1301 Pulaski Highway
Edgewood, MD 21040Manufacturer: Kullman (1930's)
Although the restaurant service is long gone, the Bonnie Brae Diner is a famous historical landmark where events led to a major change in American society. I would even go as far as to say this is the most historic diner in the United States.
It was as this inconspicuous eatery that in 1962 a United Nations ambassador from Chad was refused service. The diplomat, who was on his way from New York to Washington, was denied service because he was black. The 'Route 40 Incident,' as it was known, was an embarrassing international incident for the United States and prompted the Kennedy administration to take a more aggressive stand on the need to abolish the 'Whites Only' segregation at restaurants, motels and hotels.
Before it vanished, I had a chance to visit this diner. All of the stainless steel fixtures and intricate floor tile remained. The diner was in surprisingly great condition for its age. If someone ever wanted to refurbish a 1930's diner, this would have been a great candidate.
The neon lettering around the exterior clock read 'A Good Time to Eat.'
For many years the Bonnie Brae Diner operated as the Bonnie Brae Flea Market.
The diner disappeared around 2006. I hope the old diner structure had been salvaged before the wrecking ball arrived.
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