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Whistle Stop Drive In - Electra, Texas

The Whistle Stop Drive In was originally a Valentine Diner. The diner was moved to Electra and became the Whistle Stop back in the 1950s or 1960s. The abandoned prefab building still has the original stainless steel counters, shelves and stove.

 

How do you recognize a Valentine diner? They're best described as small boxes. Definitely not fancy and not even particularly attractive, the little square-sided structures were designed to be easily moved on flatbed trucks. Inside, stools were placed around a counter, which kept the customer out of the work area. There usually were no booths, and the size and design of the diner depended on the type of business the owner operated; operators who were willing to provide curb service needed their pick-up window situated away from the cook and/or dishwasher.

 

This is a view from under the rickety wavy canopy. Not sure if they had curb service but it looks like they might have.

 

Special thanks to the Electra Public Library.

www.kshs.org/kansapedia/valentine-diners/18731

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Uploaded on January 20, 2023
Taken on June 27, 2021