Worcester Lunch Car Company built 651 lunch cars and diners between 1907 and 1957. [Gutman, 161 and 243] The Miss Worcester represents the wood-frame, New England barrel roof diner for which the company was best known. This traditional diner form failed to compete successfully, however, with the larger stainless steel and sectional diners available from several out-of-state manufacturers, particularly after World War II.
In fact, the exterior design of the company's barrel-roof diner had seen few updates since the late 1930s, as illustrated by a comparison of the Miss Worcester and another Worcester-built diner in the city, the Boulevard Diner, 155 Shrewsbury Street (1936, NR 2000). [Ceccacci] The Worcester Lunch Car Company sold its last new diner in 1957 and closed in 1961. Archaeological Significance Historical archaeological resources described above may contribute significant information relating to the industrial development of Worcester from ca. 1870 through the mid-twentieth century. Potential archaeological evidence of outbuildings, structures and occupational related features associated with the brick mill (1870) may contribute information on the internal configuration of the mill site and its activities.
Documentary resources and archaeological testing may identify the full range of textile activities that occurred at the mill and technologies used during those operations. Important archaeological information relating to wool processing and/or manufacture may survive in the area. Structural and locational information may survive from the diner that preceded the Miss Worcester Diner at this location. This information may have limited research value, however, archaeological information may help clarify information in the documentary record. Apparently, it is unclear whether the Miss Worcester physically replaced the earlier diner or whether the previous diner remained until construction for the Miss Worcester Diner was completed. Archaeological resources may clarify the land use history and locations of the two diners. (end) 9.
Major Bibliographical References Diner Finder Deluxe: Massachusetts. Watertown, MA: Coffee Cup Publications, 1991. Gutman, Richard J. S. American Diner Then and Now. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993. MHC Inventory Form for Miss Worcester Diner (prepared by Susan Ceccacci), September 1983. Polk's Worcester City Directory: 1939-1985. Roadside Magazine, October 1996 (clipping on display at Miss Worcester Diner). Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for Worcester, 1936 corrected to 1949. Worcester Lunch Car Company records, index cards showing diner numbers, original owners, and delivery dates for the company's diners. Worcester Historical Museum. (end) Miss Worcester Diner Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Worcester County, Massachusetts County and State Acreage of Property - less than one acre UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.
19 Zone 268280 4681570 Easting Northing 2. Zone Easting Northing 3. Zone Easting "Zone Easting _ See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By name/title Kathleen Kelly Broomer, consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date _September, 2003 street & number220 Morrissey Boulevard _ telephone (617) 727-8470 city or town. Boston state. MA _ zip code. 02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Frank Riggeri (building) II Saul Talbert Trust (land) Northing Northing street & number _300 Southbridge St. III P.O. Box 89 _telephone508-757-7775 city or town Worcester III Millbury _ state_MA _ zip code__ 01608 /|/ 01527 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 10 Page 1 OMB No. 1024-0018 The Diners of Massachusetts MPS Miss Worcester Diner Worcester (Worcester Co.), MA 10.
Geographical Data Verbal Boundary Description The nominated property occupies a portion of parcel 13, book 5, sheet 12 (see accompanying detail of the City of Worcester assessors' map). For the purpose of this nomination, an arbitrary boundary line has been drawn ten feet behind the diner's eastern side to encompass the diner and adjoining kitchen wing but to exclude the brick mill building that is also on the same parcel. Boundary Justification The boundary includes a portion of the parcel that has been historically associated with the diner. For the purpose of this nomination, the brick mill building (1870s) that shares the parcel has been excluded. (end) NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOI JATIONAL PARK SERVIC.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME: Miss Worcester Diner MULTIPLE NAME : Diners - of Massachusetts MPS STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Worcester DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/06/03 11/21/03 DATE OF PENDING LIST: DATE OF 45TH DAY: REFERENCE NUMBER: 03001178 11/05/03 11/20/03 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : REJECT 11/21/0 gA7E Entered in the National Begister N N N RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DOCUMENTATION - DISCIPLINE DATE attached comments Y/N attached SLR Y/N _EARANC PEPS MULWORCESTER DINER BOOTH SERVICE oTÍ BOOTH Diners of mass.
MPS miss worcester Diner 302 southbridge Street worcester, worcester county. mass. KKBroomer Neg:MHC September 2001 Photo lof2 (13-13A Diners of mass. MPS miss worcester Diner 302 Southbridge Street worcester, worcester county, mass. Kkbroomer Neg: mHC September 2001 Photo 2of 2 XIV /II-IIA RECEIVED 2280 DCT = 6 2003 NAT. REGISTER OF HIST( KIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission October 1, 2003 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 I "Eye" Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms.
Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Miss Worcester Diner, 302 Southbridge Street, Worcester (Worcester), MA (The Diners of Massachusetts MPS) The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owner of the property in the Certified Local Government community of Worcester were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 60 to 90 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Bety tredheg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Bruce Bunke, Chair, Worcester Historical Commission Kathleen Broomer, Preservation Consultant Hon.
Raymond Mariano, Mayor, City of Worcester Joanne Kennedy Valade, Worcester CLG Coordinator Preservation Worcester Frank Riggeri Saul Talbert Trust 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc
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